Cres Island Travel Guide

A lovely, pastoral sweep of land in the Adriatic, Cres is accessible by ferry from the mainland. Getting there, however, is worth the trip, as the island invites exploration of the streets, footpaths, hilltop towns, and waterfront promenades from Greek, Roman, and Renaissance eras, in addition to a wild, rustic landscape. With periods of Slavic, Venetian, Austrian, French, and Italian rule, the landmarks and memoirs are diverse. Sheepherding is an important industry on the island, and products made from wool, sheepskins, and sheep's milk, as well as delicious lamb dishes served in local restaurants, pay homage to the shepherd's work. Take the car/bike/passenger ferry from Brestova or Valbiska; take the fast catamaran from Rijeka; or bring your own boat over and dock at the marina. Bike and car rentals are available for exploring all of the towns on the island.

Where is Cres Island?

Cres is one of the northern islands in the Kvarner Gulf of Croatia. It can be reached via ferry from Rijeka, the island Krk, or from Brestova in the Istrian peninsula. It has an area of about 150 square miles and population of around 3,000.

Cres Island Tourist Board

Cons 10, Cres
+385 (0) 51 571 535
info@visitcres.hr
www.tzg-cres.hr

Attractions and Activities on Cres Island

1. Frane Petric Square: Scene of public announcements and festivals under Venetian rule
2. Ruta: Fascinating local collective that promotes the cultural tradition of wool weaving and felting
3. Cres Gate: 16th-century gate , topped by a blue-faced clock and coats of arms
4. Hidden Coves: Cres is indented with coves, some large and wide and some small and well hidden
5. St. Mary of the Snow Church: Renaissance portal and the carved wooden pietà from the 15th c.
6. Rovenska Harbor: Very quiet place with nice romantic restaurants
7. Lubenice: Village placed on 380m high rock from where the view ends where sea and sky meet
8. Osor: Small and partially fortified town, a place of music and sculptures
9. Visit Losinj: Take a boat and visit nearby Losinj, beautiful twin island to Cres
10. Beaches: Cres has a lot of small, intimate beaches, as well as large, busy beaches

Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes on Cres Island

1. Restaurant Na Moru: Mediterranean cuisine; Via Valun 65, Cres; www.island-cres.com
2. Konoba Bukaleta: Mediterranean cuisine; Loznati 9a, Cres; www.mali-losinj.com/bukaleta.htm
3. Bistro Melin: Mediterranean, Bistro; Melin 2/22, Cres; www.tzg-cres.hr
4. Gostonica Belona: Croatian cuisine; Set. 23. Travnja 24 Cres; www.gastronaut.hr
5. Restaurant MaMaLu: Fish specialties, Local cuisine; Valun 13A, Cres; www.mamalu-valun.com 

Hotels and Accommodations on Cres Island

1. Hotel Kimen: Beautiful green hotel; 3-star; $; Melin I/16, Cres;  www.hotel-kimen.com
2. Villa Lavanda: Nice rooms; 3-star; $; Melin I/13; www.facebook.com/villa.lavanda.cres
3. Apartments Mara Cres: Apartments; 4-star; $; Sklanica 2, Cres; www.info-apartments.com
4. Apartments Pongrac: Apartments; 3-star; $; Sklanica 7, Cres; www.apartments-island-cres.com
5. Villa Mangolija: Apartments; 4-star; $$; Put Brajdi 14, Cres; www.cres-apartmani.com 

Camps near Cres Island

1. Camp Kovacine: Great beaches, good camp; 3-star; Melin I br. 20, Cres; www.camp-kovacine.com
2. Camping Brajdi: Nice camp; 2-star; Sv. Petar 1a, Beli, Cres; wix.com/perica666/autokamp-brajdi
3. Camping Slatina: Awesome camp; 4-star; Martinscica 92, Martinscica, Cres;  www.camp-slatina.com
4. Naturist Baldarin: Naturist camp; 3-star; P. kriza bb, Punta Kriza, Cres; www.camp-baldarin.com
5. Camping Zdovice: Nice location, fine camp; 1-star; Valun bb, Valun; www.cresanka.hr 

Google Map of Recommendations for Cres Island

See ART Google Map for additional recommendations of places to see and things to do in Cres Island. 

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