Naturist Camp Baldarin
Cres Island, Kvarner Bay, Croatia
Authentic naturist camping in a remote pine-forest setting with the Adriatic on the doorstep.
snapshot
Cres is pine-covered, largely undeveloped, and a long way from the crowds that fill Hvar each summer. Camp Baldarin sits at the island’s southern tip, where the road runs out and the clothes-free zone begins. One of the oldest naturist sites on the Adriatic at over 60 years, it has never tried to be something it isn’t. Rocky shoreline, real shade, a waterfront restaurant that outperforms most campsite food, and enough space to find your own stretch of coast.
resort type
Mid-size Campground
dress code
Clothes-Free
budget
Budget
When to visit
June – September
THE DESTINATION
THE DESTINATION & where to find it
Cres is one of the larger and less-developed islands in the Kvarner Bay, connected to the mainland by car ferry from two directions. The southern part of the island, where Baldarin sits, is quiet and largely undeveloped. The village of Osor is about 20 minutes away by car and offers a medieval old town and a small classical music festival in summer. Cres Town to the north has more restaurants and services for longer supply runs.
The nearby island of Lošinj connects to Cres by bridge, making a half-day detour straightforward. Beyond the camp gates, hiking trails thread through pine forest and arrive at small bays that are mostly empty outside of high season. For clothes-free combinations, the wider Kvarner region includes naturist camps on Rab Island and on Krk, both reachable by ferry.
THE EXPERIENCE
THE EXPERIENCE & what to expect
The shoreline is the centrepiece. Most of it is rocky, with flat ledges warmed by morning sun and clear water just below. There are sand-and-pebble sections too, which families tend to gravitate toward. Beyond the main beach areas, informal access points with steps appear at regular intervals along the water’s edge. A morning swim is never more than a short walk from any pitch.
The pine forest behind the shoreline gives the camp its character. Most pitches sit in deep shade, and the layout is open and unhurried. In the main naturist zone, pitches are unnumbered and chosen on arrival. A couple with a small tent can tuck into a quiet corner. A family can claim a wider stretch. That pick-your-own system gives the place a relaxed, informal quality that structured campsites rarely achieve.
The people who come here tend to want the same thing: sea, trees, and time. The social atmosphere is low-key. Conversation happens along the coastal path or at the restaurant rather than around a pool bar. The crowd skews younger than the average Croatian naturist campsite, particularly in high summer.
The Lučica restaurant is a genuine highlight. It sits at the waterfront in the naturist zone, with wooden benches and a setting that matches the rest of the camp. What sets it apart is the sourcing: fish delivered directly from local fishermen, which puts it among a very small number of camp restaurants in Croatia operating this way. A light cover-up is required to eat there.
The sanitary facilities are well-maintained throughout the season. Showers run hot and at consistent pressure. Toilets stay clean. These things get noted because they are not guaranteed at campsites of this size.
WHO THIS IS FOR
WHO SHOULD GO & who should not
Great for
- ✓ Campers who want direct sea access without walking to a separate beach
- ✓ Couples looking for a remote, nature-focused base with reliable facilities
- ✓ Families comfortable with a relaxed, choose-your-own-pitch setup
not ideal if
- ✕ You want a lively evening scene with bars and organised entertainment
- ✕ You prefer a structured, numbered-pitch campsite with predictable arrival logistics
- ✕ You need to reach or leave the camp without a car
practical
GETTING THERE & what to know
getting there
Camp Baldarin is at the southern tip of Cres Island, reachable by car ferry from two directions. The Brestova to Porozina crossing takes 20 minutes. The Valbiska to Merag crossing from Krk Island takes 25 minutes. Both routes are operated by Jadrolinija with 11 to 13 daily sailings. No advance booking is needed. Tickets are valid for any sailing on the day. Once on the island, allow 45 minutes to an hour to drive south to the camp. The nearest airports are Rijeka and Pula, both with connections to major European cities. From Zagreb airport, plan for around three to four hours by road and ferry. There is no car hire or taxi service at Merag, so own transport is essential.
where to stay
Pitches come in four categories: Superior Mare, Superior, Premium, and Standard. In the naturist zone, most pitches are unnumbered and chosen on arrival. The seafront premium pitches are on small terraces close to the water. Eight glamping safari tents offer a ready-made setup with a full kitchen, bedrooms, and a terrace. Mobile homes and caravans are also available to rent. Pricing sits in the budget-friendly band across all categories, making Baldarin one of the more affordable clothes-free options on the Croatian Adriatic.
when to go
The camp opens in mid-April and closes around 1 October. Peak season (July and August) brings full facilities and a lively, family-dominated atmosphere; the camp runs close to capacity at this time. June and September offer the same setting with noticeably fewer people and more shoreline to claim. Shoulder season suits those who prefer quiet mornings and space. In early season, the area is genuinely peaceful and wildlife including deer can appear near pitches when the site is quiet. Full facilities may not be available outside of high season.
what to know
Nudity is expected in the naturist zone. When visiting the shop, reception, or restaurant on the clothed side, a cover-up is required. A sarong or light wrap handles this without ceremony. The restaurant in the naturist zone also requires a cover-up to dine. Pets are welcome and dogs can use designated swimming areas, but must be kept on a leash within the resort. The two harbours serve different sections of the camp. If arriving by boat, confirm in advance which harbour serves the naturist side. The camp fills quickly in high season. Arriving early in the day gives the best choice of unnumbered pitches in the naturist zone.
plan your visit
Book at Naturist Camp Baldarin
Book directly via the official website or by phone. In peak season, glamping tents and mobile homes book up ahead of time. Pitch campers can arrive without a reservation but may find preferred spots taken in July and August.
virtual visit
HAVE A peek inside
Sometimes a two-minute watch tells you more than a page of text. Our video visit covers the setting, the facilities, and what the atmosphere actually feels like on the ground.
keeping you busy
FACILITIES & amenities
●Shoreline
Long rocky and mixed coastline with direct access throughout the naturist zone. Informal entry points with steps appear at regular intervals. Sandy and pebble sections suit families who prefer easier water entry.
●Pitches
Four categories from unnumbered standard plots under pine shade to seafront premium terraces close to the water. Most pitches have electricity access.
●Glamping Tents
Eight safari tents with full kitchen, bedroom, and terrace. Own dedicated sanitary block. Ready-made option for those not bringing their own accommodation.
●Mobile Homes & Caravans
Available to rent on site. Check the Camp Baldarin website for availability and configuration.
●Restaurant
Lučica waterfront restaurant in the naturist zone. Fish sourced directly from local fishermen. Cover-up required to dine. Simple setting with food quality well above the campsite average.
●Shop
On the clothed side of the resort. Well-stocked with basics, fresh produce, and beach supplies. Cover-up required to enter.
●Snack Bar & Pizza
Snack bar near reception (clothed side) and a separate pizza point for quick meals without table service.
●Showers & Toilets
Outdoor showers and private indoor sanitary blocks. Consistently clean and well-maintained throughout the season with reliable water pressure.
●Harbours
Two small harbours, one serving each section of the camp. Boat arrivals should confirm the correct harbour for the naturist side before docking.
●Sports
Tennis, mini-golf, and volleyball are available in the clothed section of the resort.
beyond the resort
NEARBY VISITS
Rijeka AirportApprox. 1.5–2 hours (road and ferry)
Pula AirportApprox. 2–2.5 hours (road and ferry)
Brestova Ferry Terminal20-min crossing to Porozina, Cres Island
Valbiska Ferry Terminal (Krk Island)25-min crossing to Merag, Cres Island
Osor villageApprox. 20-min drive
Cres TownApprox. 45-min drive
Lošinj IslandAccessible via bridge from southern Cres
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FAQ
most asked questions
Is Naturist Camp Baldarin suitable for first-time naturists?
Yes. The atmosphere is low-key and unpressured. The nude zone is large enough that you are rarely in close quarters with strangers unless you choose to be, which makes it a comfortable setting for a first experience. A small textile area is also available for those who want a more gradual start.
Is Camp Baldarin family-friendly?
Yes. Families make up a significant part of the summer crowd, particularly in July and August. The mixed shoreline with sandy and pebble sections suits children, and the open pitch layout gives families room to spread out. The camp runs close to full at peak season, so the atmosphere is lively rather than quiet at that time.
How do I get to Camp Baldarin from Rijeka?
From Rijeka, take the ferry from Brestova to Porozina on Cres Island. The crossing takes 20 minutes and no advance booking is needed. From Porozina, drive south across the island for roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Total travel time from Rijeka is around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on ferry timing.
Is nudity mandatory at Camp Baldarin?
In the naturist zone, nudity is the norm and expected. When visiting the shop, reception, or restaurant, a cover-up is required. A sarong or light wrap is sufficient. There is a small clothed section for guests who prefer to keep their swimwear on.
Do I need a car to reach Camp Baldarin?
Yes, a car is strongly advised. There is no car hire or taxi service at the Merag ferry port, and the camp is at the far southern tip of Cres Island with no practical public transport link. If you do not plan to leave the site during your stay, arranging a taxi from the mainland is possible but requires planning in advance.
