As the summer hustle and bustle slowly subsides, the island of Cres reveals its most beautiful face in September, offering a perfect synergy of a relaxing atmosphere and a rich program of events. The largest Adriatic island, with its hidden coves, ancient olive groves, and a network of hundreds of kilometers of hiking and cycling trails, becomes an ideal refuge for all those eager for an active holiday and cultural enrichment. Pleasant, mild temperatures and beaches that are breathing freely again create the backdrop for a month filled with music, sports, tradition, and art. September on Cres is not the end of the season, but an invitation for a deeper and more authentic experience of the island, and this year's program confirms this at every step, while also celebrating the great anniversary of 180 years of organized tourism.

The rhythms of summer continue to echo through the streets and squares of Cres in the first part of September. For all visitors, this is an opportunity to catch the last beats of their favorite summer events. Every Monday, the tradition continues with the melancholic and powerful sounds of klapa singing that fill the evenings, while Tuesdays are reserved for free guided tours that reveal the secrets and historical layers of the city. In addition, on Tuesdays and Fridays, the square comes alive with the colors and scents of local products at the popular "Creska butega," an exhibition offering the best from the island's family farms – from olive oil and honey to unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

A weekend of rock and adrenaline on two wheels

The first weekend of September on the island will be marked by strong energy and musical passion. For the fourth year in a row, the Crock association is organizing the Dragan Medarić Gagi Rock Memorial, an event that has grown into an unmissable spot for all fans of heavy sound. The event, held in memory of a respected member of the local community, a musician, and a friend, transforms the school playground in the town of Cres into a two-day oasis of rock, punk, and heavy metal music. Admission is free for all visitors, and the program promises a top-notch atmosphere. On Friday, September 5th, starting at 8 PM, the stage will be shaken by the bands Vile Divine, Disruption, the local Štamparska greška, the legendary Atheist Rap, and Padre. The music festival continues on Saturday, September 6th, when the audience will be entertained by Speedclaw, Art Knockout, Savršeni marginalci, composed of former members of the cult band Hladno pivo, and the always energetic Krešo i kisele kiše.

Meanwhile, Saturday morning brings a completely different kind of excitement. Namely, the island of Cres will host the premiere edition of Epic Rides Cres, a recreational cycling event that is part of the national project Epic Rides Croatia. This is not a race, but an organized cycling get-together designed for all generations and fitness levels. The goal is to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the island on two wheels. The 43-kilometer-long trail, with a total ascent of 760 meters, will lead participants through some of the most beautiful parts of the island, combining paved sections with gravel paths through olive groves and along the coast. The start is scheduled for 11:00 AM at the new pier in the town of Cres, where a Racing Village will be set up for the entire day, serving as a central place for gathering, socializing, and exchanging experiences among cyclists.

Exploring the island on foot and to the rhythm of dance

For those who prefer exploring nature at their own pace, the extremely popular Cres Hike project starts in mid-September. From September 15th to October 15th, all nature lovers will have the opportunity to participate in free guided hiking tours. Accompanied by experienced local guides, the tours will start from two key island centers, Cres and the picturesque Beli, offering a unique insight into the hidden beauties of the island. These walks will take participants through untouched nature, dense Tramuntana forests, over old shepherd paths, and to viewpoints offering unforgettable views of the Kvarner Gulf. It is an ideal opportunity to get to know the rich flora and fauna of the island, including the habitats of Griffon vultures, whose sanctuary is located right around Beli. For all who wish to surrender to the rhythm, on Sunday, September 7th, a free dance workshop will be held at Camp Kovačine as part of the "Summer Dance School" program. The workshop for beginner and advanced dancers will be led by renowned dancer Elio Bašan, starting at 8:00 PM.

September is also a month reserved for family adventures and nurturing tradition. On Saturday, September 13th, the village of Beli becomes the scene of the exciting Treasure Hunt of Beli. This island adventure, organized by the Vanavi company, is intended for children and parents and combines play, exploration, and learning about the history of this ancient settlement. The event starts at 10:00 AM, and all interested parties can register via the email address eventi@vanavi-ri.com. The Sports Fishing Club Parangal continues with its commendable program Fishing for the Youngest, which teaches children fishing skills and respect for the sea from an early age. Competitions for young fishermen will be held at the Grotica pier on September 14th and 28th, starting at 8:00 AM.

Cultural heritage and the celebration of 180 years of tourism

This year holds special significance for Cres, as it marks an impressive 180 years since the arrival of the first organized tourists by steamboat from Rijeka, back in 1845. In this celebratory spirit, the island will join the global celebration of World Tourism Day on September 27th. A special program has been prepared for the occasion, celebrating the rich history and heritage of the island. Visitors can expect a unique free costumed guided tour through the historic core of the town of Cres. The walk will bring the spirit of past times to life, leading guests through Renaissance palaces and hidden corners of the city. The tour will be rounded off with a tasting of authentic local products, thus combining in the best possible way the history, culture, and gastronomy that form the soul of this island.

The month of September also brings one of the most significant scientific and cultural events in the region – the Days of Frane Petrić. This international symposium, named after the great Renaissance philosopher and polymath born in Cres, brings together scientists and thinkers from all over the world. The event fosters philosophical dialogue on current topics and encourages research into Petrić's vast contribution to European thought. Through a series of lectures, panels, and discussions, Cres becomes an international center for intellectual exchange for a few days, confirming its status as an island that preserves and promotes knowledge.

A wealth of exhibition spaces across the island

Throughout September, the cultural offer of Cres is enriched by a series of outstanding exhibitions that take visitors on a journey through various aspects of the island's heritage and contemporary art. Every corner of the island tells its own story:

• In the very heart of the town, the Creski Kaić Interpretation Centre hosts a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the rich maritime heritage and tradition of the island, celebrating the lives of people inextricably linked to the sea.


• The Cres Museum, located in the Gothic-Renaissance Arsan Palace, offers as many as three exhibitions: "Heraldic Cres" explores noble coats of arms, "Three Stories about the Arsan Palace" reveals the secrets of the building itself, while "Cres Kitchen" takes visitors on a journey of tastes and smells of traditional gastronomy.


• The prestigious Moise Palace opens its doors on September 5th at 7:00 PM to the exhibition "Koltrina – Dance with the Wind" by author Magrit Dittmann-Soldičić, which explores the power and beauty of the wind through artistic expression.


• The medieval Cres Tower is home to an impressive exhibition "Illuminous – Let There Be Light" by artist Bojana Vuksanović, which plays with light and space.


• In the Beli Visitor Centre, dedicated to the protection of Griffon vultures, a modern multimedia display has been set up that tells the story of these kings of the sky in an interactive way, and visitors can also find ideal accommodation in Beli to experience nature to the fullest.


• In the village of Martinšćica, the Andrija Linardić Museum preserves the memory of the pioneers of essential oil distillation, an activity that marked the history of many island families.


• Finally, in the magical Lubenice, the Sheep Farming Museum offers an educational and touching insight into the thousand-year-old tradition of Cres sheep farming, which has shaped the landscape and life on the island.