Cres Island - Orlec

Orlec is the largest settlement in Cres in the inner part of the island. Along with Belej, this is one of the most typical livestock farming settlements on the island of Cres. Orlec is located at an altitude of 240 meters above sea level, and it is about two kilometers from the nearest coast towards the eastern part.

Due to the unfavorable conditions for the construction of the port, the inhabitants were never intensively engaged in seafaring and fishing. The settlement is said to have been established in the 16th century, when a few families came to the island of Cres and settled here, fleeing Turkish invasions. The name Orlec refers to the presence of griffon vultures, which have their nesting grounds near the settlement. Almost in the center of the village is the parish church of St. Anthony the Hermit. It was built in the 16th century, and got its current form between 1909 and 1911. The main attraction of the church is the baroque altar of Saint Anthony the Hermit, which was brought from the church of Saint Francis in Cres around 1706-1710. The paintings on the wall were painted by Slovenian painter Tone Kralj between 1957 and 1958.

Above the main altar, local people in national costumes are depicted in the painting. In the settlement there is a signpost for the beautiful Beach Mali bok, which is about a ten-minute drive from Orlec on a gravel road.