Cres Island Croatia adventure
We kicked off the day with a fantastic buffet-style breakfast at Resort Centinera. It was the usual spread but overflowing with variety—there’s no way anyone could leave hungry. With breakfast done and some time before our first ferry, we took a stroll along the resort’s beach. Sara nearly went for a dip, but the water was still teeming with jellyfish. Knowing we’d hit more beaches later, we decided to move on.
Ferry Ride to Cres Island Croatia
We drove to the Brestova ferry, enjoying a scenic route with mountain views on one side and the sea on the other. Arriving about an hour early, we found a long line of people waiting, but we still made it onto the next ferry. Watching them load the ferry was a sight—they’re pros at it! We descended to the lower section in the hull with the other small cars for a quick 15-minute ride to Porozina.
To Lubenice – Hike and Beach
Once on Cres Island Croatia, we headed toward Sveti Ivan Beach, noted as one of the most beautiful in the Adriatic. To get there, we drove up to Lubenice, a Roman settlement perched atop a hill. The road was incredibly narrow, flanked by 8-foot stone walls—rock walls are everywhere on this rocky island.
The village consisted of a few houses along cobblestone streets, with the faint bleating of goats in nearby pastures. We began a nearly mile-and-a-half hike down to the beach. The signage warned of a difficult trail requiring hiking boots, and it wasn’t kidding. The path started at a 7% grade through a pine forest, then transitioned to scrub with loose rocks.
The effort was worth it—we arrived at a stunning beach nestled in a cove bordered by rocky cliffs. We snorkeled and spotted five or six different fish species, most swimming in the shallow areas and gathering around our feet. After about an hour in the water, we tackled the strenuous 1,200-foot climb back to the top. It was tough but great exercise.
To Valun
Next, we drove to Valun to check into our bed and breakfast. Valun turned out to be the cutest fishing village, with a small harbor hosting a few sailboats and fishermen’s boats. We settled into our place and headed downstairs for dinner at Gostionica San Marco, a cozy spot just above the water. We could peer into the crystal-clear water to see the stones below.
Our meal included mussels in white wine, risotto, gnocchi, and shots of Travarica, a local liquor made from 10 wild herbs. The generous staff even treated us to another round of shots as an after-dinner digestif when we checked out. We loved Valun—it was cozy, uncrowded, quiet, and quaint.
The B&B host upgraded us to a room with a seaside view and let us check in early. The balcony, framed by large shutters and lace drapes, was so romantic and perfectly showcased the sea. We highly recommend a visit to Valun!
For Tomorrow
Sadly, we have to leave Valun, but we’re heading to our next island, Rab. We’ll make a quick stop in the town of Cres, then take two back-to-back ferry rides. It’ll be a long day, but we’ll have time for a bit of exploring at the end. Until then, keep exploring.
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Day 6 – Brda Slovenia Wine Country: Gorgeous Hikes, Vineyard Wonders, and Cozy Farm Stays
