Guidebook for Cres
Food Scene
KONOBA KUMPANIJA CRES
13 Melin IKonoba Bukaleta
Konoba HIBERNICIA
Restaurant Riva is located in the center of Cres, for lovers of seafood delicacies we recommend this restaurant.
Restaurant "Riva"
Restaurant Riva is located in the center of Cres, for lovers of seafood delicacies we recommend this restaurant.
Parks & Nature
Once upon a time, in the place of the present-day village of Lubenice stood a Roman settlement called Hibernicia. Its name probably derived from the Latin adjective hibernum, meaning wintry, which could be associated with its position on top of a 378-metre cliff above the sea, exposed to strong winds in the winter. Hibernicia was founded at the site of a pre-historic hillfort. Its position ensured strategic control over the waterways of the west part of the Kvarner Gulf. It started as a Roman fort which eventually developed into a rural settlement surrounded by agricultural fields. Very few Roman remains have survived to the present. In the past, the settlement was enclosed by city walls whose remains are still visible today, together with what remains of the city gates. The medieval architecture of Lubenice leaves a strong impression on visitors: to walk through the ancient, narrow, winding streets feels like walking through corridors of history, and being transported back in time.
As you arrive to Lubenice, already the first view is breath-taking. The former strategic observatory is now a panoramic point you simply do not want to leave. However, make the effort and go explore Lubenice. The 15th-century Gothic church of Saint Anthony the Abbot is located at the parking lot at the entrance to the city. Its impressive position makes it seem like it was chiselled out of the very rock it stands on. Feel free to enter the church and experience its fantastic acoustics.
The bell tower (built in 1791) near the church belongs to the main parish church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Originally there was a bell tower adjacent to the church, but it was deconstructed the same year it was built since it was attracting too many lightning strikes, which were causing damage both to the bell tower and to the church.
The foundations of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary date back to the dawn of the village itself, but they are no longer visible. The church you see today was renovated in the 18th century and extended in 1907.
Do not miss the Museum of Sheep Breeding, a small museum dedicated to wool. Shepherding is still very common on Cres, and the wool from local sheep used to be held in great esteem. Visit the museum and find out more about the history of wool on Cres.
The beautiful beach of Sveti Ivan (Saint John) lies just under Lubenice. The beach can be reached on foot. The footpath, which starts at Lubenice, is steep and narrow and it takes about 45 minutes to get there, but this beach is worth the effort. In the summer, numerous visitors gather at Lubenice to attend the Lubenice Musical Evenings, organized by the City of Cres. Concerts are held at the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in the square in front of the church on the occasion of the festival’s opening and closing evenings. Concerts are performed by renowned Croatian and international musicians.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lubenice
Once upon a time, in the place of the present-day village of Lubenice stood a Roman settlement called Hibernicia. Its name probably derived from the Latin adjective hibernum, meaning wintry, which could be associated with its position on top of a 378-metre cliff above the sea, exposed to strong winds in the winter. Hibernicia was founded at the site of a pre-historic hillfort. Its position ensured strategic control over the waterways of the west part of the Kvarner Gulf. It started as a Roman fort which eventually developed into a rural settlement surrounded by agricultural fields. Very few Roman remains have survived to the present. In the past, the settlement was enclosed by city walls whose remains are still visible today, together with what remains of the city gates. The medieval architecture of Lubenice leaves a strong impression on visitors: to walk through the ancient, narrow, winding streets feels like walking through corridors of history, and being transported back in time.
As you arrive to Lubenice, already the first view is breath-taking. The former strategic observatory is now a panoramic point you simply do not want to leave. However, make the effort and go explore Lubenice. The 15th-century Gothic church of Saint Anthony the Abbot is located at the parking lot at the entrance to the city. Its impressive position makes it seem like it was chiselled out of the very rock it stands on. Feel free to enter the church and experience its fantastic acoustics.
The bell tower (built in 1791) near the church belongs to the main parish church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Originally there was a bell tower adjacent to the church, but it was deconstructed the same year it was built since it was attracting too many lightning strikes, which were causing damage both to the bell tower and to the church.
The foundations of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary date back to the dawn of the village itself, but they are no longer visible. The church you see today was renovated in the 18th century and extended in 1907.
Do not miss the Museum of Sheep Breeding, a small museum dedicated to wool. Shepherding is still very common on Cres, and the wool from local sheep used to be held in great esteem. Visit the museum and find out more about the history of wool on Cres.
The beautiful beach of Sveti Ivan (Saint John) lies just under Lubenice. The beach can be reached on foot. The footpath, which starts at Lubenice, is steep and narrow and it takes about 45 minutes to get there, but this beach is worth the effort. In the summer, numerous visitors gather at Lubenice to attend the Lubenice Musical Evenings, organized by the City of Cres. Concerts are held at the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in the square in front of the church on the occasion of the festival’s opening and closing evenings. Concerts are performed by renowned Croatian and international musicians.
The Roman settlement of Caput Insulae, located in the place of the present-day Beli, was founded at the site of a pre-historic hillfort which had a significant role in controlling the sea territory between the islands of Cres and Krk. The Roman settlement was probably founded as a veteran colony, and judging by a discovered inscription it was founded during the rule of Emperor Tiberius. The existence of a significant Roman settlement at the location of present-day Beli is evidenced by the collection of Roman epigraphs compiled by bishop Dinarizio in the 18th century, by the remains of a temple and a forum discovered on the site, and by the remains of the city walls that were still visible until recently. The bridge over a deep gully just west of the town dates back to the Roman period, so it is known as the “Roman bridge”. The bridge is a part of an old road which once lead from the city gate towards south. The bridge is 8 metres long, 4.7 metres wide, and 12 metres high. The bridge and the road underwent a reconstruction in 1878. Random excavations revealed numerous graves from the Roman period, some of which had plenty of artefacts.
Beli, the former Roman settlement of Caput Insulae (Latin for “the Head of the Island”), is the centre of the north part of the island. The little ancient settlement is located on a hilltop above the sea, with a great view of the surroundings. At the foot of the hill lies a small cove with a shingle beach and a campsite. Beli is filled with architectural gems dating from various historical periods. Here you can find remains from the Roman Age, medieval forts, Gothic churches, Glagolitic inscriptions, and varied colours and ornaments on house facades. Make sure you visit the Beli Visitor Centre, dedicated to the main natural attraction of the island: griffon vultures. The centre also functions as a rescue centre with a recuperation area for injured birds. The centre tells the story of one of the biggest birds in the sky, with a 2.8-metre wingspan. Griffon vultures are true adventurers: they explore the world for the first five years of their lives, before returning to the island to settle down, find a mate and build a nest. Cres is one of the last remaining natural nesting habitats for these rare and endangered birds.
In terms of tourism, Beli and its lovely beach next to a safe harbour are oriented towards family tourism and camping. It is also the starting point for a number of bike and hike trails leading through the surrounding Tramontana woodland.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beli
The Roman settlement of Caput Insulae, located in the place of the present-day Beli, was founded at the site of a pre-historic hillfort which had a significant role in controlling the sea territory between the islands of Cres and Krk. The Roman settlement was probably founded as a veteran colony, and judging by a discovered inscription it was founded during the rule of Emperor Tiberius. The existence of a significant Roman settlement at the location of present-day Beli is evidenced by the collection of Roman epigraphs compiled by bishop Dinarizio in the 18th century, by the remains of a temple and a forum discovered on the site, and by the remains of the city walls that were still visible until recently. The bridge over a deep gully just west of the town dates back to the Roman period, so it is known as the “Roman bridge”. The bridge is a part of an old road which once lead from the city gate towards south. The bridge is 8 metres long, 4.7 metres wide, and 12 metres high. The bridge and the road underwent a reconstruction in 1878. Random excavations revealed numerous graves from the Roman period, some of which had plenty of artefacts.
Beli, the former Roman settlement of Caput Insulae (Latin for “the Head of the Island”), is the centre of the north part of the island. The little ancient settlement is located on a hilltop above the sea, with a great view of the surroundings. At the foot of the hill lies a small cove with a shingle beach and a campsite. Beli is filled with architectural gems dating from various historical periods. Here you can find remains from the Roman Age, medieval forts, Gothic churches, Glagolitic inscriptions, and varied colours and ornaments on house facades. Make sure you visit the Beli Visitor Centre, dedicated to the main natural attraction of the island: griffon vultures. The centre also functions as a rescue centre with a recuperation area for injured birds. The centre tells the story of one of the biggest birds in the sky, with a 2.8-metre wingspan. Griffon vultures are true adventurers: they explore the world for the first five years of their lives, before returning to the island to settle down, find a mate and build a nest. Cres is one of the last remaining natural nesting habitats for these rare and endangered birds.
In terms of tourism, Beli and its lovely beach next to a safe harbour are oriented towards family tourism and camping. It is also the starting point for a number of bike and hike trails leading through the surrounding Tramontana woodland.
Shopping
Plodine
22 Turion ul.Drinks & Nightlife
Caffe bar Arsan
Plavica Cres
4 Ul. Lungo mare Svetog MikuleVina Miramar
Palada ulicaArts & Culture
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.
A bronze sculpture of Frane Petrić by Marija Ujević-Galetović stands in front of the museum. The Renaissance scholar Frane Petrić was born in Cres, but his family branch was connected to the nearby Moise palace. The Arsan palace, however, was commissioned by his relative from a different branch of the Petris family, bishop Antonio Marcello de Petris.
The construction of first patrician palaces in Cres started in the early 16th century, following the relocation of the seat of the local government from Osor to Cres. Local patrician families started commissioning houses in the new seat: Cres.
When it was first constructed, the palace was located at the very edge of the city walls, but today it is surrounded by other houses. The palace is an architectural mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles: its west façade was built in the Gothic style and the south façade reveals Renaissance style. The ground floor space was rented out to craftsmen and tradesmen, while the upper floors were used as living space. The former first-floor master bedroom hides one of the palace’s points of interest: a Renaissance toilet, located in a niche in the wall.
The palace has numerous coats of arms – most of them, of course, belonging to the Petris family.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cres Museum
7 Ribarska ul.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.
A bronze sculpture of Frane Petrić by Marija Ujević-Galetović stands in front of the museum. The Renaissance scholar Frane Petrić was born in Cres, but his family branch was connected to the nearby Moise palace. The Arsan palace, however, was commissioned by his relative from a different branch of the Petris family, bishop Antonio Marcello de Petris.
The construction of first patrician palaces in Cres started in the early 16th century, following the relocation of the seat of the local government from Osor to Cres. Local patrician families started commissioning houses in the new seat: Cres.
When it was first constructed, the palace was located at the very edge of the city walls, but today it is surrounded by other houses. The palace is an architectural mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles: its west façade was built in the Gothic style and the south façade reveals Renaissance style. The ground floor space was rented out to craftsmen and tradesmen, while the upper floors were used as living space. The former first-floor master bedroom hides one of the palace’s points of interest: a Renaissance toilet, located in a niche in the wall.
The palace has numerous coats of arms – most of them, of course, belonging to the Petris family.
The Museum of Apoxyomenos is a unique archaeological and architectural cultural institution in our region and it is entirely dedicated to only one exhibit – the bronze statue of a young athlete, the Apoxyomenos. The statue was discovered in 1997 by a Belgian tourist at the depth of 45 m. In 1999, it was taken out of the sea where it spent nearly two millennia.
The Museum of Apoxyomenos tells the original story of an athlete of perfect physical proportions, a piece of art that is impressive in its wholeness and beauty of composition. The bronze statue of Apoxyomenos dates to either 2nd or 1st c. B.C., and its name stems from Greek term for an athlete that is cleaning his body from oil, sweat, and sand after exercise or competition. The Lošinj athlete depicts the moment when he’s cleaning his scraper. The statue is entirely preserved, only missing a little finger of the left hand, eyes, and the scraper, while the right foot was still attached to the original bronze base. Following its removal from the sea bed, the conservation and restoration works on the statue were entrusted to the Croatian Restoration Institute in Zagreb and lasted 6 years, after which the statue was exhibited in some of the most important museums around the world (Louvre, British Museum, J.P Getty Museum).
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museum of Apoxyomenos
13 Riva lošinjskih kapetanaThe Museum of Apoxyomenos is a unique archaeological and architectural cultural institution in our region and it is entirely dedicated to only one exhibit – the bronze statue of a young athlete, the Apoxyomenos. The statue was discovered in 1997 by a Belgian tourist at the depth of 45 m. In 1999, it was taken out of the sea where it spent nearly two millennia.
The Museum of Apoxyomenos tells the original story of an athlete of perfect physical proportions, a piece of art that is impressive in its wholeness and beauty of composition. The bronze statue of Apoxyomenos dates to either 2nd or 1st c. B.C., and its name stems from Greek term for an athlete that is cleaning his body from oil, sweat, and sand after exercise or competition. The Lošinj athlete depicts the moment when he’s cleaning his scraper. The statue is entirely preserved, only missing a little finger of the left hand, eyes, and the scraper, while the right foot was still attached to the original bronze base. Following its removal from the sea bed, the conservation and restoration works on the statue were entrusted to the Croatian Restoration Institute in Zagreb and lasted 6 years, after which the statue was exhibited in some of the most important museums around the world (Louvre, British Museum, J.P Getty Museum).
On the hill just outside the historical centre stands the last of the five towers that were once part of the fortification system constructed to defend the city of Cres. The tower was located at the highest point of the city walls, whose line followed the present-day Put fortece and Zagrebačka streets. Due to such a position, the tower had both a defensive and a scouting purpose. The tower is open to public and its roof is accessible through a few flights of wooden stairs. Entrance fee applies
Cres Tower
8 Melin VOn the hill just outside the historical centre stands the last of the five towers that were once part of the fortification system constructed to defend the city of Cres. The tower was located at the highest point of the city walls, whose line followed the present-day Put fortece and Zagrebačka streets. Due to such a position, the tower had both a defensive and a scouting purpose. The tower is open to public and its roof is accessible through a few flights of wooden stairs. Entrance fee applies
Sightseeing
Valun is a small picturesque fishermen’s and farmers’ village between two beautiful pebble beaches to the north of the city of Cres.
Its origins are related to the harbour of the old village Bućev the remnants of which were found near St Mark church.
In St Mark church the Valun Table from 11th Century was found: the Valun Table is one of the oldest Glagolitic monuments and is kept in the Parish church in Valun. Besides these landmarks, a collection of Glagolitic stone fragments located on the terrace of a today’s restaurant are also worth seeing: this collection shows copies of the oldest Glagolitic inscriptions from Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia.
Gastronomy and particularly fish delicacie
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Valun
Valun is a small picturesque fishermen’s and farmers’ village between two beautiful pebble beaches to the north of the city of Cres.
Its origins are related to the harbour of the old village Bućev the remnants of which were found near St Mark church.
In St Mark church the Valun Table from 11th Century was found: the Valun Table is one of the oldest Glagolitic monuments and is kept in the Parish church in Valun. Besides these landmarks, a collection of Glagolitic stone fragments located on the terrace of a today’s restaurant are also worth seeing: this collection shows copies of the oldest Glagolitic inscriptions from Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia.
Gastronomy and particularly fish delicacie
Beli
Lubenice
Gastronomska scena
Gourmet dishes on the island are unquestionably worth pointing out.
Imagination has always been a must for preparing food: having only a few ingredients, it takes a lot of love and effort to make a tasty dish. Dishes prepared according to the old traditional recipes, seasoned with local aromatic herbs and olive oil are a typical trait of Cres cuisine.
The most admired delicacy of Cres is certainly lamb: its taste is extraordinary thanks to the traditional free sheep grazing – the pasture is rich in both salt and vegetation. Homemade sheep cheese with prosciutto and olives make a delicious starter to any meal.
Seafood lovers can go for fresh fish, shrimps, lobsters and other crabs and clams prepared in many different ways and seasoned with homemade olive oil. One should definitely end the meal with a glass of homemade brandy with aromatic herbs.
In addition to original dishes from the island, many restaurants and trattorias also offer international cuisine.
Visit restaurants on the island of Cres and enjoy local delicacies.
Welcome to “Luna Rossa”, our pizzeria and spaghetteria where Italian cuisine enthusiasts will certainly get their way.
Take a seat on out pleasant terrace and enjoy the unforgettable atmosphere with the delicious dishes from our menu, especially our pizzas and homemade pasta. Italian cuisine will thrill you with a great variety of delicacies. We are most famous for our hand-made ravioli and gnocchi, as well as various types of spaghetti and black dough pizzas. There is also a wide choice of vegetarian dishes. Taking care of your healthy eating habits is easy at our restaurant, since we make dishes which are at the same time healthy and very tasty. We welcome our guests with an open heart.
Luna Rossa
4b Palada ul.Welcome to “Luna Rossa”, our pizzeria and spaghetteria where Italian cuisine enthusiasts will certainly get their way.
Take a seat on out pleasant terrace and enjoy the unforgettable atmosphere with the delicious dishes from our menu, especially our pizzas and homemade pasta. Italian cuisine will thrill you with a great variety of delicacies. We are most famous for our hand-made ravioli and gnocchi, as well as various types of spaghetti and black dough pizzas. There is also a wide choice of vegetarian dishes. Taking care of your healthy eating habits is easy at our restaurant, since we make dishes which are at the same time healthy and very tasty. We welcome our guests with an open heart.
Buffet Regata Cres is located in the center of Cres. For lovers of seafood delicacies we recommend this restaurant.
Buffet Regata
Buffet Regata Cres is located in the center of Cres. For lovers of seafood delicacies we recommend this restaurant.
From the offer of “Porta Bragadina” Restaurant & Grill House: cold appetizers, prosciutto, Pag cheese, the “Porta Bragadina” cold platter for two people (prosciutto, cheese, cheese with truffles, bacon, Dalmatian šokol, sausage with truffles), octopus salad, salted and marinated anchovies. Pasta dishes include homemade fuži with beef stew or octopus stew, and fuži with truffles.
Fish dishes include fried squid and grilled squid, tuna steak and swordfish steak on grill. We prepare meat dishes on Lava Grill (volcanic stone grill). The specialty of the house is aged beef (beefsteak, rump steak, T-Bone steak, Fiorentina steak, Tomahawk steak) with green pepper or truffle sauce. We also have ćevapćići in flatbread, burgers, cheese-stuffed burgers, and chicken breast and chicken skewers in mushroom sauce. Our menu also contains various salads and desserts, such as panna cotta and pancakes with Nutella, homemade jam, or with ice cream.
Grill&BBQ House Porta Bragadina
From the offer of “Porta Bragadina” Restaurant & Grill House: cold appetizers, prosciutto, Pag cheese, the “Porta Bragadina” cold platter for two people (prosciutto, cheese, cheese with truffles, bacon, Dalmatian šokol, sausage with truffles), octopus salad, salted and marinated anchovies. Pasta dishes include homemade fuži with beef stew or octopus stew, and fuži with truffles.
Fish dishes include fried squid and grilled squid, tuna steak and swordfish steak on grill. We prepare meat dishes on Lava Grill (volcanic stone grill). The specialty of the house is aged beef (beefsteak, rump steak, T-Bone steak, Fiorentina steak, Tomahawk steak) with green pepper or truffle sauce. We also have ćevapćići in flatbread, burgers, cheese-stuffed burgers, and chicken breast and chicken skewers in mushroom sauce. Our menu also contains various salads and desserts, such as panna cotta and pancakes with Nutella, homemade jam, or with ice cream.