Dear travelers,
Getting from Ljubljana to Cres
One of the biggest surprises about Cres is how easy it is to reach from Ljubljana. Our journey took around 3.5 hours in total, including the ferry crossing.
We chose the route through Brestova, which is probably the most straightforward option if you’re driving from Slovenia.
The journey looked like this:
- Ljubljana → Brestova by car
- Ferry from Brestova to Porozina
- Drive across Cres Island
The ferry cost us approximately €30 one way for a car and two passengers.
There is also another route through Krk Island, where you drive across the famous Krk Bridge and then continue toward Cres via ferry. Depending on where you’re coming from and ferry schedules, both options can work well.
My advice?
Check the ferry timetable before leaving and arrive a little early during peak summer months. Nobody wants to start a relaxing island getaway by stressing in a ferry queue.
Our Stay at Hotel Kimen
For this trip, we stayed at Hotel Kimen – Annex, and honestly, the location couldn’t have been much better. The hotel sits right next to Kimen Beach and is only about a ten-minute walk from Cres Town.
The walk itself became one of my favorite parts of the stay.
A beautiful seaside promenade connects the hotel with the town center, making it perfect for:
- Morning runs
- Evening walks
- Sunset strolls
- Working off all the seafood you’ll inevitably eat
The hotel also has:
- A spa
- Swimming pool
- Beach access
- Plenty of parking
If you’re looking for a relaxed base to explore Cres, it’s a fantastic option.
Beach Time: Kimen and Kovačine
When people think of Croatian beaches, they usually picture white stones and transparent water.
Cres delivers exactly that.
Kimen Beach
The water was incredibly clear, and the surrounding pine trees provided natural shade during the hottest part of the day.
Kovačine Beach
Just a short walk away lies Kovačine Beach, one of the most popular beaches near Cres Town.
What makes it special is its variety.
Unlike many Croatian beaches that are entirely rocky, parts of Kovačine have sandy sections, making it especially appealing for families and less enthusiastic rock-walkers.
After all, we’ve all done that awkward Croatian beach dance where you’re trying to walk gracefully across pebbles while secretly feeling like you’re stepping on Lego bricks.
Cres Town: Small but Charming
I love places that don’t try too hard. Cres Town is exactly that.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have massive crowds. It doesn’t compete with Dubrovnik or Split.
Instead, it quietly charms you.
The old Venetian architecture, narrow stone streets, colorful shutters, and fishing boats bobbing in the harbor create the kind of atmosphere that makes you slow down naturally.
We spent our first evening simply wandering. Just walking through little alleys, stopping for drinks, watching boats come and go, and enjoying that first-night-on-holiday feeling.
You know the one. The moment when your brain finally realizes it doesn’t need to answer emails anymore.
Lubenice: The Most Spectacular View on Cres
If there is one place you absolutely cannot miss on Cres, it’s Lubenice.
Perched dramatically on a cliff approximately 380 meters above sea level, this tiny village feels like something from a fantasy novel.
Or perhaps a location where Gandalf would stop for a coffee.
The views are simply breathtaking.
Standing there and looking out across the Adriatic, you understand immediately why so many photographers and travel magazines feature this spot.
But the real star below Lubenice is Sveti Ivan Beach.
Sveti Ivan Beach: Paradise Requires Effort
Looking down from Lubenice, you’ll spot what appears to be a perfect crescent of turquoise water. That’s Sveti Ivan Beach.
Many travel publications regularly rank it among Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. And they’re right.
There’s just one small catch.
Getting there.
The trail down is steep and requires a proper hike.
The descent itself isn’t too bad, but coming back up in summer temperatures can feel like participating in an unexpected fitness challenge.
If hiking isn’t your thing, another option is arriving by boat.
Either way, seeing this beach—even from above—is worth the trip.
Lunch at Restoran Na Moru
After exploring Lubenice, we headed toward one of the best lunches of the trip. Restoran Na Moru.
The name literally means “On the Sea,” which is fitting because you’re practically dining right beside the water.
This is exactly the kind of restaurant I love finding while traveling.
The seafood selection was excellent, and sitting there in the sunshine while watching the sea sparkle beside us felt like peak Mediterranean living.
Nearby you’ll also find Valun Beach, another lovely stop if you’re looking for a relaxing swim after lunch.
Interesting Facts About Cres
One of the reasons I enjoy visiting islands is learning their stories. And Cres has some fascinating ones.
Cres Is Croatia’s Largest Island
Technically, Cres shares the title with Krk. Both islands measure almost exactly the same size, making them Croatia’s largest islands.
Home of the Griffon Vulture
Cres is one of the last places in Europe where you can find the rare Griffon Vulture nesting naturally.
These enormous birds have wingspans reaching nearly three meters.
A Landscape Shaped by Shepherds
For centuries, sheep farming has played an important role on the island.
The local lamb remains one of the region’s culinary specialties.
Vransko Jezero: Cres’ Hidden Natural Wonder
Perhaps the most fascinating place on Cres isn’t a beach at all. It’s a lake.
Vransko Jezero (Lake Vrana) sits in the center of the island and provides drinking water for both Cres and Lošinj.
What makes it remarkable is that the lake’s surface sits above sea level while its deepest point extends below sea level.
Scientists are still studying exactly how this unique freshwater ecosystem functions.
Because it serves as the islands’ primary water source, the area is strictly protected. Swimming is prohibited, and visitors are encouraged to respect the surrounding environment.
Nightlife on Cres: Vina Miramar
One evening, we discovered Wine Bar Miramar.
And honestly? We planned to stop for one drink.
You can probably guess how that went.
The atmosphere was fantastic.
There happened to be a live performance featuring:
- A DJ
- Violinist
- Guitarist
- Trumpeter
The combination created one of those magical travel moments that you can’t really plan for.
Good wine.
Good music.
Good company.
Sometimes that’s all you need.
A Day Trip to Lošinj
One of the best things about visiting Cres is that Lošinj is right next door. The two islands are connected by a bridge, making day trips incredibly easy.
So naturally, we crossed over. Although they’re neighbors, Lošinj has a noticeably different character.
It’s greener. Lusher. More developed for tourism.
Many people even call it Croatia’s “Island of Vitality.”
And after spending a day there, I could understand why.
Lunch at Borik Beach Restaurant
Our first stop was Borik Beach Restaurant. The location alone makes it worth visiting.
Overlooking crystal-clear water and surrounded by pine trees, it’s exactly the sort of place where lunch accidentally turns into a two-hour experience.
Not because service is slow. Because nobody wants to leave.
Nearby you’ll also find:
- Borik Beach
- Veli Žal Beach
Both are among Lošinj’s most popular swimming spots and ideal places to spend a sunny afternoon.
Providenca Viewpoint: The Best Sunset of the Trip
Every trip has a highlight. For us, that was Providenca Viewpoint.
Without question.
Located high above Mali Lošinj, this viewpoint offers one of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever seen in Croatia.
The best part? You don’t need to hike. You can drive directly there and park nearby.
The entrance fee was €10 when we visited.
At the top you’ll find:
- A bar
- Wine
- Beer
- Homemade juices
- Plenty of seating areas
The views stretch across countless islands, creating layers upon layers of golden silhouettes as the sun slowly disappears into the Adriatic.
At the time of our visit, there was also a picnic experience available. You purchase a basket filled with local food and enjoy it while watching the sunset.
Where to Stay on Lošinj
While we stayed on Cres this time, I had previously spent a weekend on Lošinj.
Back then, I stayed at Hotel Aurora.
If you’re considering basing yourself on Lošinj instead of Cres, it’s an excellent option.
The hotel is conveniently located near:
- Borik Beach
- Veli Žal Beach
- Walking trails
- Restaurants
It’s a great choice for travelers who want easy beach access and plenty of facilities nearby.
Is Cres and Lošinj Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. What I love most about Cres and Lošinj is that they offer the perfect balance.
You get:
- Beautiful beaches
- Charming towns
- Great food
- Nature
- Hiking
- Relaxed nightlife
- Incredible sunsets
And somehow, despite being relatively easy to reach from Ljubljana, they still feel like a proper escape.
Maybe it’s the ferry ride. Maybe it’s the slower pace.
Or maybe it’s simply because island life has a way of making you forget about deadlines and to-do lists.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
P.S.: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
