It is a small but very picturesque state, comfortably located in the east of Europe. It is known for its hospitality, a mass of interesting sights, affordable prices for vacations and natural beauties that amaze the imagination of even the most experienced tourist. Croatia is famous for its national parks, many of which are UNESCO heritage.
Plitvice National Park
The park is home to the famous Plitvice Lakes that amaze with their pristine beauty. There are many campgrounds in the national park, and tourists love to relax on its territory. By the way, this park is the oldest in Croatia. Almost the entire territory of the park is covered with beech and coniferous forests.
Krka National Park
National park situated on Krka river, which is a real natural phenomenon. The river originates at the foot Dinara mountains making its way to the Adriatic Sea itself. Many waterfalls, flood meadows, beautiful mountains awaiting tourists in the huge Krka park.
Brijuny park
Brijuny park in fact is the territory of an old archipelago, which consists of three large islands entitled Mali, Briun, Veli... The park became visited for the first time in the middle of the last century. Mild climate, beautiful views, the cleanest air creates a special picture of pacification. The tour of the park itself is carried out in special excursion carriages. Sami Briun land were known and inhabited since the Roman era, and old buildings remained on their territory Roman Empire.
Kornati National Park
Kornati is one of the largest parks on Croatian territory... It is a labyrinth of unusual coastal landscape and beautiful atolls. The park began operating in 1980 and since then it has attracted tourists from literally all over the world. Harbors in Kornati amaze with their unusual view of the water, in this park you can not only walk and admire the local beauty, but also go snorkelling or diving.
Mljet National Park
Park Mljet once was Ogygia Island... If we recall Greek mythology, then it was on this island that the nymph Calypso held the king Odysseus. Mljet is considered one of the oldest national parks in Croatia, on its territory there are beech forests, waterfalls, incredible beautiful lakes and waterfalls.
Paklenica National Park
Paklenica is a park nestled in the area North Dalmatia ... It stretches right on the slopes of the picturesque mountain range Velebit... The main attractions of the park are rocky shores, mountains, flood meadows, karst caves. Particularly prominent in this park are the huge sheer cliffs... For example, the height of the rock Anitsa Cook reaches 712 meters. This real paradise for eco-tourists and climbers.
Northern Velebit National Park
Northern Velibit- a real pearl of friendly Croatia. It is located one hundred kilometers in Kvarner region... Although the park is relatively young, it has already won the love of tourists. It was founded in 1999. There are many interesting sights in it, for example, Rozanski Kukovi rocks and Heiditzki, karst Luke's cave, which is one of the deepest in the world. And in the park there is Botanical Garden, in which hundreds of unusual plants and trees grow.
Risnjak National Park
The national park is located in the mountainous region of Croatia in a sparsely populated area near the border with Slovenia. Before Adriatic coast from the park only fifteen kilometers, and thanks to this, there is a special marine microclimate in it. The park is interesting for the wide variety of local flora and fauna; in it you can observe squirrels, martens, and lynxes in natural conditions. Risnjak Park loved by connoisseurs of extreme tourism. After all, there are many bases for trekking and rock climbing lovers, and for cycling lovers there are numerous paths.
V Central Dalmatia the beautiful country of Croatia has a unique beauty of the Krka River National Park. Such a riot of green colors against the background of azure water and waterfalls is just a gift to a person exhausted by the metropolis. If you are resting in the area of Sibenik, Split, Trogir or just passing by, be sure to check out the Krka National Park.
Travel to the national park in the Krka river valley on your own or with a guided tour
Croatia is famous for its extraordinary beautiful nature, and the Krka National Park can be safely called the jewel of the country. There are other river valleys, there are the famous Plitvice Lakes, which constitute the main rival of Krke, but these are all useless comparisons. You must see the beauty of Krka with your own eyes, breathe in the cleanest air, make it unusually beautiful pictures and once again marvel at how nature could create such a miracle.
A fast-running river spreads out in the middle of a gorgeous forest, and the numerous cascades of waterfalls and rapids that the water overcomes with perky noise and foam make this place especially unusual.
The most convenient way to get to the national park is from Sibenik by an ordinary shuttle bus from the bus station or by joining an organized excursion.
It will not be difficult to get to Krk on your own, because regular buses drove up to the main entrance almost every 15-20 minutes. Another question is that you will also have to get to Sibenik from other cities on your own. In my opinion, if you are not relaxing in Sibenik and not in neighboring towns (Skradin, Knin, etc.), then it is better to buy organized excursion to visit the river.
Excursions in Croatia are offered at every step, you don't have to look for them. On the beach, in a hotel, on the embankments, sometimes even in a cafe, they will find you themselves.
I went on an excursion from Trogir with the company of Ibza. The excursion to the Krka River consisted of two parts. First we were brought to Šibenik, shown the famous Cathedral, the city and the fortress, and then we headed for the river valley.
It is better to sit on the bus on the left (behind the driver) in order to have time to photograph a piece of Krka from above.
The bus will drop you off at the parking lot in front of the main entrance to the park. In general, the park has two entrances, but it is difficult to get to the second one and it is not clear why. The main entrance called Lozovac, on the map look for its designation below.
Krka National Park Map ( click to view in larger size or download)
The map is clickable
Near the entrance there is a ticket office, a souvenir shop, a cafe, a toilet and a tourist information center (traditionally marked with a circle with the letter i). In the information center, you can take a map of the park, ask questions, and also learn about guided tours of Krka, by boat or by bus.
We go on foot and without a guide, so we are interested in hiking trails in the park. There are only two of them, of varying complexity and length.
You can walk along the lower part of the park, or you can go along the upper one, making a large circle. The walk along the lower part took us about 3 hours, physically it is not difficult, since there are not so many uphills. We did not have the opportunity to walk in a large circle, because the time of the excursion is limited.
It is impossible to get lost in the park, because you can only walk along specially laid bridges and paths that themselves will lead you to the exit.
Throughout the entire route, I only had time to sigh with admiration and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
There is a seething river around, pleasantly rustling waterfalls, and birds sing in the shade of trees. Just heaven on earth! About halfway along the way, you will see a clearing for rest. Here and there people are resting on the grass, eating sandwiches, sunbathing ... You can also swim here. Imagine how great it is to plunge into the river near a beautiful waterfall, which, by the way, is the largest in the park (46 meters). I wish there were such heavenly places for relax. Probably, we would immediately become kinder and happier, like Pechkin.
Croatia, a country with a long tradition of tourism, has something to offer even the most sophisticated traveler. The cleanest sea and secluded beaches, with rocks reflecting in the water, ancient castles on the slopes of the Croatian Zagorje and the endless fields of Slavonia, the hills of Gorski Kotar overgrown with dense forests and healing thermal springs in small cozy towns hidden in the valleys between the mountains.
But, perhaps, one of the most pleasant memories stay with tourists after visiting the unique nature reserves and national parks of Croatia, thanks to which the country is one of the most ecologically clean places on the planet. All eight national parks are unique paradise that captivate with their natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This picturesque region, which is one of the business cards the tourist face of Croatia may be well known even to those who have never been to this country. The unique living scenery of the park has been widely used in the famous films "about Indians" starring Goiko Mitic. The landscapes of the Plitvice Lakes Park look truly fabulous: 16 karst lakes, connected with each other by numerous waterfalls and streams, surrounded by dense beech, larch and pine forest... Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of the country, so it is easiest to get here for tourists who have chosen North and Middle Dolmatia for recreation, as well as Zagreb.
Krka National Park
This park got its name from the Krka River, which is famous for its unique views. Most of its length, the Krka flows through a canyon, the depth of which varies from 100 to 200 meters, due to which the waters of the river form lakes. The water that collects in the lakes falls to the bottom of the canyon in silvery streams of seven waterfalls, which you can admire while walking along the paths specially equipped for walking excursions. Popular among tourists are boat trips to the island of Visovac, where the old Franciscan monastery is located, as well as trips to the nearby picturesque antique town of Skradin.
National Park "Brijuni"
The territory of the Brijuni park is made up of 14 islands located to the west of the Istrian coast, temperate climate which allows the Mediterranean flora to show its full beauty. Laurel trees, olives and rosemary, mighty oaks and slender cypresses form magnificent alleys, in the shade of which you can meet pheasants, chamois or deer. History buffs are attracted to the islands by numerous archaeological and architectural monuments remaining here from the Roman emperors and Venetian merchants. It is allowed to sunbathe and swim on the beaches of the Brijuny park, but you should be careful - in the crystal clear water it is easy to stumble upon sea urchins.
National Park "Kornati"
The beautiful legend of the creation of the Kornati archipelago says that it appeared from the stones left by the god after the creation of the earth. Thrown casually over his shoulder, stones fell into the Adriatic Sea and turned into 140 islands - there is no denser cluster of islands in the entire Mediterranean. The national park includes 110 islands that amaze a variety of animals and flora, and the underwater kingdom of the archipelago boasts an abundance of fish, corals and shellfish, in which pearls are found.
Paklenica National Park
Of course, Paklenica will not leave indifferent sportsmen and tourists who prefer active rest... The territory of this national park stretches between the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range and the sea. Mountain rivers - Malaya and Velyka Paklenitsa, rocks, caves, canyons, waterfalls seem to challenge climbers and brave explorers. For less prepared tourists there are routes hiking and excursions with a visit to the Manita Pech cave.
National Park "Mljet"
In the western part of the largest Croatian island, there is the Mljet National Park, named after the island itself. The park area includes an untouched forest and two lakes, the larger of which was connected to the sea many centuries ago by a narrow channel dug by the monks by hand. In the small towns of Polace and Pomena, whose bays are very attractive for yachtsmen, a modern tourism infrastructure is gradually developing, but in general the island is still a suitable place for a calm, secluded holiday. The closest thing to Mljet is Dubrovnik, from where scheduled boats and ferries leave for the island.
National Park "Northern Velebit"
The huge territory of the Northern Velebit mountain range received the status of a national park relatively recently - only in 1999. But this does not mean that there is nothing to see in the youngest national park in Croatia. Here is the Lukina Cave, one of the most deep caves in the world, and in the central part of the park there are two reserves - Rozhanski Kukovy and Khaiduchki, on the territory of which there are limestone cliffs and bizarre stones. For lovers of flora, a visit to the park will be remembered for a long time thanks to an excursion to the Velebit Botanical Garden.
National Park "Risnyak"
Park "Risnyak", named after the lynxes that once lived here in large numbers, are practically undeveloped in terms of the tourism industry. The Risnjak area, which starts near the town of Rijek and stretches right up to the Slovenian border, contains several mountains where climbers and rock climbers get their dose of adrenaline. From the top of Mount Velikiy Risnyak, which is the very high point park (1528 m), open wonderful views to the boundless expanses of untouched mountain nature. The climb route lasts a little over three hours, but the sight is worth it!
It is difficult to describe in a few paragraphs all the richness and beauty of the nature of Croatian national parks, each of which is worthy of individual praise publications. Just know that at any time of the year and anywhere in Croatia you can find something new and exciting, different from what you have seen before.
Croatia has long been recognized as one of the most ecologically clean corners of the planet. It is attractive for its salubrious climate, amazing coastline with excellent beaches, wonderful islands, as well as virgin nature, the picturesque landscapes of which are a fetish for true romantics and numerous amateur photographers.
The unique charm of this region is represented by natural parks- an invaluable property, carefully protected by the state. There are 11 of them in the country, of which 8 have national status. Each of the reserves has its own flavor and endows visitors with their own emotions.
Even if you are not adventurous, we still recommend going there with a guided tour. This is an incomparable experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice National Park is truly a divine place. It is the oldest and most famous in Croatia and throughout South-Eastern Europe.
The rumble of falling water heard for kilometers in the area makes tourists in awe long before approaching the very entrance.
The park is a basin of the Korana River, which forms 16 cascades of karst lakes strung on top of each other, connected by 140 impressive waterfalls and kilometers of wooden bridges.
About ¾ of the entire territory is covered with beech and coniferous forests, often inhabited by bears, wolves, roe deer and owls.
Location: near the town of Slunj, in the counties of Lika-Senj and Karlovac
Krka
The Krka River is a real natural phenomenon. Originating at the foot of Mount Dinara, it diligently paves the way to the Adriatic Sea, forming many lakes and waterfalls on its way.
Due to the rarest geological characteristics, rich fauna and stunning beauty, the area around Krka with an area of 109 km² was declared a National Park in 1985.
Its most famous waterfalls are Roski Slar (24 m)
I Skradinski Buk (22.5 m).
Location: in Central Dalmatia, the entrance is from Skradin or Lazovac.
Briune
Brijuni is an archipelago consisting of three large (Veli, Brijun, Mali) and twelve small islands.
He won the sympathy of travelers at the beginning of the 20th century. Its mild climate, lush vegetation and tempting beauty attract a huge number of tourists to this day.
It is noteworthy that these lands have been inhabited since the Roman era, as evidenced by the remains of luxurious Roman villas, Byzantine castles and basilicas. After the end of World War II, the island of Veli Brijuni was the seat of Josip Brozo Tito, the permanent president of Yugoslavia.
Location: near west coast the Istrian peninsula, near the towns of Pula and Fažana.
Kornati
Kornats amaze with their impressive size (220 km²), grandeur and mesmerizing beauty.
A perfectly preserved marine ecosystem, a diverse coastal landscape, the rarest representatives of flora and fauna - all this gave rise to natural site patronage was taken.
Kornati are 89 islands, islets and reefs with straits forming a network of labyrinths between rugged cliffs. The seabed is teeming with shellfish and various types of fish.
It is a paradise for divers, boaters and anyone looking for an oasis of seclusion in the midst of magnificent unspoiled nature.
Location: in Central Dalmatia, on the archipelago of the same name, the closest cities are Sibenik and Zadar.
Mljet
Many researchers and experts believe that the island of Mljet was the very island of Ogygia, on which, according to Homer's famous poem "The Odyssey", the beautiful nymph Calypso for 7 years kept the king Odysseus by force.
The name itself testifies to the beauty of the island, in addition to its magnificent views. It is derived from the Greek word "Melite Nesos", which means "honey island".
In 1960, his Western part was shielded from human interference. There are two lakes with salt water
And the island of St. Mary, "stuffed" with historical sights.
Location: in the south of Croatia, near the Dubrovnik resort.
One can talk about the uniqueness of the Croatian National Parks for a very long time, but it is still better to make sure of this for yourself.
There was a time when Croatia was one of the most unexplored countries in Europe for tourists. With its natural beauty, beaches and many ancient cities, the spirit of the Mediterranean is perfect here. But times are changing, fearless European travelers and trendy resort patrons are beginning to open up new horizons that Croatia can easily offer. From chic coastal resorts to wild, rugged national parks, here's a selection of some of Croatia's most beautiful landmarks.
Historic cities and beautiful nature are just some of the highlights sights of croatia... The capital Zagreb is home to best museums countries, galleries, restaurants and shops. Centuries-old cities sprawl along the coast, with their harbors lined with stone buildings from the Venetian era, while countless beaches offer guests activities such as scuba diving, water skiing and windsurfing. Croatia's stunning Adriatic islands are a haven for sailors and those who simply want to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.Dalmatia and Dalmatian coast
The Dalmatian coast is legendary - it is actually one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. The coastline extends hundreds of miles with steep cliffs and many islands. Once an outpost of the Venetian Empire, Dalmatia is known for its combination of Roman ruins, medieval architecture and dramatic scenery. A drive along this coastline is the best way to explore Croatia's attractions. You will see many wonderful towns along the way. Charming architecture and historic complexes (including Diocletian's Palace), many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is also located on the coast, but deserves a separate mention. Known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', it was once a wealthy and influential center. Today Dubrovnik is like a living museum, with many quaint churches and curious visitors strolling the pedestrian marble streets. This - gorgeous place, with tranquil cafes, sophisticated and trendy restaurants. Dubrovnik is full of cultural history, the stunning architecture of the Old City Quarter, and the famous 2 km trail along the city walls. George Bernard Shaw once wrote - “those who are looking for heaven on earth must come to Dubrovnik and find it”.
Dubrovnik is Croatia's most glamorous tourist destination. Its gorgeous Old city surrounded by strong medieval walls and declared an object world heritage UNESCO. Any sightseeing tour of the city should begin with bypassing the ramparts (their total length is almost two kilometers), which include fortresses, towers and ancient weapons. High up on the walls, you can enjoy an amazing view of the old city rooftops and the glittering waters of the Adriatic Sea. Do not forget comfortable shoes for walking, drinking water and a camera.
Brela beach
This selection of Croatian attractions will not do without beaches. The beach is located in Split, it is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. In 1968, the beach was crowned the 'Champion of the Adriatic' for its stunning clear waters, beautiful coves, breathtaking views and winding Victorian trails. The symbol of the beach is the Brela Stone - a large cliff of the last turquoise waters.
Mljet Island National Park
The island of Mljet is the most southeastern of the larger Adriatic islands in the Dalmatian region. In the northwestern part of the island there is a protected area - Mljet National Park. Unique beauty, with two salt lakes and rich flora. Rent a bike and explore the lakes, or hike through the vast forest that covers 78% of the island. you can also visit the Benedictine monastery and a small chapel. The island can be reached by ferry from the mainland, which will take an hour and a half, but the visit to Mljet Park is definitely worth it.
The western third of the island of Mljet is a protected national park covered with dense woodland. The park also includes two turquoise sea lakes with an islet that houses a 12th century Benedictine monastery. It can be visited by a special taxi boat. Popular with nature lovers, the park offers a lot of fun - numerous hiking trails cut through the woodland, and the nine-kilometer route covers the entire perimeter of the lakes. This route is ideal for walking or mountain biking. You can simply go for a swim, or rent a kayak to travel around the lake. A local culinary specialty is the specially prepared lobster. There is only one hotel on the island, but the locals rent rooms to visitors in summer season... Mljet can be reached by ferry or catamaran from Dubrovnik.
Rovinj town
It is a small fishing port along the Istrian Peninsula that is rapidly becoming popular tourist resort... Rovinj is one of the most picturesque cities in the Mediterranean with many beautiful buildings, steep winding streets and islets off the coast. Some of the most famous sights include the Basilica of St. Euphemia and the Zletnja Forest Park.
The coastal town of Rovinj is located in northwestern Croatia on the Istrian peninsula. Cute pastel-colored buildings surround the fishing harbor, and at the top is a church with a graceful Venetian-era bell tower. In addition to the nearby pebbly beach, a popular Croatian attraction is the Batana Ecomuseum on the waterfront, which tells the story of a wooden batana boat used by local fishermen. There are also many elegant hotels, high-quality seafood restaurants and art galleries. Locals speak a dialect that mixes Croatian and Italian. The closest airport to Rovinj is in Pula.
Island of vis
Not surprisingly, Croatia's attractions include so many beaches and islands. Vis - amazing place located at the northernmost corner of the coast. With a population of 4,000, Vis is known as the gastronomic capital of the Adriatic. With fantastic restaurants nestled under Venetian architecture serving traditional Croatian food as well as pan-European cuisine, you will experience the Mediterranean as it was many years ago. Most of the island is covered with olive groves and vineyards, so the place is ideal for tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Read more about the Croatian islands in a separate collection.
Zlatni Rat beach
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