Cres, the eponymous main town of Croatia's longest island, combines a harbor full of fishing boats with access to some of the Adriatic's most unusual natural sights. The island is known for the last major population of griffon vultures in Croatia, a unique lake with no visible source, and a long tradition of olive growing.

The griffon vulture sanctuary in Beli

In the village of Beli, at the island's north, there's a visitor center dedicated to griffon vultures, birds of prey with a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters that nest on the steep cliffs of Cres's eastern coast. Cres is home to one of the last stable colonies of these birds in the Mediterranean, and their flight over the sea can also be observed from a boat at an appropriate distance.

Lake Cres

Lake Cres, located above the town of Cres, is one of the island's geological puzzles, as its water level remains almost unchanged despite having no visible inflow or river outflow. The lake is a source of drinking water for the island and a protected area, but the surrounding heights offer an impressive view of the landscape.

The olive oil tradition

Cres has one of the longest traditions of olive growing on the Adriatic, with old trees scattered across the island and local presses that still produce oil using traditional methods. Tasting olive oil in the town of Cres is a good complement to a day spent at sea, especially in autumn during the harvest.

When to rent a boat in Cres

The season runs from May to October, peaking in July and August. June and September offer warm seas and a calmer harbor, and September is additionally attractive for the olive harvest and calmer conditions for observing the vultures.