Cres

Island in the Adriatic Sea, in the Bay of Kvarner, off the coast of Croatia; area 415 sq km/160 sq mi; population (1991) 3,200. The island is mountainous and sheep-raising is the main economic activity. Small quantities of wine, fruit, and vegetables are produced. The principal village is also called Cres. Cres is connected to the neighbouring island of Lošinj by a bridge. In 1991 it became part of independent Croatia.

Cres belonged to Austria until 1919, when it was ceded to Italy. With the Italian peace treaty of 1947 it became part of Yugoslavia.