7 Best Sights in Cres, Kvarner

The northern end of Cres is mountainous and forested, harboring wildlife such as the rare griffin vulture. This rescue center helps protect and rescue these beasts, as well as preserve the environment and heritage of the island. The center houses rescued vultures before they are released back into the wild and includes educational info on the biodiversity and history of northern Cres, bird-watching, eco-trails, and volunteer opportunities. The naturalists that run the center are full of passion about their work and are excited teachers. Visit this center with your kids to learn more about these protected birds, then try to spot the griffins flying in their natural habitat around the cliffs of the island. From November to April, the center is open by appointment only, so call in advance during this period.

Tucked into a well-protected bay midway down the island, Cres Town is set around a lovely little fishing harbor, small but perfectly formed, with numerous Gothic and Renaissance churches, monasteries, and palaces. For the most part these are in the Old Town, which sits protected by winged Venetian lions atop three 16th-century gates, the only remains of a defensive wall. A small harbor (Mandrać), as well as a municipal loggia built in the 15th-century, remain the soul of the town.

The town beach, at Camp Kovačine, holds a Blue Flag award for cleanliness. To get there, follow the path around the harbor from the main road and keep going for at least 15 minutes along the promenade, where you'll find spots to jump into the water and the odd café or restaurant to keep you fueled. Although the seaside here is man-made, it somehow doesn't detract too much from the experience.

One of the most tempting beaches on the island is on the western coast of Cres at the foot of a steep cliff, at the top of which is the tiny village of Lubenice, which offers great views out to sea and up the western coast. This picturesque collection of houses that surrounds the 15th-century Church of St. Anthony the Hermit has been clinging to its outcrop for around 4,000 years. The hamlet is popular among artsy types and hosts exhibitions and music performances in the summer. From the beach below, a short walk through vineyards will bring you to Žanja Cove, which has a blue grotto, a cave at water level that fills with brilliant blue light as strong sunlight filters through the azure water.

At the southwestern tip of Cres is the town of Osor, whose strategic position on the channel between the islands of Cres and Lošinj ensured that wealth flowed into the town from trade ships. Famous for its garden sculptures, a wander through this well-preserved medieval town makes for a pleasant afternoon in an exceptionally tranquil location. There's even a cathedral, reflecting its former status, and many important archaeological sites have been discovered in the vicinity.

Housed in the former city hall near the cathedral, this museum contains one of the oldest archeological collections in Croatia, including artifacts from across the Roman empire.

Housed in the former city hall near the cathedral, this museum contains one of the oldest archeological collections in Croatia, including artifacts from across the Roman empire.

Across the bay from Cres, the village of Valun has a nice beach. The town's claim to fame is the Valun Tablet, a gravestone that is one of the oldest known examples of Glagolitic script. The tablet is now kept in the parish church, right on the waterfront. Get to Valun by car or by taking the wooden boat that sits just outside the Cres Harbor wall; it's easily spotted from the main square.