Spain, Greece, Italy, and yes, Croatia, have become the go-to’s in Europe for vacationers expecting the best of the best for sun and sand.
Summer is here, which means you have surely already scoured the internet for your European beach getaway.
Hordes of travelers will invade Croatia’s stunning coastlines, but no more than the eye-popping historic city of Dubrovnik.
This city is always worth a visit, but we all appreciate our space, especially when splurging on a trip across the globe.
That’s where the beautiful, laid-back island of Cres comes into play. Although one of the largest of Croatia’s islands, Cres somehow flies under the radar, so it’s time to take advantage.
Offering world-class beaches and surprising affordability, dare we say this gorgeous island is the next Mykonos?
Croatia’s ‘Forgotten’ Island
No matter how you reach Croatia, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not visiting any of the country’s renowned beaches.
Inland cities like Zagreb are great, but don’t spend all your time perusing charming, timeless streets when there is eye-popping blue water waiting for you along the coast.
Of course, Croatia is home to a variety of luxe islands and it’s hard to choose just one. If you find yourself in this pickle, maybe hop aboard a superyacht to level up your vacation.
With popular islands like Hvar and Krk, somehow, Cres doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves.
Recently labeled as ‘forgotten’ by the Telegraph, it’s time to shine a light on this lesser-known paradise easily reachable from the mainland.
Just As Cheap As Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are a magical vacation spot, especially the household names of Santorini, Corfu, and of course, Mykonos.
While Cres may lack the wild nightlife scene that even A-listers jet off to experience, Cres hits the same mark, if not more, for all the other boxes places like Mykonos check off.
At the very least, Cres serves as an excellent alternative to Europe’s most popular islands like Mykonos, Mallorca, and what has become of Madeira.
Best of all, it’s cheap! Vacation planning can be a headache wondering if you can afford the splurge.
That’s not the case at all visiting Cres. Croatian prices may now be in Euros, but that doesn’t mean you’re paying premium prices here.
One of the best parts of any Mediterranean trip is indulging in fresh, delightful food and wine. Cres is no different with cappuccinos for about $1.50, full meals for $5, and crates of wine for just $10 – that’s right, crates!
Not to mention affordable seaside stays like top-rated Hotel Kimen overlooking the gorgeous sea. For a more traditional stay, there are ample vacation rentals dispersed throughout the island as well.
Check Airbnb for a wide range of historic Cres homes upgraded for modern travelers.
Or maybe you’re a solo traveler really stretching your budget; the seaside campsite Camping Zdovica offers plots for only $10 to stargaze at night and wake up in paradise.
Plus, you won’t melt here like other vacation spots across Europe right now. Summer temps remain in the 80’s and low 90’s in peak season, making for the perfect beach weather.
Easy To Reach And Plenty To Do
Obviously just about any island worth visiting is going to have amazing beaches. But, that’s not the only main draw to Cres.
Part foodie destination, part history destination, and an all-around quintessential Mediterranean getaway, tourists can explore postcard villages, indulge in fresh seafood, and immerse themselves in the charming streets you would expect anywhere in Croatia to have.
Some of the more noteworthy sites tourists love to visit are the Venetian Tower, the Church of St Mary, and the town walls like Dubrovnik, but much more scaled down.
Cres serves as the biggest city on the island of the same name, but don’t limit yourself here when there’s many scenic sites to visit.
One being the gorgeous village of Osor with a population under 30 people!
This stunning town boasts access to ancient caves, wide-open beaches along turquoise waters, and walkable historic streets.
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