Beli sits on a 130-metre-high hill above the eastern coast of northern Cres. Roman remains, a protected historic village ensemble, a five-kilometre hiking route and a pebble beach offer different ways to shape a stay. You can focus on the history of the settlement, the Tramuntana or the coast, and plan your time in Beli around your interests.

Village History and Cultural Heritage

Beli occupies the site of the Roman settlement of Caput Insulae, which was founded on a prehistoric hillfort. Archaeological remains at the present-day village include a Roman temple and a forum. This reveals two distinct periods: the hillfort points to a prehistoric phase, while Caput Insulae represents the later Roman settlement.

An extract from the Croatian Register of Cultural Heritage dated 12 March 2024 lists Beli’s historic village ensemble as protected cultural property. It names the Chapel of St Anthony the Abbot in Beli cemetery, the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple, and the olive mill known as the “toš” as protected immovable cultural property. The protected heritage therefore includes both the village ensemble as a whole and individual buildings.

The Roman bridge in Beli is about 2,000 years old and eight metres long. It is the only surviving bridge from that period on the coast.

Tramuntana, Hiking and Coastline

The Visitor and Griffon Vulture Rescue Centre features a multimedia exhibition about griffon vultures and life in the Tramuntana. Photo exhibitions and children’s workshops are held there occasionally, and information about the rescue centre’s work is also available. The focus thus shifts from ancient traces to the Tramuntana landscape and the centre’s work.

Tramuntana II is a five-kilometre hiking route from Beli to Frantin and back. The five kilometres cover the entire out-and-back route. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Beli Beach is a well-maintained natural pebble beach beside the village’s small harbour. You can drive to a car park at the beach or park in the village and walk down. Parking conditions and any fees may change, so check in advance.

There is a diving centre at Beli Beach. Zip-line Beli starts 35 metres above sea level and ends at the caves at the far end of the beach. If you plan to use either facility, check its operating status before your trip.

When planning outdoor activities, different considerations come into play: for Tramuntana II, the full five-kilometre round trip matters; at Beli Beach, you can choose between the car park by the beach and the walking route down from the village.

Discover more destinations: Lubenice, Stivan, Valun, Grmov, Cres, Porozina, Martinšćica, Dragozetići

Back to the main travel overview: Cres.