If you are interested in a holiday on an island, you need not think any further – visit Cres and enjoy a completely natural environment, with a wealth of tourist attractions. Cres offers its guests various kinds of tourist tours, activities and good historical stories.
The offer of the town, and thus of the island, is really rich.
As you may have already guessed, Cres is a town in Croatia, located on the island of Cres. This island town consists of the settlements of Beli, Cres, Dragozetići, Filozići, Grmov, Ivanje, Loznati, Lubenice, Mali Podol, Martinšćica, Merag, Miholašćica, Orlec, Pernat, Porozina, Predošćica, Stanić, Stivan, Sveti Petar, Valun, Važminec, Vidovići, Vodice, Vrana, Zbičina and Zbišina.
See the beaches on Cres
In prehistoric times there was a hillfort on the site of today's town, and later an ancient fortress (Crepsa). Before the arrival of the Croats, Cres was inhabited by the Liburnians, but there are traces of Greek, Roman and Byzantine presence.
In the 9th century the Croats governed and ruled the whole island, apart from a few shorter Venetian occupations. Despite occasional incursions by the Venetians, Cres remained part of Croatia until 1409. The Statute of Cres dates from 1332.
The history of the town is rich and for the most part follows the historical events of the whole Croatian state. The island, together with the town, was occupied several times throughout its history, until in April 1945 Cres was finally liberated and reintegrated into Croatia, and through it into communist Yugoslavia. After the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, and the unfortunate events of the early 1990s, Cres remained within the territory of the Republic of Croatia.
The island of Cres today enjoys great interest from seasonal guests. The island and the town itself are famous around the world and are a desirable tourist destination for many. People come here from all corners of the world, rest here and spend unforgettable moments in the summer months.
Cres is interesting because it abounds in natural beauty, and especially because of the contrast between its north and south. Namely, in the northern part of the island steep rocks with high and dense oak forests prevail, while the southern part is dotted with pastures and bare rocky hills. This interesting landscape is in itself attractive to people who love natural beauty, enriched by the blue sea in the background. The island is also known for its centuries-old tradition of raising sheep, which in the past were the main source of meat and milk. Besides meat and milk, the islanders have branded many products made from sheep's wool. We will mention the island's speciality – Cres lamb – later on.
The rich history of the island shapes its present appearance. It was already inhabited in the late Stone Age, which is why the remains of ancient towns and early Christian chapels can still be seen and visited across the island.
A special curiosity of the island is the freshwater lake Vrana. This unusual natural phenomenon has been the subject of many studies and is still not fully explained today. The level of the lake is below sea level, which makes it unusual, and experts have still not explained the presence of some species of fish in that lake.
To conclude this part of the story, we can mention that Cres is an ideal destination for people who are afraid of snakes. Namely, 10 species of snakes live on the island, but not one of them is venomous. If you have come to Cres and love nature, here you can explore without fear of poisonous bites.
Today Cres is most oriented towards tourism, but the islanders also engage in shipbuilding, fishing and olive growing. Given the growing importance of tourism on this island, in the town of Cres and also in the smaller nearby places there are a large number of apartments for rent. There are also two hotels, as well as a campsite, but most guests decide to rent an apartment during their stay on the island.
Cres is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy untouched nature and know how to appreciate it. The island is additionally interesting, or rather attractive, because of the great differences between its two parts – the southern and the northern. Naturally there is also the already mentioned Vrana lake, and a large number of walking trails through the natural landscape.
The island's coastline is well indented on the western and southern parts. Here you can find a large number of coves and natural gravel beaches, while the northern and eastern parts are lined with harsh, steep rocks. The contrast does not end there: in the northern, sub-Mediterranean part, the island of Cres is covered with high and dense forests of downy oak, hornbeam, elm and chestnut, while in the middle and southern, Mediterranean part, pastures and dense maquis prevail.
On this island you can find as many as 1300 species of plants, as well as a rich animal world. For this reason the island of Cres is ideal for those who respect and love nature. Cres is also home to one of the last habitats of the very rare Griffon vulture. This protected species lives on the island and fills the sky with its flights in search of food.
Besides its natural beauty, our island offers a look into the past, into the rich history of this region and the events that left their mark on all of today's state borders. The remains of ancient towns, early Christian chapels scattered across the island and monasteries bear witness to the origin of settlements on the island, to the life of the locals and to their resistance to various sieges. All this, together with rich accommodation and catering facilities, makes this island an interesting destination.
The gastronomic offer of the town of Cres, and of the island, plays an extremely large role in the development of tourism, which the islanders know well, so they strive to offer their guests only the best.
The best-known Cres specialities are island lamb, homemade sheep's cheese, prosciutto and the well-known olive oil. Fresh fish, prawns, other crustaceans and shellfish must not be left out. Since they live on the island and have been harvesting the fruits of the sea for years, local fishermen have perfected dishes with seafood.
Along with the local olive oil, the islanders use spices and additions they find on their island to prepare their specialities. Bay leaf, rosemary, garlic, spring onion, salt, parsley, tomato, olive and carrot predominate.
Besides traditional dishes, the menus of some forty island restaurants and konobas will also offer their guests dishes of international cuisine.
Sailors, by their nature, love nature and the hidden corners it offers. The island of Cres is special in this respect, so many boat owners come and anchor off some part of the island's coast.
It is a special feeling to sail the waters surrounding the island. On one side the well-indented and accessible coast will serve the guests on the island, while sailors, especially those who love peace and quiet, will choose the coast described by steep and inaccessible rocks. Whoever anchors in front of such a coast will enjoy the imposing view of the natural power with which that coast was shaped.
Wherever you sail and wherever you stop, one thing is certain: you will enjoy yourself while staying on the island of Cres.
Smještaj JuliaCresCapacity: 2-16 · To the sea: 30 mfrom 20 € per person / nightView offer
Apartmani OrbanićCresCapacity: 2-20 · To the sea: 250 mfrom 18 € per person / nightView offer
Kuća za odmorCresCapacity: 2-5 · To the sea: 40 mfrom 30 € per person / nightView offer
Apartmany EvaKrk - otokCapacity: 4-10 · To the sea: 30 mfrom 20 € per person / nightView offer
Apartments MartinaKrk - otokCapacity: 2-28 · To the sea: 100 mfrom 15 € per person / nightView offer
Apartmani MatekKarlobagCapacity: 2-8 · To the sea: 20 mView offer

As you may have already guessed, Cres is a town in Croatia, located on the island of Cres. This island town consists of the settlements of Beli, Cres, Dragozetići, Filozići, Grmov, Ivanje, Loznati, Lubenice, Mali Podol, Martinšćica, Merag, Miholašćica, Orlec, Pernat, Porozina, Predošćica, Stanić, Stivan, Sveti Petar, Valun, Važminec, Vidovići, Vodice, Vrana, Zbičina and Zbišina.Beaches of Cres
See the beaches on Cres
History of the town of Cres
In prehistoric times there was a hillfort on the site of today's town, and later an ancient fortress (Crepsa). Before the arrival of the Croats, Cres was inhabited by the Liburnians, but there are traces of Greek, Roman and Byzantine presence.
In the 9th century the Croats governed and ruled the whole island, apart from a few shorter Venetian occupations. Despite occasional incursions by the Venetians, Cres remained part of Croatia until 1409. The Statute of Cres dates from 1332.
The history of the town is rich and for the most part follows the historical events of the whole Croatian state. The island, together with the town, was occupied several times throughout its history, until in April 1945 Cres was finally liberated and reintegrated into Croatia, and through it into communist Yugoslavia. After the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, and the unfortunate events of the early 1990s, Cres remained within the territory of the Republic of Croatia.
Today Cres is an interesting tourist destination
The island of Cres today enjoys great interest from seasonal guests. The island and the town itself are famous around the world and are a desirable tourist destination for many. People come here from all corners of the world, rest here and spend unforgettable moments in the summer months.
Cres is interesting because it abounds in natural beauty, and especially because of the contrast between its north and south. Namely, in the northern part of the island steep rocks with high and dense oak forests prevail, while the southern part is dotted with pastures and bare rocky hills. This interesting landscape is in itself attractive to people who love natural beauty, enriched by the blue sea in the background. The island is also known for its centuries-old tradition of raising sheep, which in the past were the main source of meat and milk. Besides meat and milk, the islanders have branded many products made from sheep's wool. We will mention the island's speciality – Cres lamb – later on.The rich history of the island shapes its present appearance. It was already inhabited in the late Stone Age, which is why the remains of ancient towns and early Christian chapels can still be seen and visited across the island.
A special curiosity of the island is the freshwater lake Vrana. This unusual natural phenomenon has been the subject of many studies and is still not fully explained today. The level of the lake is below sea level, which makes it unusual, and experts have still not explained the presence of some species of fish in that lake.
To conclude this part of the story, we can mention that Cres is an ideal destination for people who are afraid of snakes. Namely, 10 species of snakes live on the island, but not one of them is venomous. If you have come to Cres and love nature, here you can explore without fear of poisonous bites.
Today Cres is most oriented towards tourism, but the islanders also engage in shipbuilding, fishing and olive growing. Given the growing importance of tourism on this island, in the town of Cres and also in the smaller nearby places there are a large number of apartments for rent. There are also two hotels, as well as a campsite, but most guests decide to rent an apartment during their stay on the island.
Tourist offer on Cres
Cres is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy untouched nature and know how to appreciate it. The island is additionally interesting, or rather attractive, because of the great differences between its two parts – the southern and the northern. Naturally there is also the already mentioned Vrana lake, and a large number of walking trails through the natural landscape.
The island's coastline is well indented on the western and southern parts. Here you can find a large number of coves and natural gravel beaches, while the northern and eastern parts are lined with harsh, steep rocks. The contrast does not end there: in the northern, sub-Mediterranean part, the island of Cres is covered with high and dense forests of downy oak, hornbeam, elm and chestnut, while in the middle and southern, Mediterranean part, pastures and dense maquis prevail.
On this island you can find as many as 1300 species of plants, as well as a rich animal world. For this reason the island of Cres is ideal for those who respect and love nature. Cres is also home to one of the last habitats of the very rare Griffon vulture. This protected species lives on the island and fills the sky with its flights in search of food.
Besides its natural beauty, our island offers a look into the past, into the rich history of this region and the events that left their mark on all of today's state borders. The remains of ancient towns, early Christian chapels scattered across the island and monasteries bear witness to the origin of settlements on the island, to the life of the locals and to their resistance to various sieges. All this, together with rich accommodation and catering facilities, makes this island an interesting destination.
Gastronomy of the island
The gastronomic offer of the town of Cres, and of the island, plays an extremely large role in the development of tourism, which the islanders know well, so they strive to offer their guests only the best.
The best-known Cres specialities are island lamb, homemade sheep's cheese, prosciutto and the well-known olive oil. Fresh fish, prawns, other crustaceans and shellfish must not be left out. Since they live on the island and have been harvesting the fruits of the sea for years, local fishermen have perfected dishes with seafood.Along with the local olive oil, the islanders use spices and additions they find on their island to prepare their specialities. Bay leaf, rosemary, garlic, spring onion, salt, parsley, tomato, olive and carrot predominate.
Besides traditional dishes, the menus of some forty island restaurants and konobas will also offer their guests dishes of international cuisine.
Nautical tourism is special on Cres
Sailors, by their nature, love nature and the hidden corners it offers. The island of Cres is special in this respect, so many boat owners come and anchor off some part of the island's coast.
It is a special feeling to sail the waters surrounding the island. On one side the well-indented and accessible coast will serve the guests on the island, while sailors, especially those who love peace and quiet, will choose the coast described by steep and inaccessible rocks. Whoever anchors in front of such a coast will enjoy the imposing view of the natural power with which that coast was shaped.
Wherever you sail and wherever you stop, one thing is certain: you will enjoy yourself while staying on the island of Cres.
Private accommodation in Cres – directly from the owners
All accommodation in Cres →
Smještaj JuliaCresCapacity: 2-16 · To the sea: 30 mfrom 20 € per person / nightView offer
Apartmani OrbanićCresCapacity: 2-20 · To the sea: 250 mfrom 18 € per person / nightView offer
Kuća za odmorCresCapacity: 2-5 · To the sea: 40 mfrom 30 € per person / nightView offer
Apartmany EvaKrk - otokCapacity: 4-10 · To the sea: 30 mfrom 20 € per person / nightView offer
Apartments MartinaKrk - otokCapacity: 2-28 · To the sea: 100 mfrom 15 € per person / nightView offer
Apartmani MatekKarlobagCapacity: 2-8 · To the sea: 20 mView offer
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