Plaza Sveti Blaz II Beach, Croatia
Nestled on the northern coast of Cres Island, Plaza Sveti Blaz II is a small cove beach framed by rugged cliffs and mountainous terrain. This quiet stretch of coastline offers a contrast to the busier shores of the Adriatic, with its modest size and natural setting appealing to hikers, leisure seekers, and those looking to escape crowds. While no facilities are listed at the beach itself, its location within the Cres archipelago provides access to broader maritime and coastal experiences.
Beach character
The beach measures approximately 30 meters in length and 10 meters in width, with a gently sloping shore composed of small beige pebbles. The sea floor extends in moderate depth, making it suitable for cautious wading. The surrounding landscape is defined by steep cliffs and low-lying mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop that enhances the beach's secluded character. The absence of artificial structures or amenities emphasizes its natural state, though the 'Good' cleanliness index suggests minimal litter or environmental degradation.
Swimming and shore
The pebbly shore of Plaza Sveti Blaz II may present challenges for barefoot swimmers, though the moderate depth increase allows for cautious entry into the water. The sea floor's composition of small pebbles suggests clear visibility, a common trait in the Adriatic's sheltered coves. While no specific swimming conditions are documented, the beach's orientation within the Cres coastline likely benefits from the region's generally calm waters during summer months.
Facilities and activities
No amenities or structured activities are listed for Plaza Sveti Blaz II itself. The beach's character is defined by its natural features rather than visitor services. However, the nearby settlement of Stara Gavzaβlocated just 149 meters from the beachβmay provide access to basic infrastructure, though specific details about local services are not included in the catalog. The beach's 'Recommended for: Hikers Leisure seekers' designation suggests that the surrounding terrain offers trails or viewpoints worth exploring.
Access and location
Plaza Sveti Blaz II is situated in Stara Gavza, a small coastal village on Cres Island, which lies within the Istrian Peninsula's northern Adriatic waters. The beach's coordinates (44.99924Β°N, 14.35746Β°E) place it near the western edge of Cres, where the island's rugged interior meets the sea. While no specific access routes are detailed in the catalog, the beach's proximity to Stara Gavza implies potential road access from the village, though parking conditions remain unconfirmed.
What to expect
Visitors to Plaza Sveti Blaz II should anticipate a minimalist coastal experience centered on natural beauty. The beach's 'Minimum' crowd index during high season indicates it is unlikely to be overcrowded, though its small size may limit simultaneous visitors. The 'Good' cleanliness rating suggests the area is maintained reasonably well, though no specific management practices are documented. The beach's orientation toward hikers and leisure seekers aligns with its scenic setting, which may include opportunities for coastal walks or photography from the adjacent cliffs.
Practical tips
Given the pebbly shore, visitors may wish to bring water shoes for comfort. The beach's limited size means arriving early could secure a spot during peak hours. While no facilities are listed on-site, nearby Stara Gavza may offer basic services for visitors needing provisions or restrooms.
Exploring the coast by yacht
Plaza Sveti Blaz II's location on Cres Island places it within a popular sailing region of the Adriatic. Yacht charterers exploring the northern Dalmatian coast may find the surrounding waters ideal for short cruises, with nearby anchorages and marinas accessible via the island's sheltered bays. The beach's proximity to the mainland and connection to the Istrian Peninsula make it a potential stop for those sailing between Croatia's coast and Italy's northern Adriatic shores.
Cres Island's Coastal Character
Cres Island, where Plaza Sveti Blaz II is located, is known for its dramatic landscapes and relatively undeveloped coastline. The island's northern shore features a series of similar coves, many of which remain untouched by mass tourism. This contrasts with the more developed southern coast, which hosts larger settlements and marinas. For yacht charter guests, the northern Adriatic's calmer waters and lack of dense infrastructure make it an appealing route for those seeking solitude or scenic sailing.
Anchorages in the surrounding area
Anchorages near Cres include options in Cres and Krk, such as Anchorage β cres and Anchorage β krk.
- Anchorage β cres β 3.8 NM from beach
- Nedomisje β cres β 3.9 NM from beach
- Anchorage β cres β 4.0 NM from beach
- Anchorage β krk β 5.3 NM from beach
- Anchorage β krk β 5.3 NM from beach
- KruΕ‘Δica β kruscica β cres β 5.3 NM from beach
- Anchorage β pinezici β krk β 5.4 NM from beach
- Anchorage β pinezici β krk β 5.5 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Mooring buoys in the surrounding area
- Jetty β pinezici β krk β 5.4 NM from beach
- Jetty β pinezici β krk β 5.5 NM from beach
- Buoy field β pinezici β krk β 5.5 NM from beach
- Jetty β pinezici β krk β 5.6 NM from beach
- Buoy β valun β cres β 5.6 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marine fuel stations
Fuel stations in Cres, such as Fuel station β cres and Ina β cres, and in Krk, like OMV β krk, are located nearby.
- Fuel station β cres β 3.3 NM from beach
- Ina β cres β 3.8 NM from beach
- OMV β krk β 6.2 NM from beach
- Ina β krk β 9.2 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Harbours in the surrounding area
- Cres harbour β 3.2 NM from beach
- Cres Boatyard Marina β 3.4 NM from beach
- Smokovac Bay β merag β cres β 4.0 NM from beach
- Club Harbour β krk β 5.4 NM from beach
- Valun harbour β cres β 5.6 NM from beach
- Valbiska β krk β 6.1 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marinas in the surrounding area
Marinas in Cres, such as ACI Marina Cres, and in Krk, like Marina Punat β krk, are situated near the beach.
- ACI Marina Cres β 3.9 NM from beach
- Marina Punat β krk β 11.5 NM from beach
- OmiΕ‘alj Docks β omisalj β krk β 15.1 NM from beach
- Ε ilo β silo β krk β 16.0 NM from beach
- ACI Marina Opatija β 19.1 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Restaurants near the beach
Restaurants in Cres, including Caruso β cres and Al Buon Gusto β cres, are located close to the beach.
- Restaurant β cres β 3.2 NM from beach
- Restaurant β cres β 3.2 NM from beach
- Caruso β cres β 3.2 NM from beach
- Al Buon Gusto β cres β 3.2 NM from beach
- Gostionica Belona β cres β 3.3 NM from beach
- Restaurant β cres β 3.3 NM from beach
- Konoba Roza β cres β 3.6 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Navigation guides for the surrounding area
- Cres β 3.5 NM from beach
- Luka Torkul β 4.8 NM from beach
- Uvala Vala Jana β 5.5 NM from beach
- Uvala Sv. Fuska β 5.7 NM from beach
- Uvala Cavlena β 7.8 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Yachts from nearby departure bases
Sailing yachts
- Bavaria 30 Cruiser (Ana) β Rabac Port β 9.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Elan Impression 40 (Silente) β Rabac Port β 9.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Elan 333 (Brina) β Rabac Port β 9.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Sun Odyssey 29.2 (Mirabai) β Malinska Hotel Malin port β 10.0 NM from departure base to beach
- Elan Impression 45.1 (MOONLIGHT) β Krk Marina Punat β 11.5 NM from departure base to beach
- Bavaria 44 (Plavac mali) β Krk Marina Punat β 11.5 NM from departure base to beach
Catamarans
- Lagoon 420 (JaJa 4) β Krk Marina Punat β 11.5 NM from departure base to beach
- Lagoon 440 (OCEANUS) β Krk Marina Punat β 11.5 NM from departure base to beach
Motor yachts
- Elegance 60 Fly (LIFESTYLE 1) β Krk Marina Punat β 11.5 NM from departure base to beach
Motor boats
- Eolo 770 Cruiser (Eolo) β Krk Marina Punat β 11.5 NM from departure base to beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.