The nearly abandoned hilltop village of Lubenice on Cres island is one of the most spectacular spots in all of Kvarner. It’s so poignantly beautiful that you’ll want to wander around. While you’re at it, have a traditional meal at Konoba Hibernicia, the intimate tavern that serves the island’s mainstays. Its terrace surrounded by century-old stone walls, olive trees and lavender bushes invites you for alfresco dining. Inside, find items like vintage pots, wine bottles and rosaries decorating the walls. Call ahead to order delicious Cres lamb, cooked with a side of baked potatoes, and wash it down with a glass of local wine. Another lip-smacking option is pašticada, a slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, typically served with gnocchi.
