Cres Island

From Skipper2Skipper

General information

The island of Cres is located in the northern part of the Bay of Kvarner. It's southern part, i.e. the town of Osor, is linked to the island of Lošinj by a trestle bridge. Cres is a hilly island, 66 km long and ranging in width from 2 to 12 km. The island's coastline, 248 km long, is indented; its western and southern part have a plenty of bays and pebbly beaches while the northern and eastern part are characterized with steep and rough rocks.

The highest tops of the island - Gorice (648m) and Sis (638) - offer a unique view of the Bay of Kvarner which will not leave anyone indifferent. The fresh water lake of Vrana, which covers the area of 5.75 square kilometres, deserves attention as an unusual natural phenomenon.

The level of the lake is above the level of the surrounding sea, and its bottom is beneath the sea level only at the depth of 74 m. The landscape of Cres owes its attractivity to a sharp contrast between the northern submediterranean part covered with high and thick woods of oak medunac (Quercus lanuginosa), hornbeam, elm and chestnut trees, and the middle and southern parts which are covered with bare grazing lands and dense macchia. A great richness of the botanical and animal world, which boasts more than 1300 species and an exceptional number of edemic species, is a genuine challenge to all nature lovers.

Cres is also one of the last habitats of a rare bird species - griffon vulture. The island of Cres was first inhabited in the New Stone Age. The continuity of life on the island has created an exceptionally rich cultural and historical heritage: from a number of Liburnian ruins, the remains of Antique towns, early Catholic churches scattered around the island, monasteries and remains of towns from the period of the Republic of Venice to the monuments of the contemporary period.

Sailors who chose to come and sail in Cres won't regret it. Restaurants throughout the island serve wonderful seafood and traditional cuisine such as Cres's popular roasted lamb. You can sail throughout the Bay of Kvarner where the Cres Cup Regatta is held. Others are deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and windsurfing, and on land, tennis and mini-golf.

Life on the island represents its historical and cultural heritage as well as a modern tourist destination. Throughout the island you will find everything from an apartment, great food, fun and sun to the beautiful sites and views the island of Cres has to offer.

Coordinates

44°28'N / 14°33'E.

Best Seasons for Sailing in Croatia

The best sailing season is April through June and September through October. The sea is calm, the weather mild and there are fewer crowds. July and August are ideal months for swimming plus the social season is in full swing.

Wind and Sea Conditions

Summer and early autumn bring stable weather with sunny and warm days. After the morning calm, the refreshing Maestral wind usually begins around noon. It's a moderate wind that blows from the northwest and is highly favorable for sailing. Plus, it brings cleaner, healthier and colder air from the sea during the summer heat. The Maestral often blows until the late afternoon, and then at night the gentle Burin wind blows in from the mainland. The winter wind is the gusting Bura which is dry and cold. Fortunately, it's substantially weaker and rare in the summer. Even though the Adriatic is not known for dangerous and unpredictable seas and sailing can take place all year, the most favorable conditions are from mid-June to mid-October. Then, even those with little experience can enjoy the sailing.

Marinas and Anchorages

Marinas in Cres are opened all year round. Berthing prices generally range from €25 to 50 per day, depending on the size of the boat (7-15 m long), marina and period of the year. In peak season, it is strongly recommended that you arrive at the marina in early afternoon as berth places fill up quickly. Remember that you can only use marina facilities if you moor there! Petrol costs about €1/litre of diesel and is not included in your rental price.

Valun Harbour

Try to stop at tiny Valun, an incredibly picturesque harbour with a protected swimming cove..

44°57'N / 14°24'E
HR - 51557 Cres, Jadranska Obala 22.
Tel: 00 385 51 571 622 
Fax: 00 385 51 571 125 
VHF canal 17.
The marina has around 450 berths and 120 boat places on land.
All berths have water and power supply.

Facilities

• Reception
• Exchange office
• Restaurant
• Cafe,
• Toilets and showers,
• laundry service
• Grocery shop
• Nautical gear shop
• Dentist
• Repair shop
• 10 t crane, 30 t travel lift
• Derrick for mast removing (20 m)
• Car park
• Fuel station in the northern part of the marina.
• The marina offers eight high standard apartments for rent

Mali Losinj

44°28'N / 14°33'E.
HR - 51550 Mali Losinj, Privlaka bb.
Tel: 00 385 51 231 626 
Fax: 00 385 51 231 461 
VHF channel 17.

The marina has 150 berths and 120 boat places on land. All berths have water and power supply. Also 40 to 50 vessels (length to 15 m) can be stored in a closed area.

Facilities

• Reception
• Exchange office
• Restaurant
• Grocery shop
• Well-stocked nautical gear shops are 500m away, in Mali Losinj
• Toilets and showers
• Laundry service
• Car parking
• Diving centre
• Repair shop
• Fuel station is 0,5 Nm away.