Valun, Coastal settlement on Cres Island, Croatia.
Valun is a settlement positioned along a protected bay on Cres Island, featuring traditional stone buildings that line narrow pathways descending toward a natural harbor. The village has a compact layout where houses cluster tightly along the shoreline and extend upward into the surrounding terrain.
The settlement originated as an ancient port linked to the now-abandoned community of Bućov and functioned as a maritime trade hub across multiple centuries. As trade routes evolved, the village adapted and eventually became rooted in fishing, maintaining that identity into the present.
The name connects to an old family legacy, and residents continue traditional fishing methods that shape daily routines here. These practices link current life to the maritime identity that defines the community.
Visitors must park vehicles outside the village and explore entirely on foot, as narrow streets cannot accommodate cars. Sturdy footwear is advisable since pathways are steep and can become slippery when wet from sea spray or rain.
An ancient stone tablet discovered near the village from the 11th century contains one of Croatia's earliest written records in the Glagolitic script. This artifact provides remarkable evidence of early written culture in the region and underscores the deep historical roots of this coastal community.
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