Overlooking a sheltered bay, Cres is a historic Venetian town on the island of Cres. It’s clustered with buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries and features an excellent museum to explore. It also offers easy access to pebbly beaches and charming coastal towns.
Things to do in Cres
Spend an afternoon wandering through the historic streets of Cres to see several landmarks dating from Venetian rule. Admire the 16th-century Venetian Tower and the Renaissance architecture of the Palace Arsan, which is now home to the Cres Museum. It details life on the island throughout the centuries with local costumes, everyday artefacts and vintage weaponry on display.
In the centre of town is the Church of Our Lady of Snow, which was originally built in the 16th century and is topped by a bell tower that was added two centuries later. You can follow the breezy seaside promenade that leads to the town’s pebbly beach or walk in the opposite direction to reach the boat-filled marina.
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the village of Osor, a former trading port that was once one of the largest Roman towns on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. It’s home to a fascinating Archaeological Museum where ancient stone fragments, medieval ornaments and Renaissance decorative sculptures are exhibited within the former city hall.
Getting around Cres
Regular car ferries connect from the town of Merag on Cres Island to Valbiska on Krk Island and also travel from the town of Porozina to Brestova on the Istrian Peninsula. Mali Losinj Airport is a 45-minute drive away on the island of Losinj. Buses connect to destinations across Cres Island, although having your own vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore.