Apartments and holiday homes on Cres
A long, thinly populated island of oak woods, sheep pastures and cliff-top villages, where griffon vultures nest on the sea cliffs and the coves are rarely crowded.
Search stays on CresCres is one of the largest islands in the Adriatic, but it has only a handful of settlements, which gives it a wild, empty feel. The north is wooded, while the south is rocky pasture crossed by dry-stone walls. In the middle lies Lake Vrana, a freshwater lake that supplies Cres and Lošinj with drinking water. The eastern cliffs are home to a colony of griffon vultures, protected by a reserve at Beli.
Cres town is the main base, a harbour town with a Venetian-era old centre, cafés on the waterfront and the island's widest choice of shops. On the west coast, Valun is a small village known for the Valun Tablet, an 11th-century inscription, and Martinšćica has a pebble beach by the village. Lubenice, perched on a cliff high above the west coast, is one of the most striking villages in Croatia, with only a handful of residents left today.
Cres suits walkers, nature lovers and anyone who wants quiet. It has a small choice of stays compared with Krk or Lošinj, so book early for summer. Cres town is the easiest base if you want restaurants nearby, while Martinšćica and Valun work for a quieter beach holiday. Several of our stays here welcome pets, and a few are right by the water. Bring everything you need for a quiet holiday.
Beaches
Sveti Ivan, below Lubenice
A white shingle beach in a cove under the cliff-top village of Lubenice. The path is steep, dropping almost 400 m: allow about 40 minutes down and an hour back up. It can also be reached by boat. Bring water, as there are no facilities.
Martinšćica
A pebble beach next to the village of Martinšćica on the west coast, with calm water and a relaxed atmosphere. It is easy to reach and has a few places to eat close by, which makes it a good choice for families.
Valun
Small pebble beaches right by the village, in a sheltered bay on the west side of the island. Quiet, with clear water and a couple of restaurants on the harbour. It is a good place to base yourself if you want to swim before breakfast and eat by the sea in the evening.
Getting there and around
Cres is reached by car ferry from Brestova in Istria to Porozina in the north of the island, a crossing of about 20 minutes, or from Valbiska on Krk to Merag, on the east coast. A daily Jadrolinija catamaran also links Rijeka with Cres town and Martinšćica. The nearest airports are Rijeka on Krk and Pula. A car is almost essential, as settlements are far apart and buses are infrequent.
Stays in Cres island right now
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Tips before you book
- Griffon vultures nest on the cliffs of the east coast, and Beli has an ornithological reserve protecting them.
- The walk down to Sveti Ivan is steep; wear proper shoes and avoid the midday heat on the climb back.
- Cres has few stays and shops outside Cres town, so stock up before heading to remote villages.
- Cres lamb is a local speciality, raised on the island's open pastures.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Cres?
By car ferry, either from Brestova in Istria to Porozina, about 20 minutes, or from Valbiska on Krk to Merag. A daily catamaran runs from Rijeka to Cres town and Martinšćica. Once on the island, a car is the practical way to get around, as distances are long.
Is Cres worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy quiet. Cres has cliff-top villages like Lubenice, secluded coves, griffon vultures and good walking, with fewer crowds than most Croatian islands. Nightlife and big beaches are not its strengths, so it suits nature lovers and couples more than party seekers.
What is the best beach on Cres?
Sveti Ivan, below Lubenice, is the most famous, a white shingle cove at the foot of a steep path. For an easier beach, Martinšćica and Valun on the west coast have pebble beaches right by the villages, with calm water and places to eat nearby.