Island of Cres Croatia

ITALY

SLOVENIA

CROATIA

BIH

ZAGREB

TRIESTE

VENEZIA

LJUBLJANAUDINE

WIENGRAZPRAHA

BUDAPEST

FRANKFURTMÜNCHEN

VERONAMILANOZÜRICHPARIS

PULAPOROZINA

BELI

MERAG

LUBENICE

OSOR

UNIJE

SRAKANE

SUSAKILOVIK

VELI LOŠINJ

MALI LOŠINJ

MARTINŠ

ĆICA

ORLEC

PLAVNIK

VALUNCRES

Ad

ria

tic

se

a

ZADAR

SPLIT

RIJEKA

Valbiska

Brestova Porozina

KRK

CRES

The island of CresCres is an island where the spirit of traditional Mediterranean still lives on. Due to the exceptionally preserved natural environment and the rich history of the island, we feel on the island as a true Mediterranean natural park. Observation of dolphins playing in the sea or griffon vultures circling over the island, panoramas that open up to the sea and over the nearby islands and beautiful sunsets, all these are scenes that leave no one indifferent. The preserved archaeological heritage testifies to the historical significance of the island from the prehistoric times and ancient Greece and Rome, through the Venetian period and the Habsburg Monarchy to the present day. This rich past reflects in the folklore customs and in the character of the inhabitants, as well as in the exceptional culinary delicacies prepared special care. Cres of today is offering highly qualitative tourist services, appreciated by numerous guests who keep returning to the island again and again.The island of Cres, the largest Croatian island (405.7 square km), is for its geographical location considered as a gateway to the Adriatic, and is easily accessible from all parts of Europe through a good international road network. The island lies in the Bay of Kvarner, near the eastern coast of Istria to which it is connected by the ferry line Brestova (Istra) - Porozina (Cres). The second ferry line, Valbiska (Krk) - Merag (Cres), connects the island to the eastern coast of the Bay of Kvarner across the island of Krk, which is accessible from the mainland by a bridge. Navigation on both ferry lines takes about 25 minutes. Even a ferry ride can be a very nice experience.

Foto: Romeo Mance

The natureThe rugged relief of the island is covered with typical Mediterranean vegetation rich in fragrances and colourful flowers. This green cover of the island gradually passes from the highest and wooded northern part of the island to the stone pastures in the south, where sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean climates are mixed. On the southern part of the island lies a freshwater lake Vrana, the most important source of drinking water on the island, both for its inhabitants and for the various animals that populate the island. The surface of the lake is lying about 13 meters above sea level, while its bottom lies more than 60 meters below the sea level.The northernmost part of the island, famous for its old forests, is almost uninhabited. There are also the highest peaks of the island, which climb up to 650 meters above the sea level. Well-marked paths enable independent exploration of this part of the island where we can meditate in nature in peaceful and quiet surroundings. One can also admire sculptural works or walk through mysterious labyrinths. Along the pathways, one will certainly meet sheep gazing freely around the whole island. Or a turtle, a rabbit, or a deer, which will further enrich the intense experience of nature.

There are many small villages and hamlets sprawling across the island and there are also many traces of former settlements, which are now slowly overgrown by greenery. Among the settlements in the northern part of the island, Beli, the former Roman "Caput Insulae" (the ‘head’ of the island) is definitely the most appealing. This small, ancient settlement is located on top of a cliff and offers fantastic panoramic views. At the bottom of the cliff is a small bay with a pebble beach and a small camping site. Beli has many interesting historic buildings from different historic periods. There are remains from the Roman period, medieval fortifications, Gothic churches, glagolitic inscriptions and facades decorated in many styles. The Beli Visitor Centre is also a recovery centre for griffon vultures, the largest natural attraction and symbol of the island. The Centre presents the amazing story of these interesting birds that rule in the sky above the island. The griffon is one of the largest flying birds and its spread wings measure 2.8 meters in diameter. During the first years of their lives, the griffons explores the world. Only after five years, when they reach maturity, the griffons return back to the island to settle down, find a partner, and to build a nest. Cres is one of the last natural habitats in Europe where these rare and protected birds live.

Beli

Foto: Dino Grozić

The town of CresMost of the inhabitants of the island live in the town of Cres, which has been since 15th Century, also the administrative centre of the island. Archaeological remains found in the area of today's town of Cres show the presence of a man in this area since prehistoric times. The picturesque houses of the city centre are spread around a square that opens on the south towards an inner harbour. The oldest preserved buildings in the city originate from the Middle Ages. Among them are many churches and two monasteries, the Franciscan from early 14th century and the Benedictine convent of the 15th century. The design of the city and buildings from later periods reflects the centenary connection of the city with the Venetians, who controlled the area of the northern Adriatic by the end of the 18th century, when, after a briefer Napoleonic era, the Habsburg Monarchy dominated the area. During the Austro-Hungarian period, Cres provided many sailors and captains for the navy and many stories of these adventurous men are described in literary works. Important town’s palaces (Petris, Moise, and Rodinis), a preserved historic core, and a defensive tower are additional testimonies of rich town’s history.Today Cres is a pleasant tourist town with beautiful, long pebble beaches, a modern marina, and with good restaurants offering local dishes.

Cres and artThe town of Cres has many cultural and artistic treasures from the past and present times. A defence tower and several town gates, as well as the whole old city centre are very attractive. The richly decorated church of St. Mary of the Snow from 15th century is home of valuable works of the old Renaissance and Baroque masters, among which is also famous Alvise Vivarini. The Franciscan monastery, that also has a rich collection of works of art and an ethnographic collection, is especially proud of its Mess book “Misal po zakonu rimskog dvora”, a rare liturgical book from the end of 15th century. In Cres there is also a monument dedicated to Frane Petrić (1529-1597), an important Renaissance poet and a humanist.Creative locals keep alive the tradition of artistic creativity. Their works of art are exposed in the Solis Gallery and in the premises of the Ruta Group for the Quality of Life on the Island of Cres.

ValunThe small fishing village of Valun lies on the southern shore of the bay of Cres. The village lies beside the sea, squeezed between the coast and a steep bank, where the houses are terraced. The surrounding area is densely planted with olive trees. Close to the village, there are beautiful sandy beaches with clean sea and a smaller camping site.In addition to swimming and enjoying nature, one can explore the surroundings and visit the remains of the original settlement, which lay on the hill above Valun. Today, there is the village cemetery and the chapel of St. Mark, in which the most important monument of Valun was found - a tombstone from 11th century, with bilingual Glagolitic and Latin inscriptions, known also as the Valun Tablet. This tablet is one of the oldest records in the Glagolitic script and therefore a valuable element of Croatian cultural heritage. The tablet is stored in the parish church of Valun.Many visitors come to Valun for its good cuisine, in which, according to the fishing tradition of the place, fish dishes prevail. During the summer months, numerous yachts and boats stop here on their exploration of the Kvarner bay. With a private or a rented boat, it is possible to individually explore the coast and search for a hidden cove in which one can indulge in the sun.

LubeniceThe village of Lubenice, on the western edge of the plateau that rises south of Valun, is an extremely popular spot among island’s visitors. It is located on top of a precipitous cliff that rises 378 meters above sea level. From there it is possible to observe a large part of the island, as well as the waterways along the Kvarner Bay. The settlement was once completely surrounded by a defensive wall. Today, some remains of these walls and the city gate are still visible. The medieval stone architecture makes a strong impression on visitors, as it raises feelings of being transported in some distant times.The exceptional location of the village, offers wonderful opportunities for morning and evening walks. At such a walk, one can observe a flock of dolphins in their hunt for fish. Even a night-time walk and observation of the starry sky above the island and illuminated ships sailing along the coast does not leave a person indifferent.Lubenice has a small museum dedicated to wool. On the island of Cres, sheep breeding is widespread and the wool of indigenous sheep is highly appreciated. In the museum, the story of wool reveals many secrets of wool production and its use.The path that leads to the seafront under the Lubenice is narrow and steep, but once we reach the pebble beach, we see that it was worth every step.

Villages and smaller settlementsMost of the inhabitants of the island live in the town of Cres. The rest have chosen for their homes one of the smaller settlements, which sometimes have only a few houses. These small villages, such as Loznati, known primarily for excellent lamb prepared according to old recipes; Orlec, the largest settlement in the interior of the island; panoramic Predošćica; atypically stretched Dragozetići; Stivan, a village created by amalgamation of three hamlets into a single settlement, or Grmov, a former fishing village near Vrana Lake, preserve an autochthon architecture, and a genuine life of people in harmony with nature. Although on the island, some settlements are not strongly connected with the sea. Rather than in fishing, the residents are engaged in agriculture, olive or livestock farming, which also reflects in local cuisine.On the island there are no large hotel settlements. In addition to the two hotels (at Cres and Martinšćica), rooms can be rented in private houses, where visitors will enjoy genuine island hospitality and experience true island life.

MartinščicaThe bay between Martinšćica and Miholašćica is a true natural treasure with many beautiful pebbly beaches facing the open sea that attract many swimmers. Martinšćica, the second largest settlement on the island, offers all the necessary tourist infrastructure. Not far from the village, there is also a large, well-equipped campsite and a diving centre.The village and its bay were named after the church dedicated to St. Martin. In addition to the church, the village has also a 16th century Franciscan monastery. Besides the monastery there is the church of St. Hieronimus with an altar painting by a 17th century Flemish artist.The village of Vidovići, situated to the south of Lubenice, above Martinšćica, is the best place to admire the bay of Martinšćica. The panoramic view opens across the bay and reaches the shores of the nearby island of Lošinj.

BeachesThe biggest attraction of the island are certainly its long natural pebble beaches, which are mostly located along the west coast of the island. The most popular beaches, such as the beaches near Cres and Martinšćica, are easily accessible. Others can be reached by narrow and steep paths descending from the slopes above the sea. Along the entire coastline of the island, there are also many small, remote bays, accessible only from the sea. They attract mainly adventurers and seekers of peaceful rest away from the hustle and bustle of larger beaches.

Exploring and discovering the island from the sea is a special experience. Due to its varied relief and magnitude, rising steeply from the sea, the island fosters true respect. It is like a guard protecting the Bay of Kvarner from intruders. Island’s robustness is softened by the slopes overgrown by Mediterranean vegetation and by beautiful sandy beaches that invite visitors to bath in crystal clear waters.

Nautical sports

The modern marina, which lies in the Gulf of Cres, offers to motor and sailing boat skippers all that is necessary for a careless enjoyment of islands charms. Here they will also find a safe shelter against every bad weather or wind. Sailing along the island’s coast, full of bays and beaches, and around smaller islands, such as Plavnik, Zeča or Unije, provides a truly intimate experience of the sea.

Foto: Nino Rakichevich

Various activitiesMore than 100 kilometers of trails enable safe exploration of the coast and of the interior of the island. On walks or cycling on island roads and pathways, one can enjoy a genuine Cres. Large views, clean air, soaked with fragrance of scented herbs, unspoiled nature and rich heritage of the island, turn recreational activity into a unique experience. The best time for such excursions is during spring and autumn months. During the summer however, best time for such activities is during early morning hours or around the sunset.

Foto: Daniel Frka

Foto: Daniel Frka

Foto: Robert Sablić

Foto: Nino Rakichevich

The beauties of the island can be explored also under the water. Clear water and rich underwater world can be enjoyed with a simple mask and a pair of fins. For more demanding divers there are organized dives to shipwrecks that are a real treat for lovers of the underwater world.The winds around the island are a challenge for sailing yachtsmen who can develop their sailing skills to perfection. A good example of this is a gold medal won at Olympic Games in Brazil.Walks in the natural environment of Cres, between olive groves, along gravel roads or narrow trails, activities at the sea or underwater explorations will embed deeply in ones memory. Peace and quietness, where only the sounds of nature can be heard, are the island’s signature. That is why the visit to Cres is always a unique experience.

Costumes, folkloreIn addition to the architectural heritage, the history of the island reflects in folk costumes too. A typical island costume is the folk costume from the village of Orlek. The colourful costume differs from other island costumes for its rich jewellery. Especially important are necklaces, on which golden hearts, crosses and medallions are hung.Also recognizable are red headbands for women and caps for men.The musical tradition of the island is preserved by playing bagpipes, accompanied by dual voice singing "on thin and thick" in the Istrian tone scale.Because of these particularities, the performances of folklore groups are a true treat for eyes and ears. It is a real jump into the magical past of the island.

GastronomyAlthough simple, the island cuisine is rich in its variety and flavours. The islanders always grew up consuming fish, lamb meat, and fruits and vegetables from their home gardens. Many recipes for traditional island dishes were passed from generation to generation, and have survived to this day. Food-lovers will therefore certainly enjoy exploring different ways of preparation and combination of ingredients in local dishes.In addition to the traditional fish dishes, the island of Cres is also known for its excellent lamb. Grazing of the autochthonous sheep breed on pastures along the sea, rich with Mediterranean vegetation, gives to the meat a very distinctive flavour. The use of pristine olive oil, the first in Croatia with a certificate of origin, and the use of local herbs and spices give the food typical Mediterranean taste. Of course, the island's chefs can prepare and offer a variety of contemporary dishes and desserts, taking into account gastronomy trends to which they adapt their dishes to satisfy even most demanding guests.

Domestic productsOn the island, there are many producers of various home-made, ecologic gastronomy products. Olive oil, honey, marmalade and a special sweet spread made of olives are products made with traditional methods using local ingredients. Visitors can be assured of that just by exploring the island where they will see are many olive groves and sheep freely grazing around. In the early morning hours, one can also see fishing boats returning from the sea bringing fresh fish to the shore. Fresh, natural, and made with love. Trying local delicacies at home will certainly awake memories of the visit, and the desire to return to the island. So, do come back!

TOURIST BOARD OF CRESCons 10, 51557 Cres, Croatia

tel.: +385 51 571 535, fax: +385 51 571 535e-mail: info@visitcres.hr

www.tzg-cres.hr

Published by:Tourist board of Cres

Concept, design, foto, prepress:Studio Gobbo & Comgraf

text: Mg. Tomi BrezovecTranslated by: Lia Gobbo, Dr. Zvonimir Freivogel

Realisation: Comgraf