Picnic with Swimming on Island Cres: How to Plan Your Tour

If you are looking for a fun and relaxing day out in the Kvarner Bay in Croatia, look no further than the Picnic with Swimming on Island Cres tour. This tour, offered by your host and captain Tomy, takes you to some of the most beautiful spots in the region for swimming, sunbathing, and delicious BBQ lunch. Here’s how to plan your perfect day out:

Experience

The Picnic with Swimming on Island Cres tour offers you the chance to see some of the most stunning scenery in Croatia, from the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea to the charming local village of Porozina. You’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on board the boat while soaking up the sun, and have plenty of opportunities to swim and explore the coastline.

Highlights

Some of the highlights of this tour include:

– Enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch on board the boat
– Swimming in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea
– Exploring the charming local village of Porozina
– Visiting the Small Blue Cave in the town of Brseč
– Sailing by small fisherman towns Mošćenička Draga Medveja and Lovran

Full Description

Your day out will begin at 8:45 am in the town of Ika, where you’ll meet your host and captain Tomy. From there, you’ll head out towards Island Cres on board the boat. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and offers plenty of stunning views of the coastline.

Once you arrive at the bay of “Smrdeća”, you’ll have a 2-hour break to enjoy the sea and relax on the boat while Tomy prepares the BBQ lunch. There are three menu options available (meat, fish, and vegetarian), so make sure to let Tomy know your preference in advance.

After lunch, you’ll continue on to the village of Porozina, where you can enjoy coffee or ice cream onshore. You’ll have a one-hour break here to soak up the local atmosphere and take in the views.

Next, Tomy will take you to the town of Brseč, which lies on a high cliff overlooking the sea. Here, you can swim and visit the Small Blue Cave, a stunning natural wonder that’s well worth exploring.

Finally, the boat will sail by small fisherman towns Mošćenička Draga Medveja and Lovran on its return journey to Ika. You’ll arrive back at around 6 pm, having enjoyed a full day of relaxation and stunning natural scenery.

Booking Information

To book your tour, simply visit the official website and follow the booking instructions. Make sure to book in advance to secure your place on the tour, and don’t forget to let Tomy know your menu preferences for the BBQ lunch. With a little planning, you can enjoy a perfect day out on the Picnic with Swimming on Island Cres tour.

An Insider’s Guide to Island Cres, Croatia

If you’re looking for an idyllic place to picnic and swim, Island Cres in Croatia should be at the top of your travel bucket list. This island, located in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, is rich in history and natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for tourists to explore. Here’s an insider’s guide on how to plan your tour and maximize your experience on Island Cres.

Local Attractions

Island Cres has a lot to offer in terms of attractions, both natural and historical. Some of the must-visit spots include:

• Losinj-Apicius Culinary School: This culinary school offers cooking classes where tourists can learn how to prepare traditional Croatian dishes. The school is situated in the town of Mali Losinj and classes typically last for around 4 hours.
• Valun Tablet: This ancient tablet, dating back to the 11th century, is located in the town of Valun. This tablet is considered to be one of the oldest inscriptions in Croatia and is written in Glagolitic script, which was used to write Old Church Slavonic.
• Blue Cave: This natural wonder is situated on the island of Bisevo, which is located near Island Cres. The cave is known for its mesmerizing blue light, which is caused by sunlight reflecting off the water.
• Olive Oil Museum: This museum, located in the town of Veli Losinj, showcases the traditional way of making olive oil. The museum provides visitors with guided tours that explain the history of olive oil and showcase how it is made.

Dining Spots

Croatian cuisine is famous for its Mediterranean flavors and fresh seafood dishes. Here are some of the best dining spots to try out on Island Cres:

• Kantun: This restaurant, located in Mali Losinj, serves traditional Croatian dishes such as octopus salad and grilled fish. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace that offers stunning sea views.
• Restaurant Bukaleta: This family-owned restaurant, situated in the town of Cres, specializes in traditional Croatian dishes and local wines. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a perfect spot for romantic dinners.
• Tavern Bora Bar: This tavern, located in the town of Valun, offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled calamari and scampi. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor terrace that overlooks the sea.
• Restaurant Veli Zal: This family-run restaurant, situated in Veli Losinj, specializes in fresh seafood dishes that are seasoned with traditional Croatian spices. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor terrace that offers stunning sea views.

Cultural Experiences

Island Cres has a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. Some of the cultural experiences to consider adding to your itinerary include:

• Visit the Parish Church of St. Mary’s Assumption: This church, located in the town of Cres, is famous for its beautiful 15th-century Gothic architecture. The church is situated near the old town center and is a must-visit spot for those interested in history and architecture.
• Take a Stroll through Osor: This town was once a prosperous trading center that dates back to Roman times. Today, visitors can wander through the town’s streets and admire its beautiful medieval architecture.
• Explore the Local Market: The daily market in the town of Mali Losinj is a great place to sample local produce and ingredients. You’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade cheeses and cured meats.
• See an Open-Air Cinema Show: During the summer months, the town of Mali Losinj hosts open-air cinema shows. This is a great opportunity to watch classic movies under the stars while enjoying a sea breeze.

Local History

Island Cres has a long and fascinating history that is worth exploring. Here are some of the historical landmarks to visit:

• Osor Archaeological Collection: This museum, situated in the town of Osor, showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits that date back to prehistoric times and learn about the island’s fascinating history.
• The Clock Tower: Located in the town of Cres, the Clock Tower is a remnant of the town’s medieval fortifications. Visitors can climb up the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the town.
• Lambrin Mansion: This mansion, located in the town of Veli Losinj, is a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture. The mansion is situated on a hill and offers stunning views of the sea.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those who want to venture off the beaten path and explore the island’s hidden gems, here are some recommendations:

• Visit the Beaches on the North Side of the Island: While the south side of the island is more popular for swimming, the north side has some hidden beaches that are worth exploring. Some of the best beaches include St. Martina and Lubenice Beach.
• Take a Hike: Island Cres has some stunning hiking trails that are perfect for exploring the island’s natural beauty. The trail from Vrana to Cres is one of the most picturesque.
• Go on a Fishing Trip: Fishing is a popular activity on the island, and visitors can join local fishermen on fishing trips. This is a great opportunity to catch your dinner and learn about local fishing techniques.
• Visit the Island’s Art Galleries: The island has several art galleries that showcase the works of local artists. The Lapidarium Museum in Osor is a great place to start.

Island Cres is a beautiful, peaceful destination that is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. From its stunning beaches and scenic hiking trails to its rich cultural heritage and delicious food, Island Cres has something for everyone. Follow this insider’s guide to plan your tour and discover all the island has to offer.