Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the island is asleep. Quite the opposite – in autumn, Cres seems to live a different life. A calmer one, more relaxed, but equally as exciting. If you choose autumn camping at Kovačine Camp, here’s a bucket list of experiences which are a must.

1. Have breakfast on an empty beach

Some bread, cheese, figs, and a thermos full of coffee. And the silence. No noise, no speakers blasting music. Just you and the sea.

Beach, Kovačine Camp, island of Cres

2. Take a walk in Lubenice with no crowds

In autumn, the narrow stone alleys of this ancient town look straight out of a movie. And the best part? No one will be walking through your shots of the amazing Lubenice sunset.

3. Gather a pile of leaves and jump into it (adults included)

When did you last do that? Your kids will laugh, your dog will think it found buried treasure, and you will remember that life doesn’t always have to be serious.

4. Cycle to Valun

Autumn means you can go for a bike ride without looking like you’d just run a marathon. The route to Valun passes through olive groves and offers amazing views of the sea—worth every pedal stroke.

5. Discover the “autumnal Cres” plate

Try the local lamb, olive oil, and fresh fish available every day at the camp’s fish market! Autumn is also the time for harvesting olives, so don’t miss your chance to visit one of the local oil mills or join us at the Kovačine Camp and help us harvest the olives! Bonus: you won’t have to wait to be seated at a restaurant.

Cres plate – fresh fish and olive oil

6. Gaze at the starry sky on a blanket

In autumn, the sky is crystal clear, and there is only minimal light pollution on Cres. Cosy up on a blanket, get out your wine, and make a wish on a shooting star.

Cres at night

7. Experience Cres in a kayak

The sea is still warm and calm enough for kayaking in September and October. Rent a kayak at the camp, row to one of the hidden coves and pretend you have discovered a new civilisation.

Kayaking around the island of Cres

8. Explore bird migrations

If you’ve ever wanted to experience events worthy of the “National Geographic” in person, bring a pair of binoculars and go for a walk. Autumn is when countless flocks fly over Cres on their way to southern lands, and the sea becomes a playground for the grebes.

A griffon vulture, island of Cres

9. Write a gratitude journal

Sounds cheesy? Perhaps. Still, in the autumnal peace and quiet at the camp, surrounded by the fragrance of pine trees and the sea, it won’t be difficult to list all the small stuff that we should be grateful for: front row seats to gorgeous sunsets, olive trees next to your tent, laughter around the table, the starry skies… (you’re free to continue)…

10. Book your next stay at Kovačine Camp

Once you experience autumn on Cres, you’ll probably want to make it a tradition. If you need any more excuses to return, autumn has so many: trails with fewer people, warmer colours, lower prices.

Your autumn bucket list is more than just a list of activities. It’s a reminder that summer isn’t the only good season for camping. In autumn, Cres is quiet, warm, golden, and – the best part – yours alone. Just like us.

A pitch by the sea, Kovačine Camp, Cres