Attractions on Cres Island

Cres island is one of the remaining habitats of the griffon vulture, a rare and endangered scavenging bird of prey. The Cres population is the only one in the world that nests on the cliffs right above the sea. “Beli Visitor Centre and Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures” (in Beli, at the north part of the island) is dedicated to the preservation of griffon vultures.

The Arsan palace, the oldest patrician palace in Cres, was constructed in the place of a former arsan (It. aresenale, shipyard), which is how it got its name “Arsan”. At present it is home to the Cres City Museum. The museum has eight structured collections.

The Sheep Breeding Museum, a volunteer project started by a local rural association “Ruralna otočna grupa” (Eng. the Rural Island Group), is located inside the former parochial house of Lubenice. The museum is a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization, founded with the goal of preserving the material and non-material cultural and historical heritage of Cres. In addition to the permanent exhibition which displays the works and traditions related to shepherding, the organization has also implemented a series of projects focused on the preservation of traditional architecture, revitalization of local economy, introduction of renewable energy sources, environmental protection, ambient design oriented towards landscape interpretation, and the promotion of sustainable tourism on the island.

In Martinšćica, you can visit the museum "Andrija Linardić" dedicated to the pioneers of the production of essential oil from sage, immortelle and laurel - father and son Andrija Linardić – who have founded an essential oil factory in Martinšćica in 1903.

The unique authentic products and artistic creations of the Cres Ruta Association are a brand of the island of Cres – its recognisable, must-have souvenirs, which can now be found on every continent of the world. Through 20 years of work, the Ruta Association has successfully made use of discarded wool and popularised working with wool.

Tramuntana is the name of the north part of the island of Cres. Cres is a long island and its north part is still in a continental climate belt, while the climate of the south part is already Mediterranean. Therefore the north part is significantly different from the rest of the island: it is covered with deep forests of oak and chestnut, full of mushrooms and mossy rocks, and forest animals such as rabbits, deer, wild boars, mouflons, even moles (which do not live on other Adriatic islands). Snowfall is not unusual in winter, and in the summer the forest is nice and fresh in comparison with other parts of the island.

A special atmosphere reigns over the north part of the island of Cres, making it a perfect place for relaxing in peace and quiet and connecting with nature. There are 7 labyrinths and 7 educational trails.