The town of Cres is located in a deep bay, which has always been known as a good refuge from bad weather. The city is a typical example of a settlement dominated by Venetian influence.
It is the largest town on the island, as well as the administrative center of the two islands, Cres and Losinj. The towns of Cres and Osor were founded by the Illyrians, later the islands were ruled by the Romans, Byzantines and Croats. The Venetians ruled between 1409 and 1797. Cres became the administrative center of western Kvarner in 1450. In the 19th century, the Austrians ruled here and the merchant navy revived. Cres and Losinj have been Italian since 1920, then Yugoslavian, and Croatian since 1991. In the 16th century, the port was surrounded by a fort, which served to defend against the Turks and pirates. The two gates and the remains of the walls are still visible today. The small gate is on the south side, and the city gate is on the north side of the city. The harbor of Cres is a unique feature of the town of Cres. It is a port within a port that cuts deep into the old city center and is an integral part of the Cres square. The harbor is the soul of Cres. The pastel-colored house facades contrast with the white boats rocking in the sea. The city gate, a loggia with a colonnade and a clock tower stand next to the main square. There are many cafes and restaurants next to the harbor with a wide range of drinks and local dishes. The bell tower and the cathedral of Saint Mary the Snow with the statues of the Archangel Gabriel and the Mother of God and the Renaissance door are also located here.
The city is also characterized by gardens, patrician coats of arms and small squares. Opposite the harbor stands the oldest Petris Palace, which the locals call Arsan, as it used to be an arsenal.