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Vrana Lake (Cres)
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Lake
Vrana Lake on the island of Cres is a unique hydrological phenomenon and the most important freshwater reservoir for the islands of Cres and Lošinj. It is a cryptodepression whose water surface lies about 13 meters above sea level, while the deepest point of the lake reaches 61 meters below sea level. The lake covers an area of around 5.7 square kilometers and contains approximately 220 million cubic meters of crystal-clear water. Due to its strategic importance for drinking water supply, access to the lake is strictly regulated, and swimming as well as other recreational activities are prohibited. Scientifically, the lake is fascinating as it has no surface inflow and is fed exclusively by precipitation and underground springs. The water purity is exceptionally high, making the lake an ecologically sensitive system. Numerous local legends surround the lake, including stories of sunken castles and mythical creatures. For decades, it has served as a stabilizing component for the entire archipelago.
- Location: Croatia
- Nearby: Martinšćica (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 93 | 77 | 72 | 88 | 66 | 52 | 72 | 122 | 114 | 140 | 108 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The deeply mystical and extremely deep freshwater lake is strikingly remotely located deep on the island of Cres and can generally almost only be safely viewed and admired from a considerable distance from the surrounding winding roads and highly forested ridges.
Best season
The truly magnificent view down onto the massive lake is particularly highly impressive on absolutely clear days during the blooming spring and warm summer, when the deep blue water shines immensely intensely in the bright sunlight between the lush green mountains.
Terrain & paths
Since the perfectly untouched lake is extremely strictly protected as a deeply vital drinking water reservoir, there are absolutely no official access paths down to the shore, but rather only rough, often highly stony trails far up on the densely overgrown surrounding hills.
What to bring
Anyone extensively and sportily hiking on the expansive ridges around the vast lake absolutely needs highly sturdy footwear against sharp stones, very ample water, and potentially a good set of binoculars for observing fantastic details on the distant water surface.
Parking
Safe parking options largely consist of small, thoroughly unpaved pull-outs directly along the main road of the large island, which very often spontaneously serve as unofficial yet highly popular scenic viewpoints for constantly passing, deeply curious travelers.
Safety
It is truly, absolutely, and extremely strictly forbidden to ever closely approach the sacred water or swim in it; all passing visitors must imperatively and unconditionally respect the marked protection zones and every clear warning sign at absolutely all times.
Time needed
A very quick photo stop directly by the dusty roadside usually takes only about a relaxed fifteen to thirty minutes, whereas highly extensive, far-reaching hikes in the grandiose surroundings of the lake can absolutely and effortlessly fill multiple rewarding hours.
Geography
Facts
- Deepest point: 74 meters below surface
- Volume: approx. 220 million m³ of water
- Surface area: 5.75 km²
- Elevation: 13 meters above sea level
- Type: Cryptodepression
- Supply: Drinking water for Cres and Lošinj
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Vrana Lake (Cres) (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Vrana Lake on Cres open to the public?
Access to the shore is strictly prohibited as the lake is the drinking water source for Cres and Lošinj.
Is swimming allowed in the lake?
No, swimming, fishing, and boating are forbidden to protect the water quality.
How deep is Vrana Lake?
It is about 74 meters deep, and its bottom is well below sea level (cryptodepression).
Where can you get the best view of the lake?
From the village of Vrana or from the road above the lake, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama.
Are there legends about the lake?
Yes, legend has it that a sunken castle of a cruel sister lies beneath the lake.
Vrana Lake (Cres): where is it located?
Vrana Lake (Cres) is located in Croatia.
Vrana Lake (Cres): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vrana Lake (Cres): why is it worth visiting?
Vrana Lake on the island of Cres is a unique hydrological phenomenon and the most important freshwater reservoir for the islands of Cres and Lošinj.
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