Cres

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

Cres covers an area of 405.78 square kilometres, which is about the same size as its nearby neighbour, Krk island. In 2011, the island was home to 3,079 people. In the past, Cres and the nearby island of Lošinj were actually one big island, but today they are separated by a channel and linked by a bridge that begins in the town of Osor. The only source of 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 connected by a road running down its middle. 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 which is home to a special bird called the endangered Griffon vulture, Cres, Lubenice with beautiful sea views, Martinšćica with beaches and a small castle, and Porozina where the ferry stops. Each village has its own unique charm, from quiet hamlets to places with restaurants and beautiful views.

Lake Vrana

Main article: Lake Vrana (Cres)

Cres has a special fresh water lake that is very protected. It is not allowed to swim or fish there. This lake provides water to the nearby island of Lošinj. It is the largest lake in Croatia by amount of water and one of the deepest in Eastern Europe, reaching down 76 metres (249 feet) at its deepest point, which is more than 50 metres (160 feet) below sea-level.

Flora and fauna

Cres is home to many different types of harmless snakes, including Elaphe quatuorlineata, Zamenis longissimus, Zamenis situla, and Natrix tessellata. The latter snake is rare or not found on other islands in the Adriatic Sea.

The island has many Eurasian griffon vulture birds, which are important to protect. These birds 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, which means the winters are cool and damp, and the summers are hot and dry. The island experiences strong winds called the Bora during the winter months. Nearby Lošinj has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with cool, damp winters and very dry, hot summers.