Porozina

Porozina is a port settlement on the northwestern coast of Cres island, stretching across a sheltered cove with older elevated buildings and modern waterfront development. The village offers a natural harbor that has long accommodated ships, blending traditional structures with contemporary facilities.

The settlement's name comes from an ancient lighthouse, Pharum Insulae, that guided ships from a hilltop position during Classical times. In later centuries, the place developed as a maritime hub supporting trade and travel across the Adriatic.

The church of Saint Nicholas displays Glagolitic inscriptions on its walls, an important record of medieval Croatian written heritage in this region. These markings connect visitors directly with the religious and written history of the place.

Regular ferry services connect this port to Brestova on mainland Istria, making it the primary gateway for visitors arriving on Cres island. The harbor sits close to the village center, making it easy to access shops and accommodations on foot.

Ruins of a Renaissance-style Franciscan monastery stand above the port, abandoned in 1843 after centuries of religious life at this maritime site. These crumbling walls hold the story of a spiritual community that once thrived here before fading from daily life.