Cherso

Cherso is the Italian exonym for Cres, a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic and part of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Cres is the largest Croatian island and forms part of the Cres–Lošinj archipelago, located off the northern coast of the mainland. The island covers about 405 square kilometres and extends roughly 66 kilometres in length, featuring a rugged karst landscape and a deeply indented coastline with numerous coves and beaches. The highest point is Osoršćica, at 639 metres.

Historically, Cres has been inhabited since antiquity, with Illyrian and later Roman presence. In the medieval and early modern periods it was governed by the Venetian Republic and later came under Habsburg rule. In the 20th century it became part of Yugoslavia after World War II and has belonged to Croatia since its independence in 1991. The Italian exonym Cherso survives mainly in historical or literary contexts.

The population of Cres numbers in the few thousands, with Cres town serving as the administrative and economic center. Other settlements include Valun, Martinscica, Lubenice, and Osor. The economy traditionally relied on fishing, agriculture, and olive oil and wine production; today tourism is the dominant sector, drawn by the island’s beaches, clear waters, hiking routes, and preserved coastal villages.

Notable sites include the hilltop village of Lubenice, with a medieval fortress and dramatic sea views, the historic town of Osor on the eastern coast, and numerous coves along Cres’s coastline. The Cres–Lošinj archipelago is also known for its marine life, including dolphins, which attracts ecotourism.