Croatian vulture sanctuary

Griffon vultures are a rare sight in Europe these days – but on the Croatian island of Cres, a colony of the spectacular birds is flourishing, says Frank Partridge in the Independent.

That's largely thanks to Goran Sušic, a scientist who first visited the island 25 years ago and was so moved by the sight of a vulture in flight that he set up a conservation centre to help preserve them.

The colony's population has since increased from 50 to more than 140, and Cres remains a perfect home for its members. An unspoiled strip of rock and forest in the northern Adriatic, it is 40 miles long but has only one, small town – a place as "breathtakingly beautiful" as the surrounding wilderness.

Croatia Airlines (0208 563 0022) flies to Pula and Rijeka, both within easy reach of Cres by ferry. ·