One of the most striking features of the island is certainly its beaches and crystal-clear sea. It is worth visiting beaches such as Lubenice, Beli, Valun, Buc and the town of Cres...
The Island of Cres, located in the northern Adriatic, delights with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. This stunning island offers incredible landscapes, picturesque beaches, and untouched nature.
The history of the island stretches thousands of years back. Churches, palaces, and fortresses witness the island's turbulent past, leaving visitors breathless. It is one of the least populated islands in the Mediterranean which is why a peaceful and simple life has been established among the inhabitants of this beautiful island. People on Cres have always been involved in fishing, olive growing, and livestock farming. Sheep grazing on this island can be found throughout the year. It is precisely this fact that makes Cres lamb a specialty.
The island of Cres is also considered a perfect natural spa, mainly thanks to its mild climate, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea, and untouched nature. On the island of Cres, there are nearly 1,500 different plant species. Sage, immortelle, chicory, dandelion, nettle, and other wild and medicinal herbs make the island of Cres a true botanical garden. The most commonly seen animal on the island is the Cres sheep, as there are several thousand of them on the island, but Cres is also home to protected bird species - griffon vultures, one of the largest flying birds in the world.
One of the most striking features of the island is certainly its beaches and crystal-clear sea. It is worth visiting beaches such as Lubenice, Beli, Valun, Buc and ones in Cres.
The clarity of the sea on Cres makes it a paradise for diving and exploring the richness of marine life.
The beach in Lubenice was ranked 15th among the most beautiful beaches in the world by the German magazine Bild. This stunning beach is located in the southern part of the island. This beach is truly untouched by civilization, which is why there are no additional facilities. If you're visiting this beach, prepare drinks and food in advance. The white pebble beach, crystal-clear sea, and rocky cliffs create an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and sunbathing. Lubenice also offers natural shade in the form of tall rocks and pine trees.
The beach Beli is located in the village of the same name, right next to the small harbor. The beach is at the same time in touch with the rocks and with the built part of the harbor. Additional facilities are provided on this beach, so you can also visit catering establishments and taste the local cuisine, diving bases, rent sun loungers, umbrellas and SUP boards. So everything is provided for a full day of enjoyment at this beach.
An excellent beach for nature lovers, peace, and tranquility is the Buc beach. It is located outside settlements, near the town of Valun. So, on this beach, you will almost always find peace because, although popular among tourists, even in the peak season, it won't be overcrowded. It is especially beloved by sailors due to the impressive coastline, which can be best appreciated from a shorter distance at sea.
In addition to the beaches, it is important to mention the northern part of Cres known as Tramuntana. You will recognize this part of Cres by its enchanting forests filled with Mediterranean oak, hornbeam, and chestnut trees.
The largest inhabited place on the island is the town of Cres. This small town exudes the charm of centuries-old history. Visitors are impressed by its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and picturesque squares. The most striking part of the town is the old core, surrounded by walls dating back to the medieval period. Walking through the streets of the old core, visitors can acquaint themselves with architectural gems such as the churches of St. Francis and St. Isidore, the palaces of Arsan and Moise and numerous other landmarks. The Frane Petrić Square is a favorite gathering place, both for locals and visitors. Surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, it also hosts various events and festivals. With its diverse offerings, gastronomy, events, and cultural and historical landmarks, Cres can be classified as one of the top destinations in Croatian tourism.
The small, ancient village of Beli sits atop a cliff. From this location, incredible views extend outward. Below Beli, by the sea, lies a small bay with a pebble beach and a campsite. In Beli, you can find remains dating back to the Roman period, Gothic churches, Glagolitic inscriptions, and houses adorned with various colors and ornaments on their facades. In the village, there is a center dedicated to Cres's natural wonder, the griffon vulture. In Beli, therefore, there is the Beli Visitor Center, which includes a rehabilitation center for griffon vultures. It presents the story of one of the largest birds soaring through the sky. The island of Cres is one of the last natural places where these rare and protected birds nest.
On the southern coast of Cres Bay lies the small fishing village of Valun. It is nestled by the sea between hills and the coastline. This picturesque fishing village is located near the town of Cres. It is enchanted with its authentic atmosphere, traditional architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings. The fishing harbor offers views of old-fashioned fishing boats, and visitors can observe local fishermen returning from the sea with their catch or explore small fishing cottages along the coast.
Alongside its natural beauty and cultural heritage, on Cres, you can also explore authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Restaurants and taverns offer excellent seafood, locally produced olive oil, fresh fish, and traditional specialties such as Cres lamb, which owes its exceptional taste to the established way of sheep farming. Regarding seafood, the two strongest assets of Cres cuisine are scampi and fresh fish. The most popular preparation method is scampi or shellfish "buzara" style: cooked in a sauce of white wine and olive oil with finely chopped garlic and fresh parsley. Restaurants serving fresh fish typically have a menu offering fish such as sea bass, gilt-head bream, dentex, and grouper.
Ultimately, the island of Cres represents the perfect combination of culture and natural beauty. Its beauty and diversity make it one of the most attractive destinations in the Adriatic region, attracting tourists seeking a peaceful vacation in untouched nature and rich cultural heritage.
Visiting Cres means exploring enchanting landscapes, learning about its history and traditions, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Mediterranean life.
One of the most striking features of the island is certainly its beaches and crystal-clear sea. It is worth visiting beaches such as Lubenice, …
