Family trip to Cres with children. Ideas on where to go with your child

Cres will be an ideal place for curious and active children who are not dependent on gadgets and who are ready for long walks. Young ornithologists should definitely come here and visit Vrana lake or Vransko lake. It is the largest lake in Croatia. The lake is a protected area where you can meet rare birds which are in the Red Book. However, even if your child is not interested in birds, you should definitely visit the lake. The most interesting findings made on this lake are dated back to the second millennium BC. So, Vrana lake is a unique natural attraction with crystal clear water. Moreover, you can drink its water without any filtration.

The legend of this lake will be illustrative for small children. Croats believe that there was a fertile land owned by two sisters. One of the women wanted to have all the land and killed her sister. But she was punished for her cruelty. A severe earthquake and a flood destroyed fertile field and a castle. Local inhabitants say that you can hear the sound of a bell from the bottom of the lake.

Lubenice is an abandoned ancient fort village located at the top of the cliff 378 meters above the sea. It was founded about a thousand years ago. There are still old walls, medieval gates and some cult buildings of those times. For example, St. Jacob’s Chapel and the Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The local cemetery is an interesting and beautiful place, but it can attract only brave teenagers who are ready to visit this creepy place. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Beli is the most ancient settlement on the island. People have been living here for several thousand years. There are many cultural and historical attractions in Beli. Some of them is a Romanesque Church of Saint Mary with a small museum where you can see a dozen of interesting exhibits from different eras. Be sure to show to your chid ancient ruins from the times of Roman reign on the island and an amphitheatre construction where an agora located more than ten centuries ago. There is also a Roman church and well-preserved Roman bridge. The local eco-centre is located in Beli. Its work is dedicated to the protection of griffon vulture and the protection of local flora and fauna. You can visit this place and get your child acquainted with the information on various local plants, animals and birds. Moreover, there is a place for injured birds. Each interested person can visit this place.

Valun village is famous for its Croatian Glagolitic inscriptions, called Valun tablet. The inscriptions are made in Latin and ancient Croatian languages. They are dated back to the 11th century. The huge rock with the inscriptions is walled into the Paris Church of Saint Mary. You can also visit the museum in Valun where your child can explore how locals live. Cres, the capital of the island has remaining parts of some fortifications, they are fragments of gates and walls from the 17th century. The oldest part of the settlement is located behind the gates. Moreover, the Church of Saint Isidore located here, you should definitely take your child to this place. Children should also visit Petrić Palace which has become a museum.

Those children who love sea and water activities will fall in love with Cres. Despite the fact that local beaches are small, they are very picturesque. Sveti Ivan, Slatina and Beli are the most popular beaches on the island. Kimen is a sandy-pebble beach located in the capital of the island. An active child can play football, basketball or table tennis on the island. Moreover, children can try waterskiing, sea fishing or yachting. In short, your child won't be bored on Cres Island.