Island of Cres Croatia FRANKFURT WIEN MÜNCHEN GRAZ PRAHA ITALY UDINE LJUBLJANA BUDAPEST The island of Cres VERONA MILANO SLOVENIA ZAGREB Cres is an island where the spirit of traditional Mediterranean still ZÜRICH PARIS lives on. Due to the exceptionally preserved natural environment TRIESTE and the rich history of the island, we feel on the island as a true Mediterranean natural park. Observation of dolphins playing in RIJEKA VENEZIA the sea or griffon vultures circling over the island, panoramas CROATIA that open up to the sea and over the nearby islands and beautiful Porozina Brestova sunsets, all these are scenes that leave no one indifferent. The KRK BIH preserved archaeological heritage testifies to the historical Valbiska significance of the island from the prehistoric times and ancient POROZINA BELI CRES Greece and Rome, through the Venetian period and the Habsburg PULA 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 MERAG PLAVNIK exceptional culinary delicacies prepared special care. Cres of today is offering highly qualitative tourist services, CRES appreciated by numerous guests who keep returning to the island VALUN ORLEC again and again. The island of Cres, the largest Croatian island (405.7 square km), ZADAR LUBENICE 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 MARTINŠĆICA SPLIT Kvarner, near the eastern coast of Istria to which it is connected OSOR 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 UNIJE MALI LOŠINJ ferry lines takes about 25 minutes. Even a ferry ride can be a very nice experience. SRAKANE VELI LOŠINJ ILOVIK SUSAK Adriatic sea Adriatic The nature The 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. Foto: Romeo Mance There are many small villages and hamlets sprawling across the island and there are also many traces of former settlements, which are now slowly Beli 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. Foto: Dino Grozić The town of Cres Most 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 art The 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. Valun The 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. Lubenice The 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.