Aerial view of a village on Rab Island in the Kvarner Gulf, its harbor and red-roofed houses ringed by turquoise Adriatic water.

Kvarner and Cres

The quieter northern islands and the griffon vultures of Beli

Kvarner and Cres

Kvarner and Cres are the quieter islands in Croatia's north, where griffon vultures nest on the sea cliffs.

When July and August make Dubrovnik and Hvar very busy, this is where I send people instead, and it is the other half of the week I pair with Istria.

Researched profile: this page is written from my planning research and partner knowledge rather than a stay of my own here, and when that changes, this line comes off.

What and Where It Is

The Kvarner islands sit in the northern Adriatic, below Istria. Cres is the one I build this leg around: sea cliffs, slow island villages, and the rescue centre for griffon vultures in the village of Beli.

What You Do Here

Beli is the signature stop. Griffon vultures nest on the sea cliffs of Cres, and the rescue centre in the village cares for injured birds. The rest is island pacing: swims, short drives, long meals, and none of the crowds of the southern islands.

Why Here in High Summer

In July and August, Dubrovnik and Hvar are very busy. Kvarner and Cres are the deliberate alternative: the same clear water at a slower pace.

Best Time to Go

May, June and September are the coast's sweet spot. July and August are busy everywhere on the coast, but this is the quieter way to spend them. Many coastal hotels are seasonal and close over the winter.

Month by month

  • January: Not recommended.
  • February: Not recommended.
  • March: Mixed.
  • April: Good.
  • May: Excellent.
  • June: Excellent.
  • July: Very good.
  • August: Very good.
  • September: Excellent.
  • October: Good.
  • November: Not recommended.
  • December: Not recommended.

Getting There and How Long to Stay

Fly into Zagreb for the north. Three or four nights here, paired with the same in Istria, makes the quiet Croatia week.

Where to Stay

On Kvarner and Cres I choose to suit each trip.

Pairs with: Istria for the other half of the week, and the Croatia guide for the whole country.

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Culture & Sights

  • The griffon vulture rescue centre: In the village of Beli on Cres, caring for injured birds.
  • The sea cliffs of Cres: Where the griffon vultures nest.
  • Island villages: The slower pace of the northern Adriatic.

Wildlife note: Griffon vultures nest on the sea cliffs of Cres.

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