Nestled in a sheltered bay in the northern part of the island of Cres, the historic town of Cres with its beautiful coastline, cuisine and culture is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Kvarner Bay.
Cres Town is home to 90% of the entire population of Cres. This makes the island capital not only the tourist, but also the economic and cultural centre of the picturesque island off the coast of Croatia.
Nestled in a large bay in the northern part of the island of Cres, Cres Town is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Kvarner Bay east of Istria. Already in ancient times, the first settlers appreciated the protected proximity to the sea and the gently sloping hinterland of the town, which was called "Crepsa" at that time. Today, Cres Town has just under 3,000 inhabitants.
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Holidays in Cres Town
Active holidaymakers will find opportunities for hiking, diving trips, tennis and various water sports in Cres Town. Sailors in particular can be found in large numbers in the bay, sailing between Cres Town and Valun or out of the bay to Martinščica or Beli. The marina in Cres Town has been awarded the Blue Flag and is a sight in itself with its impressive yachts.
Accommodation is also available in Cres Town. From the rich offer of hotels with large sports and wellness areas, flat houses and holiday flats, as well as campsites, there is something to suit every holiday budget. Fruits and vegetables directly from the island, as well as herbal schnapps and wine, provide the perfect culinary accompaniment to a visit to Cres Town.
Sights in Cres Town
The historic old town of Cres Town is characterised by closely built houses with cobblestone alleys winding between them. There is always something going on at the central square Trg Frane Petrića behind the town gate at the harbour. Tourists and locals meet here in the numerous restaurants and for shopping at the market or in the shops.
Worth a detour is the three-nave Church of Our Lady east of the central square, whose bell tower can be climbed. The church dates from 1554 and houses a valuable late Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. Another precious treasure rests in the Franciscan monastery. Here you can find the oldest Bible in Glagolitic script, printed in Senj in 1494. Last but not least, a walk along the harbour, if possible in the evening or at night, is guaranteed to give you that holiday feeling.
Tip: With a bit of luck, you may even see the bald eagle circling above the rooftops, nesting just 12km away near the village of Orlec - a true attraction in Croatia!
The surroundings of Cres Town also turn out to be extremely charming. The fragrant forests in the bay of Cres can be discovered on several hiking trails. A trip to Valun, 8 km away, is also recommended.
Cres Town beaches
The most beautiful beaches of Cres Town lie to the west of the settlement and can be reached either by boat or on foot along centuries-old paths. Even the way to the coast is extremely idyllic, with the scent of sage, thyme and rosemary wafting between dry stone walls and olive trees. When you reach the beach, snow-white pebbles shimmer in the sun on the turquoise sea, rounded by the surf over thousands of years.
Tip: Particularly worth seeing is the Blue Grotto in the bay of Zanja, where reflections of the sunlight create spectacular shades of blue on the water.
PICTURES: Island of Cres
