Dear readers,
If you love nature, scenic views and the blue sea as faaaar as the eye can see, you may consider choosing Cres island as your destination 😃
You can reach the island by ferry, and the most convenient ones are:
⛴ Brestova (Istria) -> Porozina (Cres), and
⛴ Valbiska (island of Krk) -> Merag (Cres).
If you are arriving to Cres via the island of Krk, you have certainly traveled across the Krk Bridge. We envy you for the beautiful views from the bridge 🥰
So, you have arrived on Cres and are on your way to your desired destination. We believe that the journey will not be boring because these are the views that await you along the way:
If you have arrived from the direction of Brestova, a rather interesting location is situated at the very beginning of the island. Eco-center “Caput insulae”, that protects griffon vultures (Croatian: bjeloglavi sup) from extinction, is situated in a place called Beli. The island of Cres is one of their few remaining habitats, especially the northern part of the island.
(source: Beli Visitor Centre and Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures)
Further along the path towards the heart of the island, you will come across picturesque villages such as Sveti Petar or Predoscica, but also two viewpoints with a magical view of the sea:
📸 Sis
📸 45° Paralela – Vidikovac
We are now at the entrance to the beautiful town of the same name, Cres. You will be greeted by a welcoming and inviting view of the beautiful blue sea:
In the city itself, you will be greeted by friendly residents, beautiful beaches and imposing buildings.
For the architecture and history lovers, these are our reccommendations:
📍 Cres Tower
📍 Parish Church of St. Mary the Great
📍 Church of St. Isidore
📍 Three City Gates and City Clock
📍 Arsan Palace (Renaissance)
📍 Franciscan Monastery with Church of St. Francis
📍 Benedictine Monastery
📍 Monument to Fallen Soldiers on the Promenade
The liveliest part of the city is definitely the promenade and the city port, where catamarans bring visitors who come on foot daily.
The waterfront is full of restaurants with delicious local cuisine, as well as sun-drenched cafes with views of boats and the beautiful blue sea. The coffee-drinking culture in Croatia is a very important way to connect with our loved ones, whether over important topics, during a break at work, or simply for the sake of soaking up some much-needed vitamin D. We believe that you will find it very easy to fit into this lifestyle, especially while on vacation and with a view like this😃
After visiting some of these interesting buildings, trying Mediterranean cuisine, and drinking coffee on the promenade, we’re sure you’re ready for some refreshment.
Warm summer days are the perfect time for swimming on Cres’ Kovačine beach, where you can find natural shelter from the sun in the shade of pine trees.
Feel the fine sand between your toes or explore the tiny inhabitants of the smaller rocks that emerge from the sea. Good food and colorful cocktails can be found in the numerous restaurants and cafes along the beach.
Adrenaine lovers can visit the diving center in the immediate vicinity. The naturist part of Kovačine beach is also located nearby, hidden from prying eyes 👀
Kovačine beach (source: Visit Cres)
After visiting the town of Cres, we descend towards the southern part of the island.
Passing by the villages of Loznati, Orlec or Zbisina, we reach Lake Vrana.
The freshwater Lake Vrana – Vransko jezero is the source of drinking water for the entire island of Cres. It is characterized by beautiful, clear shallow waters, which lead to deep blue shades, approaching the center of the lake.
(Lake Vrana, source: CRO-PHOTOS)
Do not confuse Lake Vrana from Cres with Lake Vrana next to Biograd (Dalmatia). 😃
We continue our journey past the towns of Vrana, Martinscica, Miholascica, Ustrine, and descend to the town of Osor, as the crossing to the island of Losinj is also called.
Since we are only separated from this island by a small bridge, feel free to continue your island journey 😃
STORY TIME 📖 📚 ⭐
Do you like mythology? If you do, keep reading:
The legend says that prince Jason set out on the ship Argo to steal the Golden Fleece, which was owned by King Aeetes and guarded by a dragon. 🐉
The king’s daughter Medea fell in love with Jason and helped him steal the fleece. Together they escaped on a ship with the Argonauts, brave men that helped them too.
Apsyrt, the king’s son, set off in pursuit of them. He caught up with them in the Osor Strait. Poor Apsyrt was murdered and his body was cut up.
The islands of Cres and Losinj were formed from his body, as well as their archipelago, which consists of 36 islands, islets, shoals and reefs. In his memory, these islands are called Apsyrtides. 🏝️
It is said that Odysseus himself once sailed to the place of Apsyrt’s death, the Osor Strait.
The formation of these islands is estimated to be 25,000 years BC.
We hope that you enjoyed reading our Cres Island guide and that it will be helpful on your trip.
Thank you 😃