Orlec: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Orlec is considered a village characteristic of traditional livestock farming. The villagescape includes individually protected sacred buildings from the 12th and 13th centuries, as well as agricultural structures such as a Toš oil mill and a shepherd’s shelter. Those who choose Orlec as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment here.

Culture and History

The rural settlement of Orlec is listed as a protected cultural and historical entity under registration number Z-2689. The Orlec oil mill, known as “Mlin za masline”, is registered as protected cultural property under registration number Z-149. The archaeological zone of Pelginja-Pukonjina in Orlec is also considered protected cultural property; its registration number is Z-2934.

The Mići folklor section in Orlec teaches traditional dances, games and customs. The Folklorno društvo Orlec is considered Cres’s only original folklore ensemble and plays an important role in preserving the culture and heritage of the island. The Centar otočkog folklora was founded to preserve local meh music, traditional costume and dance. The folklore centre also includes an exhibition room with several variants of traditional island costumes.

Nature and Coast

Nesting sites of griffon vultures, known locally as bjeloglavi supovi, are located in the area near Orlec. The southern ornithological reserve extends through the vicinity of Orlec from Mali Bok Bay to Koromačna Bay; near Orlec, it is known as Pod Okladi.

Mali Bok is a bay and beach surrounded by high cliffs and relatively unspoilt nature. From the village of Orlec, Mali Bok can be reached on foot via a steep path in about 20 minutes. Visitors to Mali Bok are advised to bring sufficient food and drinks.

Events and Island Life

The 14th International Meh Festival in Orlec was scheduled for 25 May 2025. The 17th Cres Sheep Show in Orlec was planned for 12 July 2025.

The Cres Sheep event in Orlec offered visitors local specialities, customs, music and sociability. It was dedicated to preserving the tradition of breeding indigenous Cres sheep and island life.

Further destinations: Filozići, Martinšćica, Stivan, Grmov, Cres, Loznati, Lubenice, Vrana

To the higher-level travel overview: Cres.