|
Cres is the island in the northern Adriatic with area of 404.3 sq. kilometers, and the highest point is Gorica, on altitude of 648 meters. It has 29 settlements and 3,238 inhabitants. The coast of the island is poorly indented, there are only few bays: Koromačna on the eastern coast, and Creska luka, Valun, Martinščica and luka Ustrine on the western coast. In the central part there is a large fresh water lake Vrana with the area of 5.75 sq. kilometers. The bottom of that lake is 68 meters below the sea level. The northern part of the island is richer with forests, while the southern part has more scarce vegetation.
The largest settlements are: Cres,Osor, Martinščica, Valun and Beli.
The island has been inhabited since Neolithic (the cave settlement Punta Križa). In Roman times, the joint name for the islands of Cres and Losinj was Apsirtides.
There is also the special ornithological reservate for protection of rare bjeloglavi sup. This island should preserve its attraction and identity as the island of wilderness and great contrasts in nature together with the exceptional cultural heritage.
The ferryboat connections: with the m mainland, Rijeka - Porozina and Brestova - Porozina; and from the island of Krk, Valbiska (Krk) -Merag (Cres). CRES
Th. small town on the western coast of the island in a well sheltered bay. It was inhabited since prehistoric times. The old core preserved parts of the city walls, three town gates and defense towers from the 16th century. There is the Gothic- Renaissance church from the 15th century and the corn magazine from the 15th century that is turned in a hotel. You can also see the belfry with a clock from the 16th century, the medieval church of St Izidor and a few late Gothic Palaces, (Petris, Rodinis).
Hotels: Kimen; Cres.
Marina: ACI CRES is located on the western coast with 450 places on the floating docks and 250 on the dry docks. It has cranes of 30 and 10 tons, slipway, shipyard, different workshops, shopping center, sport center, restaurant, there is also a charter fleet available. It is open through the whole year.
Camp: Kovačine. VALUN
The place in the broad cove Valun, not far from the town of Cres. Near the coast there is the parish church of St. Mary. The famous Valunska ploča (the Valun Table), one of the oldest Glagolitic monuments, from the 9th century, is built in the wall of the sacristy of that church.
Camp: Zdovica MARTINŠČICA
The place is in the cove of the same name with a complex of the weekend houses and a camp.
Camp: Slatina . BELI
The place 25 kilometers from Cres, on the hill 130 meters above the sea level. Pod Beli is the small port below Beli, on the very coast, with a gravel beach, weekend houses and auto-camp. There are finds from Roman times. In the early Middle Ages, Beli was a fortified Croatian town (castrum) and independent district. There are few Romanesque churches in the surroundings. Beli is also the seat of the Croatian Society for Protection of National and Cultural Heritage (Europe Conservation Croatia) that started the project of the protection of bjeloglavi sup. Camp: Brajdi na moru LUBENICE
This town near Valun is unique example of the medieval fortified settlement raised on the cliff. It used to be an important urbane center. It was built along one main street, with defense walls that protected the settlement. In the settlement and its surrounding there are a few local Romanesque and Gothic churches. OSOR
The settlement on the south-western side of the island. It located on the isthmus that connects the islands Cres and Lošinj. There is a draw bridge across the small passage that was cut through the isthmus. The Osor and its surrounding area were inhabited since prehistory (Illyrian hill forts and necropolis). In Roman times, Apsoros is municipium and trade center. Since the 6th century, it is the seat of a diocese.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, it gradually decline because of the new naval ways and epidemics of plaque and malaria. There are numerous remains from the antiquity: the city wall, basis of the temple, public buildings with mosaics, villae rusticae, inscriptions, and graves. On the main square there is the cathedral of St. Mary from the 15th century. The museum is located in the old city hall. On the square, you can also see the cistern, ornamented with wattle-work motives.
Camps: Bijar, Prekomosta. PUNTA KRIŽA
Tourist place in the south of the island, famous of its nudist beaches in the coves Ul and Jadriščica. The town is also known by the traditional New Year diving and underwater fishing events.
Camp: Punta Križa. |
