Cres travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Cres is one of the largest 1,200 islands along the Croatian coast. It is situated in the Gulf of Kvarner to the east of Istria. It is long, narrow and mountainous, stretching 68 km from north to south and 12 km across at its widest point. The incredible sheer of astonishing cliffs are a habitat of the griffon vulture, the largest bird in Europe. Photo  by: Reinhard.Pantke

The northern hills are cloaked in woodland of oak, hornbeam, elm and chestnut, in stunning contrast to the gazing pastures, olive groves and pine thickets further south. In the middle of the island, there is the mysterious natural phenomenon of Lake Vrana. It is the main source of fresh water for both Cres and neighbouring islands, but geologists cannot explain where its 220 million cu m of water comes from. Photo  by: robby_kos

There is also an evidence of Neolithic habitation on the island: traces of cave dwellings and Bronze and Iron Age hill-forts and tumuli. For several hundred years it was ruled by Venice before falling under the sway of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, eventually becoming integrated into Croatia in 1945. The island cultural heritage can be seen in the picturesque villages and the enchanting main town, where there are plenty of remains of the Venetian era. Photo  by: Alessandro Marinai

Surrounded by a crystal, clear blue sea, with isolated bays and rocky coves, the wild, sparsely populated island is scenically dotted with old ruins, cemeteries and chapels and huge diversity of native plants. Cres is an eco-tourist delight. Photo  by: kvajo

When to go: April to October. Population: 3,184. Getting there: The nearest international airports are Trieste, Pula and Zagreb. Cres can only be reached by boat, either directly on the 12 times daily ferry from Brestova, on the Istrian peninsula, or via the islands of Losinj or Krk. You should know: The beaches are clean, uncrowded and excellent for swimming and scuba diving. Photo  by: sesom