Vransko Lake – one name, two locations

Did you know there are actually two Vrana Lakes in Croatia? One Vrana Lake stretches between Zadar and Šibenik. It is one of the largest ornithological reserves in the Mediterranean and is protected as a nature park. The other Vrana Lake is located on the island of Cres and is one of the few island sources of fresh water in the Adriatic. The two namesakes often confuse curious visitors, but whichever Vrana Lake you visit, its freshwater wonders will not disappoint.

Vrana Lake Nature Park, with its 251 species of protected, endangered, and rare birds, will lure you into a fascinating activity – birdwatching. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go; binoculars can be rented directly in the Park. You can paddle a kayak through the reeds and tall sedges to look for nests or simply enjoy the calm surface of the water. The wetland ecosystem of Vrana Lake is also an ideal excursion spot for cyclists from the nearby Šibenik, Biograd, and Zadar rivieras, who, besides the fascinating biodiversity, enjoy a 40 km long trail around the lake, panoramic views from Mount Kamenjak overlooking the lake, parts of the Kornati archipelago, the island of Murter, and the charming towns along the Biograd Riviera.

The Vrana Lake on the island of Cres is a true natural phenomenon in a purely karst landscape. This massive lake reservoir, situated close to the sea, supplies the Cres–Lošinj area with clean, drinkable water. It is surrounded by a pine forest, watched over by griffon vultures, and is shrouded in a magical legend about its creation and the fairies said to have lived in nearby caves. The origin of the water in Vrana Lake is still being studied today, and legend has it that a sunken castle lies hidden at its bottom. Together with nearby Lubenice – a town perched on a 378-meter-high cliff above the sea – the eco-center in Beli, and the Osor Musical Evenings, Vrana Lake is one of the unique wonders of Cres Island you simply must not miss.