Cres Island is one of the quiet wins of the Kvarner islands. It feels wilder than many famous Croatian islands. You get clear water, cliff views, and stone villages that still feel local. It is also easier to reach than many travellers expect.
Ideal for:
Quiet swim days in pebble coves
Viewpoints, village walks, and slow evenings
Nature time in the Tramuntana area
Not ideal for:
Big nightlife and resort energy
Long sandy beaches as your main goal
Zero-planning transfers in peak summer
Cres suits beach-first travellers who dislike crowds. It also suits hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. If you want calm coves, simple food, and scenic drives, Cres is a strong pick.
Why visit Cres Island
Cres is about space. It has long stretches of low-key coastline. Many beaches are pebble bays with turquoise water. The inland feels quiet and green.
Cres is also a great “two-islands-in-one” base. You can cross the Osor bridge and add Lošinj for a day. That gives you more beaches, museums, and promenade walks.
Cres Island highlights at a glance
Pebble coves with clear water
Lubenice cliff views and Sv. Ivan beach
Beli and the griffon vulture story
Tramuntana forest trails
Easy connections by ferry
Simple seafood, Cres lamb, and local cheese
Where is Cres Island in Croatia
Cres sits in the Kvarner Gulf. It belongs to the Kvarner islands Croatia travellers often pair together. The closest big gateways are Istria and Rijeka. That makes Cres an easy add to a North Croatia road trip.
How to get to Cres Island
Most visitors arrive by ferry. Two main routes cover most travel plans.
Best route by direction
From Istria: Brestova–Porozina
From Krk or Rijeka side: Valbiska–Merag
From Lošinj: drive via Osor bridge (seasonal opening notices)
Brestova Porozina ferry
This route is best if you come from Istria. Brestova is near the east coast of Istria. Porozina is on the north side of Cres. From Porozina, you drive south to Cres Town or other bases.
Valbiska Merag ferry
This route is best if you come via Krk. Valbiska is on Krk Island. Merag is central Cres. It can be convenient if you combine Krk and Cres.
Helpful travel tips for ferries
Summer sailings sell out at peak hours.
In July and August, arrive 45–60 minutes early with a car.
Foot passengers and cars often use different queues.
Check the timetable again the day before and on travel day.
In shoulder season, plan around fewer departures.
Cres to Lošinj bridge Osor
Cres connects to Lošinj at Osor. A swing bridge opens for boats at set times. Openings are often in the morning and late afternoon. Times can change by season and local notices. If you are driving, build buffer time. Check posted opening notices locally.
Best time to visit Cres Island
Cres works from spring to early autumn. The best time depends on your travel style.
May and June
These months bring warm days and fewer crowds. Sea temperatures are rising. Hiking feels comfortable. Village life feels relaxed.
July and August
This is peak season. Expect higher prices and busier beaches. You will still find quieter coves. Start early and avoid the hottest hours.
September and early October
This is a sweet spot. The sea stays warm. Crowds thin out. The light is softer. It is great for slow travel.
Where to stay on Cres Island
Choose your base by your must-haves. Do you want town life, or quiet beaches? Do you want short drives, or remote coves?
Base picker:
Want the easiest logistics: stay in Cres Town
Want a small bay vibe: choose Valun
Want a quiet west-coast base: choose Martinšćica
Want hiking and nature first: choose Beli
Cres Town Croatia
Cres Town is the main hub. It has the most services. You get restaurants, shops, and a lively harbour. It is a practical base for first-timers. You can do easy day trips in both directions. It is also the best choice without a car.
Best for:
First visit to Cres Island
Couples who want evening strolls
Travellers without long daily drives
Top Rated Stays in Cres town
- 🔍Studio Antonio Cres
Review score: 9.9/10 · 29 reviews
A beachfront apartment-style stay in Cres, set up for an easy, walk-everywhere holiday. Best for couples and first-timers who want beach time plus Old Town atmosphere.
Neighborhood / landmark: Melin Beach (about 4 minutes on foot)
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi; Free private parking; Beachfront
Why it stands out: Top-tier rating with a prime Melin Beach location. - 🔍Apartman Bruna
Review score: 9.9/10 · 15 reviews
A beachfront apartment with a seasonal outdoor pool and a relaxed holiday-base feel. Best for couples or families who want pool + sea days and easy access to town.
Neighborhood / landmark: Cres (beachfront, close to town)
Key facilities: Swimming pool; Free private parking; Free Wi-Fi; Beachfront
Why it stands out: Pool + beachfront with an exceptional guest score. - 🔍Apartment Concetta Cres
Review score: 9.8/10 · 22 reviews
A beachfront apartment option for simple beach mornings and easy town access. Ideal for couples who want a highly rated base near the sea with practical comforts.
Neighborhood / landmark: Melin Beach (about 4 minutes on foot)
Key facilities: Breakfast options; Free Wi-Fi; Free private parking; Beachfront
Why it stands out: Excellent reviews with beachfront convenience near Melin Beach. - 🔍Lavanda apartman 1
Review score: 9.8/10 · 26 reviews
A calm apartment-style base with outdoor space for slow, relaxed stays. Best for couples who want quiet evenings, parking, and easy access to multiple coves by car or a longer walk.
Neighborhood / landmark: Raca Beach (about 1.1 miles away)
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi; Free private parking; Garden/terrace
Why it stands out: Quiet “garden + terrace” setup with a high score and solid review count. - 🔍Apartment Livia
Review score: 9.8/10 · 74 reviews
A spacious, modern-feeling apartment with a balcony and a comfortable home-base vibe. Best for families or couples who want more space and a walkable location for Cres town.
Neighborhood / landmark: Short walk to Cres Old Town
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi; Parking; Air conditioning
Why it stands out: High review volume with consistent praise for space and walkable access to town.
Valun Cres
Valun is small and pretty. It sits in a sheltered bay. It feels calm, even in summer. It is a good base for simple swim days. It works best if you have a car for cove hopping.
Best for:
Couples
Quiet beach holidays
Travellers who like small villages
Top Rated Stays in Valun
- 🔍Apartment Desanti Valun
Review score: 10/10 · 18 reviews
Apartment-style stay in Valun with a quiet village feel and easy access to sea days. Best for couples and families who want a peaceful base on Cres Island.
Neighborhood / landmark: Valun
Key facilities: Not displayed
Why it stands out: Perfect score in Valun with a solid review count. - 🔍Apartment Desanti 3 Valun
Review score: 9.9/10 · 13 reviews
Highly rated apartment-style base in Valun for a relaxed, beach-first stay. Best for families who want a top-rated option in a small seaside village.
Neighborhood / landmark: Valun
Key facilities: Not displayed
Why it stands out: Near-perfect score and one of the most booked Valun options. - 🔍Apartment Desanti 4 Valun
Review score: 9.7/10 · 21 reviews
A well-reviewed apartment-style stay that suits travellers who want a proven base in Valun. Best for couples and longer stays focused on calm swims and village evenings.
Neighborhood / landmark: Valun
Key facilities: Not displayed
Why it stands out: Excellent score with a stronger review count than many other top picks. - 🔍Apartments and rooms Roberto B.
Review score: 9.3/10 · 113 reviews
A classic Valun stay offering rooms and apartments, positioned about 50 metres from the beach. Best for couples and families who want simple beach access and a long review history.
Neighborhood / landmark: About 50 metres from the beach
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi
Why it stands out: One of Valun’s most booked options with a large review history. - 🔍Sobe MaMaLu
Review score: 9.0/10 · 116 reviews
A beachfront B&B-style stay with a sea-facing feel and strong location feedback. Best for couples and short breaks where you want an easy village base with on-site dining.
Neighborhood / landmark: Beachfront; about 300 metres from Raca Beach
Key facilities: Beachfront; Free Wi-Fi; Restaurant
Why it stands out: Beachfront setting with a high review count in Valun.
Martinšćica Cres
Martinšćica is a relaxed village on the west side. It has a slower pace. It is a good base for beach hopping and day swims. Families like the calm feel. It is best for west-coast coves and longer stays with a car.
Best for:
Families
Travellers who want a quiet base
Longer stays with a car
Top Rated Stays in Martinšćica
- 🔍Apartments MartaMare
Review score: 9.9/10 · 33 reviews
Seafront-style apartments in Martinšćica with a simple, holiday-home setup focused on easy beach days. Best for couples and families who want a quiet base for swim-first mornings and relaxed evenings.
Neighborhood / landmark: Beachfront in Martinšćica
Key facilities: Beachfront; Free WiFi; Free parking; Non-smoking rooms
Why it stands out: One of the strongest “wake up on the sea” bases in Martinšćica by guest rating. - 🔍Sidus Maris, Spacious Seaside Apartment with Free Parking
Review score: 9.8/10 · 23 reviews
A roomy seaside apartment designed for longer, more independent stays. Best for families and small groups who want more space, sea views, and a calm village base.
Neighborhood / landmark: About a 9-minute walk to Gira Beach
Key facilities: Free parking
Why it stands out: Big-apartment comfort with standout reviews, while keeping a seaside feel. - 🔍Tanis Ocean Loft
Review score: 9.7/10 · 19 reviews
A modern loft-style apartment with a balcony and sea views for relaxed, self-catered holidays. Best for couples and small families who want a quieter coast base with quick beach access.
Neighborhood / landmark: About a 4-minute walk to Miholašćica Beach
Key facilities: Free WiFi
Why it stands out: High guest ratings in a calm pocket near a top swim beach. - 🔍Apartman Marina
Review score: 9.7/10 · 26 reviews
A spacious apartment base that’s all about location and ease for beach days and village walks. Best for families and couples who want everything close once they arrive.
Neighborhood / landmark: Beachfront; about 50 m from the beach (as noted in guest comments)
Key facilities: Free WiFi; Free parking; Beachfront; Family rooms; Non-smoking rooms
Why it stands out: A “leave the car and live on foot” pick with excellent location feedback. - 🔍APARTMANI SENKA – VILLA OLIVER
Review score: 9.1/10 · 56 reviews
A classic apartment stay with a strong beach-and-village balance and a solid review history. Best for travellers who want a quieter setting but still like being walkable to the village.
Neighborhood / landmark: By the beach, walkable into Martinšćica
Key facilities: Free parking; Free WiFi; Beachfront
Why it stands out: Higher review count than many Martinšćica listings while keeping a strong overall score.
Beli Cres
Beli sits in the north. It is linked to the Tramuntana area. You come for nature, trails, and views. It feels remote, in a good way. It is best for north hikes and Tramuntana access.
Best for:
Nature lovers
Hikers and cyclists
Travellers who want a peaceful base
Top Rated Stays in Beli
- 🔍House Bajota with terrace and sea view
Review score: 9.9/10 · 18 reviews
Holiday-home style stay in Beli with a terrace and a quiet, nature-first feel. Best for couples and slow travellers who want a peaceful base near the Tramuntana area with easy self-catered comfort.
Neighborhood / landmark: About 50 m from the centre of Beli
Key facilities: Free private parking; Free Wi-Fi; Terrace
Why it stands out: One of the highest-rated Beli stays with a strong review count and a terrace setup. - 🔍Villa Frane 101
Review score: 9.8/10 · 23 reviews
Spacious apartment-style base in Beli with a calm, residential feel and easy access to hiking and nature around the village. Best for families and couples who want more space and a quiet “reset” stay on Cres.
Neighborhood / landmark: Beli
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi
Why it stands out: Excellent location rating with standout guest feedback for comfort and views. - 🔍Mediterranean house Markoc new renovated!
Review score: 9.6/10 · 15 reviews
Renovated holiday-home style stay with mountain views and an outdoor seating setup. Best for couples and nature lovers who want a quiet Beli base with simple, self-catered comfort.
Neighborhood / landmark: Beli
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi
Why it stands out: Strong score for a renovated, outdoorsy Beli stay focused on peace and views. - 🔍Hobbit house Beli
Review score: 9.6/10 · 7 reviews
Villa-style stay in Beli with a balcony and a distinctive hideaway feel. Best for couples who want something different and a quiet base for walks and drives.
Neighborhood / landmark: Beli
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi; Free private parking; Balcony
Why it stands out: A memorable character stay that still scores exceptionally well in Beli. - 🔍The House
Review score: 9.5/10 · 4 reviews
Recently renovated holiday home in Beli with a terrace and a private, self-contained setup. Best for couples and small families who want a quiet village base with easy outdoor time.
Neighborhood / landmark: Beli
Key facilities: Terrace; Free private parking; Free Wi-Fi
Why it stands out: Renovated comfort-forward home base with a high score in a very small-market village.
Things to do on Cres Island
Cres rewards a simple plan. Pick one village morning. Pick one swim bay afternoon. Then slow down.
Spend time in Cres Town
Cres Town is the easiest place to settle in. It has the widest choice of shops and restaurants. The old lanes feel calm in the morning. The harbour feels best at golden hour.
Easy ideas in town:
Walk the waterfront and small squares
Find a quiet café in the old centre
Do a sunset stroll by the marina
Plan a low-key swim near town
Best beaches on Cres by area
Most beaches are pebbles or rock shelves. Water is usually very clear. Shade can be limited at midday. Reef shoes are a smart add.
Pebble beach tips:
Enter the sea slowly on rounded stones
Look for easier entry points and flat rock shelves
Bring shade in July and August
Pack water, because small bays have no shops
Beaches near Cres Town
These are best for easy logistics. They suit short swim breaks. They also work for car-free travellers.
Good for:
A quick swim before dinner
Families who want short transfers
Travellers without a car
Beaches near Valun
Valun sits on a sheltered bay. You get calm water on many days. The vibe is quiet and local. It is great for a simple beach rhythm.
Good for:
Couples
Slow swim days
Quiet evenings
Beaches near Martinšćica
Martinšćica has a relaxed west-coast feel. It works well for longer stays. You can do beach hopping at an easy pace.
Good for:
Families
Longer trips
Swimmers who want variety
Sv. Ivan Beach below Lubenice
Sv. Ivan is the iconic beach. It sits below the clifftop village of Lubenice. The view is dramatic. The hike is steep.
Choose this beach if:
You are fit and prepared
You start early or go late
You can handle the climb back
Skip the hike if it is very hot. Also skip it if the sea is rough.
Hidden coves and how to find them
Cres has many small bays. Some feel almost private. You often reach them by a short path. That is part of the charm.
How to choose a good cove:
Pick a bay with easier access in peak heat
Bring enough water and snacks
Avoid leaving valuables in the car
Take your rubbish back with you
Cres is not a sandy island. Pebble coves are normal. So are rocky entries. Use reef shoes and take it slow.
Plan around wind
Wind can change the sea fast. Bora and jugo are the common patterns. One coast can feel rough. The other coast can feel calm.
A simple rule helps. If the west feels choppy, try the east. If the east feels rough, try the west. Keep two backup bays saved on your phone. When in doubt, choose a sheltered bay. Skip exposed rocks if waves are up.
Visit Lubenice for the best viewpoints
Lubenice is one of the top stops on Cres. It is a tiny stone village on a ridge. The views are huge. The best light is late afternoon.
How to do it well:
Arrive before sunset crowds
Walk to the viewpoint calmly
Stay for the colour change
Drive back carefully after dark
If you do the Sv. Ivan hike:
Start early or go late
Pack plenty of water
Bring reef shoes for pebbles
The climb back is harder than the descent
Avoid midday heat in peak summer
Discover Beli and the griffon vulture story
Beli is small, historic, and proud. It also connects you to the island’s wildlife. The Beli Visitor Centre explains the conservation work. It is one of the most meaningful stops on Cres.
Good ways to combine Beli:
Village walk and coffee
Visitor centre visit
Short trail in the north
Swim stop on the way back
Respect nesting zones. Stay on marked paths. Avoid loud drones near cliffs.
Walk and ride in the Tramuntana forest
The Tramuntana area is the green north of Cres. It suits hikers and cyclists. Routes feel quieter than on many islands. Shade is a bonus in warmer months.
Tips for hiking Cres Island trails:
Start in the morning in summer
Carry more water than you expect
Wear shoes with good grip
Choose one trail, not five micro stops
Tips for cycling Cres Island routes:
Pick a route that matches your fitness
Expect climbs and windy sections
Carry a repair kit and water
Use lights if you ride near sunset
See Lake Vrana from viewpoints
Lake Vrana on Cres is a freshwater lake. It is the only drinking water source for Cres and Lošinj.
Access is strictly forbidden. That is normal for protected water. You can still enjoy the views. A few roadside viewpoints look down on the lake.
Cross to Osor and add Lošinj
Osor is the island link point. It is small and atmospheric. You can stop for a short walk. Then continue to Lošinj for a full day.
A smart Lošinj day plan:
Start early from Cres
Stop in Osor for a short stroll
Choose one Lošinj beach area
Add a promenade walk before dinner
Return with buffer for bridge openings
Try local food on Cres
Food on Cres is simple and seasonal. Many menus follow the sea. You can also plan one classic island meal.
What to look for:
Cres lamb
Creska janjetina on konoba menus
Cres sheep cheese
Creski sir with olive oil and bread
Keep it simple. Order one local dish. Add one salad or grilled vegetables. Finish with a slow walk.
Camping on Cres Island
Camping fits Cres perfectly. Mornings feel quiet and fresh. Swim access is often easy. Many camps have shaded pitches. Some also offer mobile homes.
Good camping areas to consider:
Camp Kovačine near Cres Town
Camp Slatina near Martinšćica
Camp Bijar near Osor
Camp Baldarin near Punta Križa
Camping is best for:
Families who want easy swim days
Road trips across the Kvarner islands
Travellers who love outdoor mornings
Quick camping tips:
Camps are usually seasonal.
Late spring and September feel calmer.
Book ahead for July and August.
Rainy day and low-energy ideas
Cres is best outdoors. But slow days still happen. Use them well.
Do a long lunch in town
Visit small villages for a coffee stop
Plan a scenic drive with viewpoints
Save your best beach for the next calm day
Cres Island itinerary 3 days
This plan suits a long weekend. It mixes the must-see highlights. It still leaves time for swim breaks.
Swap option: If it is too hot or windy, skip the Sv. Ivan hike. Do Lubenice viewpoints and an easy sheltered swim instead.
Day 1: Cres Town and easy beaches
Pace: Easy
Arrive and settle in
Walk the old town and harbour
Swim at a nearby bay
Sunset dinner by the marina
Day 2: Lubenice and Sv. Ivan Beach
Pace: Active
Drive to Lubenice early
Enjoy viewpoints and village lanes
Hike down to Sv. Ivan Beach below Lubenice if conditions suit
Return slowly and rest in the evening
Day 3: Beli and Tramuntana
Pace: Moderate
Visit Beli and the visitor centre
Choose a short trail in the Tramuntana area
Finish with a swim on the way back
Cres Island itinerary 5 days
This plan gives you a slower pace. It adds extra coves and an island-to-island day.
Swap option: If the sea is rough, make it a village-and-food day. If it is very hot, choose shaded Tramuntana walks and short swims.
Day 1: Cres Town and orientation
Pace: Easy
Harbour walk and old lanes
Easy swim
Dinner in town
Day 2: West-coast coves near Valun and Martinšćica
Pace: Easy
Pick one main cove
Add a second swim stop
Stay for golden-hour light
Day 3: Lubenice and viewpoints
Pace: Moderate
Village time and photos
Optional Sv. Ivan beach hike
Relaxed evening back at base
Day 4: Beli and Tramuntana forest
Pace: Moderate
Visitor centre and village
Trail walk or cycling loop
Local dinner, early night
Day 5: Osor and Lošinj day trip
Pace: Moderate
Stop in Osor
Continue to Lošinj for promenade and beaches
Return before bridge opening delays
Boat days and extra sea experiences
Cres is great from land. But boat time can level up the trip. It also helps you reach quiet water.
Easy boat ideas:
A short scenic ride from your base
A swim stop at a hard-to-reach cove
A sunset cruise for softer light
Boat days work best when:
The sea is calm
You want less driving
You want a new angle on the cliffs
Pack these basics:
Water and snacks
Sun protection
A light layer for wind
A dry bag for phones
Family tips for Cres Island
Cres can be a great family island. The pace is calm. The water is often clear. But beaches are usually pebbles.
What helps families most:
Choose a base with short transfers
Pick sheltered bays for calmer water
Plan one big activity per day
Keep afternoons flexible
Good family patterns:
Morning swim
Lunch and rest
Late afternoon village walk
Safety notes that matter:
Pebbles can be slippery
Sun is strong in mid-summer
Bring reef shoes for kids
Keep extra water in the car
Practical tips for a better Cres trip
These small details make a big difference.
Bring reef shoes for pebbles
Pack a dry bag for boat days
Carry cash for small places
Book popular stays early for July and August
Keep a flexible plan for windy days
Is Cres Island worth visiting
Yes, especially if you want quieter Croatia. Cres feels calm and natural. It is not built around big resort life.
Choose Cres if you want:
Clear water and pebble bays
Stone villages and viewpoints
Nature trails and wildlife stories
A relaxed Kvarner base
Skip Cres if you need:
Big nightlife
Sandy beaches as your main goal
Short transfers without a car
FAQs
What is Cres Island best known for?
Cres is best known for wild nature, clear coves, and stone villages. It is also known for the griffon vulture conservation story near Beli.
What are the best beaches on Cres?
Sv. Ivan below Lubenice is the iconic beach. Many other bays are pebble coves with clear water. The best choice depends on your base and wind.
How do you get to Cres Island?
Most travellers arrive by ferry. Common routes are Brestova–Porozina and Valbiska–Merag.
Is Cres good for families?
Yes. Families like the calmer pace and easy swim bays. Choose a base like Cres Town or Martinšćica for convenience.
Can you do a day trip from Cres to Lošinj?
Yes. Cross at Osor. Plan around bridge openings in summer. Start early to fit beaches and a promenade walk.
Do you need a car on Cres Island?
A car helps a lot. It makes coves and villages easier. Without a car, stay in Cres Town and keep plans simple.
Plan your Cres Island trip
Plan Cres in three simple steps. It keeps the trip easy and flexible.
Choose your base. Pick Cres Town for convenience. Pick Valun or Martinšćica for quiet swim days. Pick Beli for nature and trails.
Lock in three anchors. Choose one cliff-view village. Choose one full beach day. Choose one Tramuntana nature day.
Add smart backups. Save two sheltered coves for windy days. Keep one Lošinj day as a bonus plan.
Before you go, re-check ferry timetables. Also check Osor bridge opening notices.
Cres Island will do the rest. The best moments happen between the stops.
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