Cres

Island nature between the lake, coast and Tramuntana

Lake Vrana lies in the centre of Cres and is a large freshwater lake. A cycling route runs from Podol parallel to the lake, offering views of the water and the surrounding nature. More than 1,400 plant species grow on the island, including wild and medicinal herbs. The griffon vulture is another remarkable feature of the local wildlife: Cres is one of the few remaining habitats of this rare and endangered species. The population on Cres is the only one in the world that nests directly on cliffs above the sea.

Visitors who want to learn more about these birds and their habitat can find a griffon vulture visitor and rescue centre in Beli. Its multimedia exhibition covers both griffon vultures and the lives of the people who inhabit Tramuntana in the north of Cres. Nature and human life are thus both at the heart of a visit.

Hiking trails and cycling routes for active days

Cres has around 300 kilometres of marked hiking trails connecting the island’s rugged interior with the coast. A 75-kilometre network of historic educational trails links up with the Via Apsyrtides. The Via Apsyrtides itself is a cross-island route: its northern end is at Cape Jablanac, the northernmost point of Cres, and it continues to Cape Radovan at the southernmost point of the island of Ilovik.

There are also several ways to explore the Tramuntana forests: seven mountain paths, seven hiking trails and three cycling routes. Those who prefer to discover the island on two wheels can plan a cycling route of about 15 kilometres on gravel from the marina in Cres to Valun, and onwards towards Pernat, Podol, Zbičina and Lubenice. The different trail networks are a useful starting point when deciding whether to spend your days on longer hikes, forest trails or a cycling tour.

Museums, historic buildings and island traditions

In Cres, the town museum is housed in Arsan Palace, the oldest patrician palace in the town. Its eight themed collections include archaeological finds that trace island life from prehistoric times to the late Middle Ages. The ethnographic collection features everyday objects, agricultural and fishing equipment, and regional clothing from the 18th to the 20th century. For families interested in how people lived in the past, these themes offer different ways to enjoy a museum visit together.

In Lubenice, a sheep-farming museum tells the story of wool from the indigenous Cres sheep. The village is also home to the 15th-century Church of St Anthony the Hermit, which is known for its exceptional acoustics. In Martinšćica, the Muzej Andrija Linardić is housed in a country estate built in the mid-17th century that has belonged to the Italian Sforza family for three and a half centuries. The museum features a permanent exhibition about Andrija Linardić, a regional ethnographic exhibition and traditional fishing equipment. In Cres, Forteca is the only surviving tower of the former fortification system, which consisted of five towers.

Maritime heritage and regional cuisine

Creski kaić, the Days of Cres Maritime Heritage and Tradition, is a seven-day cultural, sporting and entertainment event dedicated to preserving the intangible cultural heritage of seafaring and fishing. As part of the event, a maritime history trail featuring exhibitions and workshops about the traditional Cres boat is set up along the waterfront promenade in Cres. Key events include a regatta and an exhibition of traditional wooden sailing boats in Cres Bay.

Other traditions also shape local cultural life. The Days of Tramuntana is considered the oldest regularly held local event; its programme includes klapa singing performances, photography exhibitions, and opera and theatre performances. The traditional Creski Semenj fair is associated with the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows and was first mentioned in a decree of the Republic of Venice dated 14 August 1543. Food events add their own flavour: in spring, restaurants serve lamb dishes during the week-long Days of Cres Lamb and Olive Oil. At the Brudetijada, teams compete with their brudet, a fish stew; after judging, visitors can sample the dishes and choose the best brudet.

Getting to Cres and places on the island

There are two ferry routes, each with different connections: Brestova–Porozina connects Cres with Istria, while Valbiska–Merag connects it with the eastern Kvarner coast. Both crossings take about 25 minutes. You can take these connections into account when planning your journey; when choosing a holiday apartment, it may also help to consider the experiences that interest you most on the island.

More pages about places on Cres: Beli, Cres, Valun, Martinšćica, Miholascica, Merag, Vrana, Porozina, Zbičina, Vidovići, Loznati, Grmov, Orlec, Lubenice, Stivan, Filozići, Dragozetići.

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