A land speckled with small villages and hamlets, olive-groves, figs & vineyards, cloaked in ancient forests or laid open to sheep-pasture, the sweet aroma of wild herbs on the warm breeze, narrow-polished stone-cobbled streets lead nowhere, dotted with taverna's, chapels and market squares. Quaint pastel coloured buildings and tiny fishing harbours dwarfed against the backdrop of the rugged mountains. Friendly local people sharing coffee in the mid-morning sun, pretty beaches and delicious fresh local food....are just a few of the treasures this part of Croatia has to offer.................The Cres-Losinj or Kvarner group of islands are situated in the Kvarner Gulf region of Croatia's island studded coastline. Located 500km North, the 'Kvarner Gulf' is a far cry from the more touristy and busy destinations of southern Croatia and Dalmatia. Therefore these islands remain less-known, less-visited, and a lot more peaceful. They are also very rich in history and tradition, and possess a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, mostly-oweing to a chequered history of past occupiers and rulers. Although, area-wise, one of the larger islands(over 400 km sq), Cres Island is one of the most sparsely populated, with a population average of just 7 people per square km! One can really get a sense of the history and tradition which has shaped life here for centuries. Cres Island especially provides the perfect retreat from modern life and crowded destinations, as you enjoy the beautiful isolation and raw beauty of this rugged landscape. The 36 islands, islets and reefs provide hundreds of kms of rugged coastline and undoubtedly, some of the islands true gems are its myriad of beaches-lapped by the sparkling clean, warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. Adriatic waters are crystal-clear, warm and provide excellent Scuba-Diving and Sailing opportunities throughout the year. Terrain & topography is dramatic and breathtaking and walking opportunities are plentiful. The landscape here is the legacy of an elevation in sea levels after the last Ice-Age and Cres and Losinj islands(originally one island) are the remnants of a continuation of the 'Dinaric Alp' chain which form todays 'Velebit' range on the mainland. Because of its northerly position nestled in the gulf between the peninsular of 'Istria' and the highland regions of 'Gorski Kotar' and the 'Velebit' mountain chain, Cres enjoys a relatively mild 'maritime' climate with long hot summers and mild winters. The air here has long been hailed as having natural medicinal qualities and is laden with the sweet aromas of a multitude of wild herbs which prosper here. Wildlife is rich and varied on Cres and the 45th parallel bisects the island just north of Cres town. Therefore Cres lies both in the 'Continental' climate zone and the 'Mediterranean' zone in the south. In the northern areas vegetation is dominated by mature forests of 'Oak' species, 'Hornbeam', 'Ash' and 'Sweet Chestnut'. Where these are absent, the land is covered with scrub plants 'Olive' trees and other hardy species. To the south you find more introduced species-plantations of conifers. A remarkable feature are the 1,000's of kilometres of dry-stone-walls ('Gromaca') which were constructed from the rocks removed to allow crops to grow and cattle to graze. There are some 1,300 species of plants here-thats some 300 less than the UK in an area just 0.2% of the size! The skies are rich in bird-life(over 200 recorded species) 90 of which nest here, but perhaps the most striking of these is the unique endangered colony of 'Eurasian Griffon Vultures' (3m wingspan) which nest- (unusually) on the sea-cliffs. The islands are also rich in many other birds and of much interest to ornithologists. Conservation opportunities are available year-round assisting with the Vulture programme and with the general protection of nature, culture,& history, coupled with the re-introduction of traditional agricultural and animal husbandry practices. Tasks you undertake whilst volunteering vary, dependant on the time of year you visit. But its safe to say, you could be doing anything from helping local farmers bring in the Olive crop or herding their sheep to observing or counting the Griffon Vultures or repairing walking trails. One thing is certain- you wont be bored! Dont worry though!..you're volunteering activities are typically 5-6 hours a day with the rest of the day to yourself to relax in the bar next door or perhaps Scuba Dive, go walking or canyoning, or simply lie on the beach after a morning's work with your fellow volunteers.
 

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Site Revised: December 10, 2008