Cres

The characteristics of the city were left here from the rulers of the Venetian Republic, those from France and the Austria-Hungarian Empire. Erected during these times, among other things, are the three city gates of Marcela, Bragadina and the Holy Mikulo (16th century.), as well as the parish church of Sveta Marija (16th century.) and the main square. Taking after the Roman model, the main squared was used for announcements and proclamations and is now a lively place in Cres. If you stroll through the historic old town in Cres you can feel the rustic ambiance that has been left behind in the story of the city. Narrow streets are filled with locals who generate the majority of their income from agriculture and tourism and as you continue to meander you will pass by rugged stone walls and walls of buildings, whose colors have been crumbling down for decades. The result of this stroll lets you experience the typical Croatian cityscape with Mediterranean flair, and brings the scent of sage, rosemary and mint with it. An idyllic landscape is to be found not far from outside the town of Cres on Lake Vrana. The freshwater lake is a true spectacle of nature because the water level rises above the sea level, despite that the Vrana reaches a depth of 74 meters below sea level. The banks around the lake were declared off-limits because the water in the Vrana Lake is used as the drinking-water source of the islanders.

Standing side by side, not only are the houses in the old town close together, but also the boats in the harbor. Due to its well-protected position in the bay, there is a small fishing port situated north of the city and to the south there is a well-developed marina, where larger boats and yachts moor or sit on land. Many locals and tourists start their boat trips from here and go along the coast of Cres, towards the numerous hidden bays particularly in the West. Or perhaps they travel adjacent to Istria or make their way to the other islands in the Kvarner Bay. At night you can strengthen yourself back up in the local restaurants and traditional taverns. Among the culinary specialties include vegetables grown in the region and fish and meat dishes prepared under the "Peka", as well as homemade schnapps. Then you can stop off at one of the bars or, if you are lucky enough to be visiting Cres in the summer months, you can make your way to one of the many events, concerts and festivals that take place here. Popular culture in Cres in the evenings include events like the Summer Carnival.