Cres Island Croatia (Cres Town)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Mediterranean - Black Sea
Local Time
2026-10-12 11:23
58°F 14.4°C
Fresh breeze8.3 m/s
66 °F / 19 °C 57 °F / 14 °C
Port Cres Island Croatia cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Cres Island Croatia, Cres Town. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 July, 2027 Wednesday |  Star Clipper | ||
| 30 July, 2027 Friday | Royal Clipper |
Cres Island is located in Croatia's Kvarner Gulf (in Adriatic Sea). The island can be reached by ferry from Rijeka, also from Krk island or from the Istrian Peninsula (Brestova-Porozina line). The island covers a total area of approx 406 km2 (157 mi2) and population around 3,000. Cres is same-sized as the neighboring Krk Island - both ranked the largest in the Adriatic Sea.
Cruise ships to Cres Island Croatia dock (anchor) at Cres Town (on the western coast).
Cres Island and Losinj island used to be one isle, but were artificially divided (by the Romans) via a narrow channel and connected with a bridge at Osor city. Lake Vrana is the only fresh-water source for Cres.
At a Glance
Independent sightseeing is easy in Cres town. Large cruise ships normally anchor and tender passengers into the harbour, while smaller vessels may berth at the quay. The historic centre begins beside the waterfront, so no shuttle or taxi is needed for a town visit.
Cres is best suited to a relaxed old-town walk, a coastal stroll and, in warm weather, time at a nearby beach. Reaching villages elsewhere on the island requires advance transport planning or an organized excursion.
Getting from the Ship
Tenders normally land in Cres harbour, directly beside the waterfront and historic centre. Passengers arriving on a small ship at the quay have similarly easy access. Confirm the ship’s arrangements onboard because the landing point can depend on vessel size and harbour conditions.
The centre is compact and mainly explored on foot. Its narrow lanes contain some uneven paving, while longer coastal and countryside routes may include rocky ground and limited shade.
Best Ways to Spend Your Time
Explore Cres Old Town
Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for the harbour, the Venetian-style lanes and the principal historic sights. Highlights include the town loggia, the old harbour gate, St Mary the Great Church, the medieval Church of St Isidore, the Cres Museum in Arsan Palace and the surviving defensive tower. Interior access and museum opening times can be limited or seasonal, but the compact centre remains worthwhile as an outdoor walk.
Walk to Kovačine Beach
Kovačine Beach is reached by an easy coastal walk of approximately 20 minutes from central Cres. The shoreline includes pebble, rock and paved bathing areas, with visitor facilities around the adjoining campsite. Allow 2–3 hours for the return walk and swimming. Water shoes can be useful, and part of the wider beach area is designated for naturists.
Visit Lubenice and Valun
The hilltop village of Lubenice is approximately 17 km (10.6 mi) from Cres, normally around 25 minutes by road. It offers dramatic views, but the steep walking route from the village to Sveti Ivan Beach is unsuitable for a short casual visit. Valun is a small fishing village below the surrounding hills and can be combined with Lubenice by prearranged taxi or excursion.
Independent travel requires planning. Public transport around the island is limited, taxis should be arranged in advance, and the roads are narrow. An organized excursion is the safer choice when the port call is short.
Take a Coastal Boat Trip
Seasonal boat trips may visit Valun, the cliffs below Lubenice, sea caves and otherwise difficult-to-reach swimming coves. These are practical for a longer call only when the published return time leaves a comfortable margin before the final tender. Operations depend on weather and sea conditions.
Self-Guided Old Town Walk
Distance: approximately 2 km (1.2 mi)
Pure walking time: about 30–40 minutes
Recommended total time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy, with narrow lanes and some uneven paving
- Cres Harbour: Begin at the tender landing or ship’s quay and follow the waterfront around the sheltered inner harbour.
- Town Loggia: See the historic covered civic space beside the harbour, still associated with the local market.
- Harbour Gate and St Mary the Great: Pass through the old gateway into the lanes surrounding the town’s principal church and bell tower.
- Arsan Palace: Continue to the Renaissance palace housing the Cres Museum; visit only if it is open and time permits.
- Church of St Isidore: Find the small medieval church dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Its interior is not regularly open.
- Defensive Tower and Town Park: Walk toward the surviving section of Cres’s former fortifications. Roof access to the tower may be available when open.
- Waterfront Return: Rejoin the harbour promenade and return directly to the tender landing or quay.
The route can be extended north along the coast toward Kovačine Beach. Passengers using tenders should allow additional time for possible queues and the boat journey back to the ship.
Practical Tips
- Wear shoes suitable for polished stone, uneven paving and rocky beach access.
- Carry water and sun protection; countryside paths and exposed coastal areas may have little shade.
- Do not rely on finding an immediate taxi for an island tour. Arrange transport before leaving the harbour when possible.
- Avoid attempting the long, steep descent from Lubenice to Sveti Ivan Beach unless it is part of a properly timed excursion.
- For tender calls, follow the ship’s stated last-tender time rather than the scheduled departure time.