Uvala Sveti Petar bay

Uvala Sveti Petar is a small, quiet cove on the Kvarner coast, near the village of Beli on the northeastern side of Cres Island, one of those bays whose name, St. Peter's Bay, tells of a chapel or a saint's day that must once have been tied to the place. The coast of Cres facing the mainland is steep, rocky and wild, with cliffs dropping into deep water and woods of oak, pine and juniper that come down almost to the shore, and bays like this one are the places where the land is gentle enough for a person to reach the sea.

The cove has a shore of pebbles and flat rocks, framed by cliffs and green slopes. The water is clear and cool, and it deepens fairly quickly, so it is good for swimming and for snorkelling along the rocks, where small fish, sea urchins and anemones can be seen. The cove is small and has no facilities, so there are no cafés, shops or sunbeds, and visitors need to bring water, food, sun protection and a bag for their rubbish. Water shoes are advisable, as pebbles and rocks can be uncomfortable and sea urchins are common near the edges. Because there is little shade on a stony beach, a hat and an umbrella are useful in the heat of the day.

The charm of the bay lies in its remoteness. It is quieter than the more accessible beaches of the island, and many visitors have the shore almost to themselves, especially in the morning and the late afternoon, when the light is soft and the water is calm. The cliffs and the sea around them are good habitat for birds, among them gulls, cormorants and, high above, the griffon vultures for which Beli is known. Weather matters: the bura wind can blow hard along this coast and make the sea rough, so check the forecast and the conditions before going, and keep an eye on the sky.

Beli offers other things to see nearby. The Caput Insulae Eco Centre Beli and the Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures (Beli Visitor Centre) tell the story of the vultures, the Rock Sculptures and Labyrinths invite a quiet walk, and Uvala Lokva bay is another cove reached from the village by a steep path. Access to coves here usually involves a walk on rough tracks, so wear strong shoes.

The bay suits swimmers, walkers and travellers who prefer wild places to organised beaches. Late spring and early autumn are the best seasons for calm water and fewer visitors.