Holiday in Cres

What makes Cres special as a destination?

Cres is the largest island in the Adriatic and one of the wildest and most untouched – a paradise for nature lovers seeking authentic Croatia away from the tourist crowds. The island stretches over 66 kilometers from north to south and surprises with a landscape diversity that is unparalleled on a single island: dense oak and chestnut forests in the north (Tramuntana), barren Mediterranean maquis in the center, and sun-drenched olive groves in the south. The great secret of Cres is Lake Vrana, a mysterious freshwater lake in the middle of the island, whose water surface is 13 meters above sea level, but whose bottom reaches 74 meters below sea level. This lake supplies not only Cres but also the neighboring island of Lošinj with drinking water and is strictly protected – no swimming, no boating, only awe-inspiring wonder. Over the cliffs of the eastern coast, griffon vultures circle, having one of their last stable colonies in the Mediterranean region on Cres. The Eco-Centre Caput Insulae in Beli runs a breeding and protection program for these majestic birds. The port city of Cres, with its Venetian palaces, clock tower, and narrow streets, is a quiet, authentic counterpart to the lively coastal towns of Istria. The beaches are mostly rocky and natural – Sveti Ivan near Lubenice and the bay of Valun are breathtakingly beautiful and often deserted. The mountain village of Lubenice, perched at 378 meters above sea level, overlooks one of the most beautiful bays in the Adriatic and is only accessible via a steep descent. Access is via ferry from the island of Krk (reachable via the bridge) or directly from the mainland via Brestova near Opatija. Cres is perfect for a road trip – the road from north to south through the various vegetation zones is an experience in itself.