The island of Cres is the largest and, after Hvar, the longest Croatian island. It exudes a special mystery, an irresistible ease of living, as well as a peace that will overwhelm you when you start spending time there - and this will be confirmed by absolutely everyone who has visited it. You can start your tour of Cres by exploring small towns, each of which tells its own story, and in each you will come across hidden bays and beaches that you will not find anywhere else.
Did you know? The town of Lubenice, which is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, was named after a beautiful queen. Discover the story ON THE LINK.
Clear sea, clean air, rich flora and fauna, mild Mediterranean climate are the features Cres Lošinj archipelago which was once just one island, and today this is one of the most indented islands in the Adriatic made up of islands Lošinj, Cres, Unije, Ilovik, Vele and Mala Srakane and Susak. if you want to see dolphins on our coast, then the choice of this archipelago is a complete hit because almost two hundred individuals live here. There is no question that you will enjoy all the benefits of the sea on Cres, and here are suggestions of beaches where you can, without a doubt, spend the whole day and not get bored.
Mali Bok beach
Surrounded by high rocks and the sea, whose colors in the sun fade into all shades of blue and turquoise, this beach will make you wonder how it is possible that Mother Nature created something so beautiful, and at the same time soothing and fun - you could really spend time there all eternity and you wouldn't get bored.
Mali Bok beach is located far from the public eye, in a small town Eagle, which is only 12 kilometers from the town of Cres. True, this beach may not be the easiest to get to, but don't let that stop you.
We will give you brief instructions:
You can also reach the beach from the town of Cres, by a leisurely drive through the wooded interior of the island, along a local road approximately 12 kilometers long. You can park your car by the road, but you can only go down to the beach on foot, and you will be guided by a whitish path carved in the rock. You will feel it on this beach the primordial Mediterranean in the full sense of the word, in pure nature, without too many crowds.
Recommendation: When you go to this beach, take some food and water with you, considering that you may not find catering establishments in the immediate vicinity. Don't forget your sunscreen as there is no natural shade there.
Beach Sv. Ivan, Lubenice
In the immediate vicinity of Žanje bay is the beach of Sv. Ivan – one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in the world. Even the German magazine Bild ranked it 15th in the competition of the 40 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Where the asphalted road ends and the mysterious narrow macadam begins, the shorter drive to the historic town of Lubenica - a settlement on the island Cres, which is located 378 meters above the sea, and is over four thousand years old. Lubenice is mentioned as far back as antiquity, as a well-fortified and strategically important city Hibernation, in translation cold settlement - most likely due to the icy wind that is common in the settlements on top of the hill.
Getting to the beach:
You can reach the beach under the Lubenica cliff on foot on a steep path through a pine forest. Keep in mind that the walk can take about forty minutes, and a bit longer when you climb back up. The beach is also accessible by boat from the sea side.
This bay is decorated with white pebbles that shimmer in the sun, it is quiet, hidden from view and crowded due to the difficult access. There are usually no additional facilities on it, so the same rules apply as for the previous beach - bring enough food and water (because, believe me, you will want to stay all day) as well as sun protection.
Interesting fact: Due to its specific location, this beach is completely silent, so everyone who rests on it respects the privacy of this place and mostly communicates in whispers. Interesting, isn't it?
Beach Sv. Blaž
If you like the rocky coast, karst, romantic beaches far from the crowds and still want to return home with the most beautiful photos as a memory - come to the beach of Sv. Blaž.
It is special mainly because of the rocks and the view of Istria. It is located outside the village, on the northern part of the coast of the island of Cres. The beach can be reached on foot from the village of Cresa or by sea by boat. The main part of the beach, for sunbathing and swimming, is made of medium-sized pebbles.
It is quiet and hidden from view, despite its popularity, crowds will rarely stop you there. Go on an adventure with nature, bring your camera to capture beautiful moments by the sea and stock up on snacks and water so you can spend the whole day on the beach undisturbed.
A small note: There is low vegetation growing along the beach, specific to this part of the coast on the island, which is why there is no natural shade.
Stara Porozina beach
Another wild, more difficult to reach, but worth the effort, Stara Porozina beach is located near the town of Porozina, where the ferry pier is located on the route Brestova - Porozina. The beach is pebbly and easily accessible from the village itself, and to get to it, you need to go down through the forest. If you want to experience for one day what it's like to live in harmony with pure nature, surrounded by shade and the sea, make this beach your first choice. Mysterious, hidden from the crowd, it will provide a kind of adventure to anyone who makes an effort to reach it.
Koromačna beach
The easiest way to get to the beach is from the nearby town of Belej, and it can be accessed both by sea and by land. As soon as you get close to it, you will see its greatest peculiarity: rocks and shallow caves which you can swim to, and are extremely photogenic.
You will rarely see crowds on Koromačna, so it is ideal for taking a nap in silence with the sound of the waves. This beach is also a favorite of boaters who can easily moor their boats on the pier next to the beach.
6. Slatina beach
You come on vacation with your a pet? Slatina Beach, just a kilometer from Martinščica on Cres, is your first choice that you will look for on the map when you arrive on the island. There is a separate part of the beach where dogs are allowed to swim. Slatina Beach is located in the camp of the same name, and you can reach the camp by car, camper, bicycle or on foot. The parking lot is only 200 meters away.
Showers, changing cabins and fields for sports activities are also available on the beach. For swimming, choose what you prefer - rocky coves or pebbles.
If you get hungry, be sure to visit one of the restaurants near the beach offering local island cuisine, which is a shame to miss while you're there. Tastes of tradition and the Mediterranean on a plate, and around you a view of the blue - we just imagined a perfect day at the annual, do you agree?
7. Beach Beli
Beli beach, located, as its name suggests, below the thousand-year-old settlement of Beli in the north of the island of Cres. On one side, the beach is in contact with the rocks, while on the other side, the walled part of the harbor continues. The beach is equipped with showers, toilets, shops and a parking lot.
Also, you will have a lot of fun there along the way if you are looking for something more than lying on the beach. When you want to be active, rent a kayak or SUP and go on an adventure in the clear sea.
The beach is suitable for all ages, as well as for families with children.
Photo source: Tourist board of the town of Cres
