WHEN it comes to European islands, most people think of Mykonos in Greece, Majorca in Spain, or Capri in Italy.
But there are plenty of other lesser-known European islands that many Brits probably haven’t heard about.
AlamyCres is an island in Croatia[/caption]
AlamyDespite being one of the largest islands in Croatia, Cres remains largely untouched by hordes of holidaymakers[/caption]
Brits who visit Croatia often go on holiday to places like Dubrovnik, Split, or Zagreb, but there’s also the lesser-known island of Cres.
Despite being one of the largest islands in Croatia, it still remains largely untouched by hordes of holidaymakers.
According to the Telegraph, Cres is Croatia’s “forgotten island that costs half as much as Hvar.”
The island is set between Pula and the neighbouring island of Krk, holidaymakers wishing to visit will need to fly to Rijeka Airpot on Krk.
EasyJet operates direct routes from London Gatwick Airport to Cres, with flights starting at £30.
From the airport, passengers will need to take a catamaran or catch a local bus service to Cres.
Around 3,000 people live on the island, with the summer being the busiest season for tourists where numbers can increase.
The temperature can go as low as 5C in the winter and can reach 30C in the summer.
Because of its location, the island is largely free from crowds but there are still plenty of attractions to keep tourists entertained.
The main holiday resort is situated in Cres Town where holidaymakers can visit the town walls, the Venetian Tower, and the Church of St Mary.
There’s also the hilltop town of Lubenice, which is home to crumbling stone buildings and a Romanesque chapel.
From the town’s main square, tourists will be able to spot a selection of pebble coves on the coastline.
These coves can be reached via a series of steep footpaths.
While the trek down to the coves can be difficult, it is home to crystal-clear waters.
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But there are plenty of other beaches on Cres including Lubenice Beach, Mali Boc, Orlec Beach, and Plaža Kovačine.
Other activities include a visit to one of Croatia’s blue grottos called Plava Grota, and island hopping to places like Lošinj, Rab, and Krk.
There are also several hiking and walking routes in Northern Cres.
From January 1, 2023, Croatia scrapped the Kuna and adopted the Euro as its official currency.
Despite the change in currency, prices of food, drink, and accommodation in Cres have largely remained unchanged.
An article in the Telegraph said: “Prices in Croatia have been carefully converted since it adopted the euro in January, rather than being bumped up.”
The writer, who was on holiday in Cres, was able to purchase a cappuccino for €1.73 (about £1.50).
Other Food and drink is cheap too, with a three-litre box of wine costing as little as £10, meanwhile, a pizza out will cost around £5 per person.
Until a five-star hotel opens on the island next year, the large majority of overnight accommodation comes in the form of campsites, guesthouses and homestays.
Holidaymakers will be able to book a plot at a campsite like Camping Zdovica for just £10.
While there aren’t many hotels on the island, tourists will be able to stay at Hotel Zlatni Lav.
This four-star hotel will cost €57 (£48) per night based on two people sharing a room.
This isn’t the only European island that’s gone unnoticed by holidaymakers in recent years.
Elsewhere in Europe, there’s an island in Greece that is said to be better than Mykonos.
And in the UK, there is a British island that looks just like the Caribbean.
AlamyThere are beaches on Cres including Lubenice Beach, Mali Boc, Orlec Beach, and Plaža Kovačine[/caption]
AlamyHolidaymakers wishing to visit will need to fly to Rijeka Airpot on Krk.[/caption] Read More