Why visit
Why visit Vrana Lake, Cres
This freshwater lake sits in the middle of the island of Cres, its bottom 61 metres below sea level — a cryptodepression whose freshness is a genuine geological mystery (nobody quite knows why it hasn't gone salty). It's the only source of drinking water for both Cres and Lošinj.
At a glance
Estimated visit
1 hour at viewpoint
Best season
Any time
Where
Cres, Croatia
Category
Lake
History
This freshwater lake sits in the middle of the island of Cres, its bottom 61 metres below sea level — a cryptodepression whose freshness is a genuine geological mystery (nobody quite knows why it hasn't gone salty). It's the only source of drinking water for both Cres and Lošinj. Swimming and boating are banned to protect the water, but you can hike or drive to a viewpoint above it, and combine the visit with the beautiful abandoned village of Lubenice on the coast.
“Nobody can fully explain why Vrana Lake remains freshwater even though its bottom is well below sea level — it's one of the great unsolved puzzles of Kvarner geology.”
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