Cres Info
Together with Krk, the island of Cres is the largest island in the Adriatic sea (406 km2). It is located in the north Adriatic, close to the island of Krk and the peninsula of Istria. In the past, Cres was connected with the island of Lošinj by land, however, the ancient Romans have artificially split them into two separate islands. Today the entire island has somewhat more than 3,000 inhabitants of which the majority lives in the city of Cres.
Cres is home to the Vrana lake, a crypto depression that is the main freshwater source for the entire islands of Cres and Lošinj. The highest peak of the island is Gorice (648 m). The island of Cres is a unique destination as it is a habitat of griffon vultures. In the small town of Beli, there is “Caput insulae” - Beli visitor center and rescue center for griffon vultures worth visiting.
One of the main characteristics of Cres is the sparse population, crystal clean sea, and preserved nature. It has many attractive coves and beaches. One of the most attractive beaches is pebble beach Sv. Ivan near Lubenice often claimed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Other beaches include attractive cove Mali bok in Orlec, pebble beach Valun in Valun, beautiful beach Beli in Beli, and Veli Žal in Ustrine. We recommend visiting Vrana lake and the eco-center “Caput insulae”. Apart from beautiful nature, the island of Cres has the Cres museum, historical buildings and palaces, and many small churches including the church of St. Marko in Valun which is the home of Valun tablet (“Valunska ploča”). The Valun tablet is one of the oldest Croatian monuments written in Glagolitic (from the 11th century).
Cres is well connected with the mainland - via Krk island and Istria. From Krk, there is a regular ferry line (Valbiska - Merag) as well as from Istria (Brestova - Porozina). There are also regular catamarans from Pula, Rijeka, and Zadar. Affordable accommodation can be found in private apartments, rooms, and holiday homes.
Private accommodation (apartments, rooms, and holiday homes) is the best way to stay and explore this unique island. We recommend trying Cres lamb and visiting the beautiful small town of Osor (ancient maritime center of the island) on the south side of the island. Also, hiking is very interesting because you can see a lot of wildlife and enjoy the intoxicating scents of Mediterranean herbs.
Climate & Weather
Cres climate can be divided into two parts - the north part of the island has a sub-Mediterranean climate while the south has a Mediterranean climate. The average air temperature in July is 24.6 °C and in August 24.3 °C, while the sea temperature is 23 °C and 24 °C respectively. Cres has 2,580 sunny hours a year what places it in the sunniest parts of Europe. A level of humidity is almost ideal, with an annual average of 72%. The quality of air is also above the standard what helps those with respiratory diseases.
