On a high chine above the sea! The ancient settlement of Lubenice has a dreamlike view!

Croatian islands are truly full of surprises, so it’s no wonder that every year more and more tourists choose them as their final destination. No matter where you look, you will find something different, calmer, but also enchanting.

This time we took a peek at the island of Cres, which on the very chine above the sea, hides a small settlement that will surely blow the minds of many, both with the view and with its story.

Lubenice, Photo: xbrchx, Depositphotos

The settlement of Lubenice, the former Roman settlement of Hibernicia, is located on the west coast of the island of Cres at 378 meters above sea level. This adorable place, which enchants with only a few houses and even two small churches, is over four thousand years old and has always been inhabited.

With a position that many cities can only dream of, Lubenice had an important strategic position with which it controlled the entire western part of Kvarner and the maritime routes.

Lubenice, Photo: Pablo Debat, Depositphotos

With stone houses that take your breath away, Lubenice was built on a fortification whose partial defensive walls, together with the city gates, can still be experienced today, while the spirit of the centuries-old past blows with the wind through the ancient streets.

Lubenice, Photo: xbrchx, Depositphotos

At the very beginning of this charming settlement, next to the first viewpoint, you will come across the church of St. Anthony, which dates from the 15th century, but also the bell tower belonging to the main parish church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was built in 1791. Although it was built next to the church itself, it had to be separated due to frequent lightning strikes.

Of course, there is also an inn “Lubenička Loza” where you can enjoy the view while drinking a cold beer or coffee.

Lubenice, Photo: Kasto, Depositphotos

While walking through the streets, you will also come across the Museum of Sheep Breeding, where you can learn more about the history of wool on Cres, the “Hibernicia” tavern, while at the very end of this short but sweet settlement, one of the most beautiful views of the Adriatic, stretching from the beautiful St. John beach to Ližnjan in Istria, awaits you.

Of course, you can get to that beach by a steep path that leads you down the hill. Although it takes about 45 minutes on foot to get there, it will certainly be worth every second.

St. John beach, Lubenice, Photo: Linux1987, Depositphotos

What is interesting is that in Lubenice, during the summer, the City of Cres organizes musical evenings that you can enjoy too!

About 20 permanent residents live in them so make sure to pay them a visit.