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Island Cres
is the
biggest Croatian island, situated at the northern tip of Kvarner gulf.
Island Cres is long and narrow mountainous island stretching 66 km in
length and only from 2 to 12 km in width. The coast is indented with the
total length of 248 km. This means plenty of coves, bays and fine mainly
pebbly beaches for you to explore on its western and southern side,
while northern and eastern shore is rather steep and rocky, with some
spectacular scenery, inhabited only by the biggest bird in Europe, the
endangered griffon vulture, which could be often seen gliding in the
clear skies.
Although scarcely populated, island Cres has been inhabited since
later stone age. This is why island Cres is reach in historical and
cultural sites, including ancient cities and buildings remains, early
roman-catholic churches and chapels, Glagolitic engravings in stone,
Venetian heritage buildings and recent monuments and sculptures.
Island Cres is connected with a short narrow bridge to the smaller
but much more populated island Losinj. On the way along these two
islands, the scenery keeps changing dramatically, from steep shores and
high peaks to low plains and lagoons. Vegetation is incredibly diverse:
from scarce rocky pastures, scattered olive and fig trees, to dense
shrubs, coastal forests and finally rich pine forests.
Island Cres is also famous for its self-sufficient water
supply: a huge freshwater lake Vrana has enough water to comfortably
supply both islands, Cres and Losinj with potable water of excellent
quality. Immediate access to the lake is not allowed for obvious reasons,
but there is plenty of scenic spots around offering breathtaking views
of the lake. Numerous ancient (Iliric) remains in the area indicate the
lake was important not only as a water resource, but was also used for
fishing and transport.
The origin of the lake is still a mystery, attracting local and
international researchers. Research results lead to the two main
theories. First one, based on limestone phenomenon, indicates the water
comes from underground all the way from the mainland. The second, more
substantiated theory, sees this lake as being native to the island, with
its whole water supply coming from the rain.
Another interesting phenomenon about island Cres is the absence of
poisonous snakes, even though they are common in the Kvarner area.
Besides Cres city, the island includes the following villages, some of
them only accessible by dirt road and with only a few locals remaining
or even uninhabited: Beli, Dragozetići, Filozići, Grmov, Ivanje,
Loznati, Lubenice, Mali Podol, Martinšćica, Merag, Miholašćica, Orlec,
Pernat, Porozina, Predošćica, Stanić, Stivan, Sveti Petar, Valun,
Važminež, Vidovići, Vodice, Vrana, Zbičina i Zbišina.
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Martinščica
Osor |
