Spring on the island of Cres brings a rich mosaic of events that perfectly combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic gastronomy, inviting visitors from all over Croatia and abroad to experience the unique spirit of this Kvarner pearl. In the months to follow, Cres transforms into a dynamic stage where sports events, workshops for adults and children, festivals, and concerts alternate, all accompanied by the sunset over the Adriatic and the scent of olive groves.

180 years of tourism – a historic anniversary in grand style

This year, Cres marks 180 years of tourism, and the main celebrations will take place on June 1st, when back in 1845, the first organized group of tourists arrived on the island. From then until today, Cres has become synonymous with relaxation, natural beauty, and hospitality. The central event of this grand anniversary will include a rich cultural and entertainment program, a retrospective of the island's tourism development, and an evening concert by the popular singer Jelena Rozga.

Easter in Cres: A blend of spirituality, tradition, and creativity

The Easter holidays in Cres, celebrated this year from April 18th to 21st, bring a series of events including processions, workshops, and musical performances. On Good Friday, at 19:00, the traditional procession starts from the parish church of St. Mary the Great. Easter Saturday is marked by a guided walk through centuries-old olive groves, starting at 10:00 in the main square, and a creative workshop on felting woolen Easter eggs at the premises of the Rute Cres association, starting at 12:00.

On Easter itself, April 20th, solemn masses will be held in the church of St. Mary the Great (7:30, 10:30, and 19:00) and in the Monastery of St. Francis (9:00 and 19:00). On Monday, April 21st, visitors will enjoy klapa singing and tasting of traditional sweets in the town square, featuring a performance by the male klapa Burin starting at 11:30.

Feast of Cres Lamb and Cheese: A celebration of taste and tradition

Saturday, April 26th, is reserved for one of the most anticipated events – the Feast of Cres Lamb and Cheese. Visitors will be able to taste various lamb dishes, try authentic Cres cheese and lamb salami, participate in a felting workshop, and enjoy a concert by Luka Nižetić. The event starts at 17:00 in the main town square.

Cres on a Plate: An ode to local delicacies

The Cres on a Plate project, which continues after the feast, highlights authentic island ingredients. Thus, on May 3rd, all interested parties can participate in a guided tour through the olive groves and taste Cres extra virgin olive oil. A week later, on May 10th, the focus will be on traditional island desserts, and on May 24th, an event dedicated to Cres honey is organized, along with a guided walk through the largest field of wild sage in the world.

Sporting Cres: Cycling, trail running, and sailing

Sports enthusiasts will not be left out. On April 17th, Cres hosts the 4Islands MTB Epic Series cycling race, whose island stage is known as the most demanding. The start and finish of the race are located at Trg Frane Petrića, and the event is accompanied by sending special postcards from Cres to the world.

Griffon Trail, a new trail race held on May 17th, offers three challenging courses (8, 15, and 26 km) through olive groves, shepherd paths, and historical sites, emphasizing the natural and cultural heritage of the island.

Sailors get their turn on May 10th and 11th with the Cres Flying Dutchmann Cup 2025. This is a regatta of the FD class – fast sports sailboats that evoke the legend of the Flying Dutchman.

Bagpipe Festival, Treasure Hunt, and Cres Dinghy

From May 24th to 30th, Cres offers rich cultural content. The International Bagpipe Festival takes place on May 24th in Nerezine and May 25th in Orlec, while on May 30th, the youngest will enjoy the Treasure Hunt of Beli, an interesting event involving games, workshops, and educational activities in the historic town of Beli.

At the very beginning of June, from June 2nd to 8th, the Cres Dinghy event is held – a manifestation dedicated to the island's maritime heritage. Alongside the regatta of traditional wooden boats, visitors can participate in bocce and card game tournaments and taste seafood delicacies.

The entire program of events on Cres provides an ideal opportunity to escape from everyday life, whether you are a lover of nature, sports, tradition, or gastronomy. Find your accommodation on Cres and experience the authentic island in its full spring splendor.