The island of Cres, a pearl of the Kvarner Gulf, will this weekend become the epicenter of a celebration that combines rich history, untouched nature, and authentic flavors. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Cres Tourist Board has prepared an exceptionally rich and content-filled program to mark an impressive anniversary – a full 180 years of organized tourism on this largest Adriatic island. All residents and visitors are invited to join the events that will take place on the last weekend of September and experience the spirit of Cres in a unique way, an island that proudly preserves its tradition and develops a sustainable future with a vision.

Around the world, September 27th is celebrated as World Tourism Day with the aim of promoting awareness of the invaluable importance of tourism and its profound social, cultural, and economic impacts. This year, Cres is actively participating in the global celebration, highlighting its unique story that has lasted for almost two centuries. The program is designed to provide visitors with a deeper insight into the island's heritage, offering a blend of education, recreation, and culinary delight.

Celebration of a great tourism anniversary

The tourist history of Cres dates back to the 19th century, specifically to 1845, when the first visitors, mostly members of the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy and elite, began to discover the charms of this island. Attracted by the mild climate, crystal-clear sea, and the peace that offered an escape from the bustling everyday life of European cities, these first travelers laid the foundations of tourism that is still based on the same values today – authenticity, nature, and tranquility. It is this long and rich tradition that makes Cres one of the oldest tourist destinations on the Adriatic, and this year's celebration pays tribute to the generations who have built and preserved the island's tourist identity. It is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of sustainable development, which is key today to preserving Cres as a destination that lives in synergy with its nature and community. If you are planning a visit, explore the diverse accommodation options on Cres that will complete your experience.

A journey through time: Costumed tour of the old town

The central event of the Saturday program, which begins on September 27, 2025, at exactly 10 a.m. in the main town square, is a unique costumed guided tour through the historic core of the town of Cres. Participants will be led through the picturesque stone streets by a guide dressed in a costume of a lady from the mid-19th century, reviving the spirit of the time when tourism on the island was just beginning. This interactive walk is not just a tour of landmarks, but also an emotional journey into the past, where visitors will hear firsthand stories about the first tourists, their impressions, and the way the island looked 180 years ago.

The tour will cover key points of Cres's cultural heritage, from the monumental city gates, witnesses of Venetian rule, through the town loggia and the pillar of shame, to the Arsan-Petris Palace, the birthplace of the famous Renaissance philosopher Frane Petrić. Participants will discover the secrets of hidden courtyards and narrow alleys, and learn more about the rich maritime and commercial history of the town. This walk offers an opportunity to experience the town of Cres not only as a tourist destination but as a living monument of culture. Staying in the very heart of history will be made possible by carefully selected accommodation in the town of Cres.

The tastes of Cres: Tasting of autochthonous products

The historical walk will be enriched by an experience that awakens all the senses – a tasting of autochthonous Cres products. This oenogastronomic part of the program is designed to present the richness of flavors that the island offers, which are the result of a centuries-old tradition and the coexistence of man and nature. At the center of the tasting will be Cres extra virgin olive oil, the liquid gold of the island which holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) at the European Union level. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste oil obtained from autochthonous varieties such as Plominka and Slivnjača, known for its balanced fruitiness and pleasant spiciness.

Along with the olive oil, homemade jams will be presented, made according to traditional recipes from local fruits like figs and blackberries, which preserve the taste of the Cres summer in a jar. The highlight of the tasting will be a special cake "Creska rožica" (Rose of Cres), a dessert designed and created specifically for this grand 180th anniversary of tourism. Every bite of this cake tells a story of the island, its aromas and tradition, and represents a sweet symbol of the long history of hospitality.

Active holiday in the heart of nature: Cres Hike tour

Sunday, September 28th, is reserved for lovers of nature and active holidays. As part of the successful "Cres Hike" project, which promotes the island's hiking trails and extends the tourist season, a free guided hiking tour is being organized. The gathering is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the main town square, from where the group sets off to explore the beauties of the Cres coast. The route, approximately 9 kilometers long, leads participants from the town center, along the sea, towards the Dražica bay and further to the recognizable Green Lighthouse at the entrance to the Cres harbor.

The trail is of a light pace and suitable for everyone, offering spectacular views of the crystal-clear sea, the city skyline, and the island's slopes. The return to the town is planned along the beautiful coastal promenade, the popular lungomare, which provides a perfect opportunity for relaxation and enjoying the fresh sea air. This active walk is an ideal way to experience the blend of recreation, nature, and local ambiance. Participation is free, but due to a limited number of participants, registration via the e-mail address info@cres-fun.com is mandatory. After a fulfilling day in nature, find your peace in one of the comfortable accommodation facilities on Cres.

Cres – a sustainable destination of rich heritage

The celebration of World Tourism Day and the 180th anniversary on Cres is much more than a ceremonial program; it is a confirmation of the island's focus on sustainable and responsible tourism. Cres proudly bears the title of a destination that nurtures authenticity, preserves its rich cultural and natural heritage, and places the local community at its center. This philosophy is visible in every segment of its offer, from the protection of Griffon vultures at the Eco Center in Beli, through the preservation of the Vrana Lake phenomenon, to the valorization of the thousand-year-old olive groves and dry-stone walls that adorn the landscape.

Events like the costumed tour and guided walks strengthen the identity of Cres as an island that offers its visitors more than sun and sea – it offers an experience, a story, and an opportunity to connect with nature and tradition. The last weekend of September on Cres is therefore a perfect opportunity for all who wish to become part of a story that has been going on for 180 years and to feel the true spirit of an island that has managed to preserve its soul.