Krk, the nearby island of Prvić, and the island of Cres are the last habitats for griffon vultures in Croatia. Cres, in particular, as a natural gem that has been largely untouched by mass tourism, is an especially good and important outpost for the majestic creatures.
Birds of prey, they belong to the scavenger group and feed on large dead animals, which are usually dead sheep on the island of Cres. Griffon Vultures are amongst the largest flying birds and measure up to 93 to 100cm in height, with a wingspan of 235 to 290cm, and weigh up to between 7 and 12kg. However, despite their scale and nature as birds of prey, they are actually gentle partners that mate for life, living in colonies of two, three, or five couples and spend almost all of their time together in marital flights. Pretty cute, right?
For the first five years of their lives, the birds leave Cres and migrate across Europe, Asia and Africa before returning to Cres to breed. Therefore, the birds you'll see on the island are babies and adults with all the teenagers and young adults off having adventures. Sadly, only 4-5 of the 40-50 hatched each year ever actually manage to return.
Birds of prey, they belong to the scavenger group and feed on large dead animals, which are usually dead sheep on the island of Cres. Griffon Vultures are amongst the largest flying birds and measure up to 93 to 100cm in height, with a wingspan of 235 to 290cm, and weigh up to between 7 and 12kg. However, despite their scale and nature as birds of prey, they are actually gentle partners that mate for life, living in colonies of two, three, or five couples and spend almost all of their time together in marital flights. Pretty cute, right?
For the first five years of their lives, the birds leave Cres and migrate across Europe, Asia and Africa before returning to Cres to breed. Therefore, the birds you'll see on the island are babies and adults with all the teenagers and young adults off having adventures. Sadly, only 4-5 of the 40-50 hatched each year ever actually manage to return.
When they do, they return to the type of place that is perfect for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Primorje-Gorski Kotar that is looking for a day trip destination. Ruggedly beautiful and the most biodiverse of Croatia’s islands, it boasts a rich wildlife and flora and is a well-protected and preserved gem that one needs to see with one's own eyes. The dramatic coast, forests with their labyrinths, and the gorgeous villages – both abandoned and occupied – are all worth exploring but to really learn more about the griffons, you need to head to Beli, which is right next to the Beli Visitor Centre and Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures, a place dedicated to protecting and studying the famous birds of the island.
If you spend time on the island, you will likely spot some flying around and swooping through the air but the Centre provides a space to study and actually learn more about them. Located in a refurbished former school building, the Centre features a multimedia exhibition about griffon vultures and the life of the inhabitants of Tramuntana (the northern part of the island of Cres) and also occasionally hosts other interesting events such as photo exhibitions and various workshops for children. It caters for kids especially well and is full of very engaging exhibits and resources. Importantly, it also informs visitors about the Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures, a very necessary service for protecting this endangered species. It is also home to rescued juvenile griffon vultures when they are being prepared for tagging and to be rereleased into the wild. When there are some on site, you may get the opportunity to see some of them in the enclosure up close, which is a very special experience and a must for anyone who has become intrigued by the creatures while visiting the island.
Those who love nature and animals, who like to explore and get out of doors, and those looking for something very, very much off the regular, beaten tourist path in Croatia will all find that this charming and little-known island actually has quite a lot to offer visitors. A truly unique and magical place full of majestic creatures and the immense untouched and untainted beauty of Mother Nature at her best, Cres is a day-trip destination for the most discerning of travellers visiting the surrounding area.
If you spend time on the island, you will likely spot some flying around and swooping through the air but the Centre provides a space to study and actually learn more about them. Located in a refurbished former school building, the Centre features a multimedia exhibition about griffon vultures and the life of the inhabitants of Tramuntana (the northern part of the island of Cres) and also occasionally hosts other interesting events such as photo exhibitions and various workshops for children. It caters for kids especially well and is full of very engaging exhibits and resources. Importantly, it also informs visitors about the Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures, a very necessary service for protecting this endangered species. It is also home to rescued juvenile griffon vultures when they are being prepared for tagging and to be rereleased into the wild. When there are some on site, you may get the opportunity to see some of them in the enclosure up close, which is a very special experience and a must for anyone who has become intrigued by the creatures while visiting the island.
Those who love nature and animals, who like to explore and get out of doors, and those looking for something very, very much off the regular, beaten tourist path in Croatia will all find that this charming and little-known island actually has quite a lot to offer visitors. A truly unique and magical place full of majestic creatures and the immense untouched and untainted beauty of Mother Nature at her best, Cres is a day-trip destination for the most discerning of travellers visiting the surrounding area.