Cres

Cres Island in Croatia is popularly known as the island of ghosts and vultures. The Cres Island sits on the Adriatic and is one of the northern-most islands in the Kvarner Gulf. It is possible to reach Cres by taking a ferry from Rijeka, the Krk Island, or from the Istrian Peninsula. In fact, Cres is the largest island tied with Krk Island.

Spread over an area of 45.78 square kilometers, Cres is almost the same size as its neighbor Krk, but Krk Island has held the spot of being the largest island in Croatia. Whereas the reality is that Cres is tied with Krk.

Cres and the nearby island of Losinj used to be one island earlier but were divided by a channel that rose over time and is now connected with a bridge at the town of Osor. The only source of fresh water in Cres is the mesmerizing Lake Vrana.

The history of Cres goes back to the second century when the Romans took control of it. After becoming independent in the tenth century, the island was again overtaken multiple times by the Venetian Empire between 1000-1797. In the early 1800s, the island became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and during World War I, it was taken under Italian rule. It was at the end of the Second World War that the island was handed over to Yugoslavia, and it became a part of Croatia when the country declared its independence in 1991.

Being under so many different rulers, the island's culture and architecture are a testament to this diverse and incredible history. Cres is also the perfect getaway for those who prefer less crowded tourist attractions.

There are many beautiful attractions to check out on the island. The village of Martinscica is a breathtakingly beautiful site to check out, sitting on a bay with a pristine pebble beach. This makes an enjoyable swimming stop, especially in the summers. Make sure to carry your camera along, as this bay provides some of the most stunning pictures in Croatia.

Check out Niksa, Krizic, and Sis, which are some of the major peaks on Cres Island. These will also give you some stunning panoramic views overlooking the Kvarner Bay. Having over 100 kilometers of marked trails, hiking in Cres is a popular activity and also the best way to see all the natural treasures of the island, including the beautiful freshwater Lake Vrana, the Tramontana Woods with its hornbeam, oak, chestnut, and archaeological sites, and if you are a keen bird watcher, take some time out to look at the sky and spot the endangered Eurasian Griffon vulture, one of the endangered birds in Croatia.

Another thing Cres Island is famous for is its sage honey. Sage honey is one of the most popular types of honey on this island, along with honeydew honey and mixed honey. Due to its brilliant geographical position and amazing biodiversity, the island of Cres is full of beautiful sage fields, which produce some of the best sage honey in the world. So if you have the time, make it a point to check out the many honey manufacturing plants in Cres.