Cres

Cres

Cres is an island in the Adriatic Sea, located in west Croatia. It is one of the northern islands in the Kvarner Gulf. You can reach it by ferry from Rijeka, Krk island, or from the Istrian peninsula, between Brestova and Porozina.

Cres covers an area of 405.78 square kilometres, about the same size as its neighbour, Krk island. In 2011, 3,079 people lived there. In the past, Cres and the nearby island of Lošinj were one big island. Now they are separated by a channel but linked by a bridge that starts in the town of Osor. The only fresh water on Cres comes from Lake Vrana.

History

Cres has been home to people since ancient times. In the past, Cres and the nearby island of Lošinj were known as Apsyrtides. The two islands were once connected but were separated by a canal made by people for trade near the town of Osor.

Over many years, Cres has been ruled by different groups. It was first controlled by the Greeks, then the Roman Empire, followed by the Byzantine Empire. Later, the Republic of Venice took control. After Napoleon's battles, the island was ruled by the Austrian Empire, then briefly the French Empire, and later returned to Austria. In 1920, it became part of the Kingdom of Italy, and after World War II, it joined Yugoslavia.

Today, Cres is known for its natural beauty and growing tourism. Many people who once left now return, especially in the quieter seasons.

Towns of Cres

The island of Cres has many villages. A road runs down the middle of the island connecting them. Ferries travel from Porozina to Brestova and from Merag to Valbiska on the nearby island of Krk. There is also a bridge to Lošinj.

Some of the villages include Belej, Beli, Cres, Lubenice with beautiful sea views, Martinšćica with beaches and a small castle, and Porozina where the ferry stops. Each village has its own special charm.

Lake Vrana

Main article: Lake Vrana (Cres)

Cres has a special fresh water lake that is very protected. You cannot swim or fish there. This lake gives water to the nearby island of Lošinj. It is the largest lake in Croatia and one of the deepest in Eastern Europe, reaching down 76 metres at its deepest point. This depth is more than 50 metres below sea-level.

Flora and fauna

Cres has many different kinds of harmless snakes, like Elaphe quatuorlineata, Zamenis longissimus, Zamenis situla, and Natrix tessellata. The last one of these snakes is rare or not found on other islands in the Adriatic Sea.

The island has many Eurasian griffon vulture birds. These birds are important to protect, and they often fly above the island. The area is part of the Kvarner Islands Important Bird Area, recognized by BirdLife International because it helps many bird species, including several types of birds of prey, to live and grow.

Climate

Cres has a humid subtropical climate. This means its winters are cool and damp, and its summers are hot and dry. The island gets strong winds called the Bora in winter. Nearby Lošinj has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with cool, damp winters and very dry, hot summers.