Cres – Dalmatia – Croatia is island of the Kvarner coast. Cres offers numerous attractions to visitors. Pristine Mediterranean nature, beautiful pebble beaches, crystal clear sea, numerous walking and cycling trails and a rich historical and cultural heritage sites.
The first known inhabitants of the island of Cres were the Liburns, who inhabited the island in the 7th century BC. In ancient times, Cres is an important port and trading centre, especially the ancient city of Osor. The Venetian influence from the 14th century is present today on the facades of palaces, churches, city towers and gates of the main centre of the island.
The island of Cres has a unique configuration of the natural environment. The northern part of the island covers steep and tall rocks. Thick oak forests and is a natural habitat of a protected bird species: the griffon vulture. Due to these characteristics, the island is an ideal destination for adventures, exploration and sporting holidays. The southern part is rich in pebble beaches, bays and Mediterranean nature. Creating the perfect conditions for an excellent vacation while enjoying sunbathing and swimming. In addition, the weather on Cres Island is defined by warm summers and mild winters.
Top destinations on the island of Cres
The City Of Cres
Cres is the administrative centre and the largest settlement on the island of Cres. Furthermore, it is a fortified city with a crowded urban structure, located at the bottom of a well-protected bay. This favourable position with regard to naval routes and connections with the main Northern Adriatic port centres provided Cres a leading role on the island.
Cres is populated since the prehistoric times, as evidenced by the prehistoric fort ruins. The town develops in the Middle Ages. In 1332. it receives a statute. From 1459, during the Venetian administration, assums the function of the economic and administrative centre of the Cres-Losinj archipelago.
The old town centre, surrounded by rectangular walls with five towers and several city gates, mostly preserved its former appearance until today. The city is full of beautiful Renaissance facades, palaces and a series of Gothic and Renaissance churches.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a sea cave located in the bay of Zanje, at the foot of the village of Lubenice. In addition, the cave has two entrances. The larger entrance is a little further away from the beach, but you can get to it by swimming or with a canoe. The cave is interesting due to its 20-meter long and large indoor airspace. Inside the cave there is a real jewel that amazes the visitors – a small pebble beach.
The other narrow entrance is at the depth of several meters and can be visit by diving. The light reaches through the cracks in the rocks and creates a magnificent atmosphere, making this cave special. During summer, in the late afternoon, the sun creates a game of light and water, reflecting the beautiful blue colour in various shades, by which the cave got its name.
The ancient village of Lubenice
Lubenice is a prehistoric village, about 4000 years old, located on a steep cliff above the sea. The village is oval, with two parallel curved streets oriented south-north passing through it. The city was, once, surrounded by walls, whose remains can be seen in the northern part of the town, where there are also one of the city’s gates. In the summer, Lubenice host the cultural event “Lubeničke večeri”.
Tramuntana
Lastly, Tramuntana is the northern part of the island of Cres. It is sparsely populated, mostly covered by forests, rocks, caves and pastures. It is especially appealing to tourists-adventurers, hikers, speleologists and nature lovers.
The area of Tramuntana is characterized by protected nature sites (special reserves) and archaeological sites dating back to prehistoric times (like the Banic cave) and to the antiquity and middle ages (Beli, Dol). Particularly interesting are the 7 labyrinths of rocks and the 7 educational paths, which will surely attract the tourists who are looking for knowledge and spiritual aspirations.
The City Of Osor
Osor is an ancient city located at the intersection of the land and sea route. It is located on the area that once connected the islands of Cres and Lošinj. This location is precisely the precondition for the establishment of this settlement, its flourishing, and later its ruin. For all these reasons, the rulers and regimes that ruled Osor controlled the traffic through the city and collected taxes. Today, Osor is a “town- museum” with many monuments and archaeological remains of its turbulent history.
Enjoy a Range of Outdoor Activities
The Island of Cres is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities to suit all interests and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of trails to explore. With stunning views of the island’s rugged coastline and lastly, lush vegetation.
Other popular activities on the island include kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing, with rental equipment readily available. Visitors can also go fishing or take a boat trip to see the dolphins that inhabit the waters around the island.
Immerse Yourself in the Island’s Rich Culture and History
Moreover, for a true taste of the island’s culture, be sure to attend one of the many traditional festivals and events that take place throughout the year. From the lively carnivals of Cres to the colorful cultural festivals in Osor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Another way to immerse yourself in local culture is to visit the local markets and shops. Here you can sample traditional Croatian cuisine. Shop for locally made crafts, and get a feel for the island’s vibrant local culture. Whether you are looking for souvenirs or just soaking up the atmosphere, the local markets and shops are a great place to spend an afternoon.
Getting to Cres Island – Dalmatia – Croatia
With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to this beautiful island each year. But, with so many people wanting to visit Cres, how do you get there? In this article, we’ll take a look at all the options available to you.
Flying to Cres Island
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Cres Island is by flying. Rijeka Airport (also known as Krk Airport) is the closest airport to Cres and is located on the nearby island of Krk. From here, you can take a ferry or a taxi to Cres. Alternatively, you can fly to Pula Airport, which is located on the mainland, and take a bus or a taxi to Cres.
Taking a Ferry to Cres Island
Ferry travel is a great option for those who want to explore the beautiful coastline of Croatia. There are several ferry companies that operate regular services to Cres Island from the mainland and other nearby islands. The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the route you take.
Driving to Cres Island
If you’re traveling by car, you can take the ferry from Valbiska on the island of Krk to Merag on Cres Island. The journey takes around 40 minutes and is a great way to explore the beautiful coastline of Croatia. There is also a bridge connecting Cres Island to the mainland, making it possible to drive directly to Cres.
Public Transport to Cres Island
Lately, those who prefer public transport, there are regular bus and train services from Rijeka and Pula to Cres Island. The journey takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the route you take.
Croatian Islands
