Tourist guide Croatia

Plitvice lakes is the oldest and most famous national park in Croatia, consisting of 16 connected lakes that cascade down the cliffs and hills towards the spectacular waterfall Sastavci. The impressive waterfall Sastavci is almost 70 meters high and Korana river starts flowing from it. National park Plitvice lakes is located in Lika, near Korenica, and covers the area of ​​approximately 300 m2. Plitvice lakes became a national park in 1949. The specificity of the national park is the phenomenon of tuff ("sedra") - the constant formation of waterfalls due to the deposition of calcite (calcium carbonate), and the process of formation of waterfalls continues until today. The lakes are surrounded by trails, so it is possible to visit all the lakes. An electric tourist boat drives across the largest lake Kozjak. Enjoy views of the turquoise color of water, listen to the sound of waterfalls, stroll along the lakes or hike through dense fir and beech forests. The national park is home to the original Čorkova rainforest that has been preserved to this day. Plitvice lakes national park is also rich in animal species such as bears, wolves, lynx and many others. Due to its exceptional beauty and biological richness, Plitvice lakes are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although Plitvice lakes are attractive at all times of the year, to avoid large groups of visitors, we recommend visiting in the spring, fall or winter.

River Krka source is in Dinara mountain near Knin and flows into the Adriatic Sea near Sibenik. Krka is a natural karst phenomenon because it builds 7 travertine barriers, waterfalls, from which is certainly the most impressive and the most famous Skradinski Buk. It is 400 meters wide and 50 meters high, the largest travertine cascade in Europe. Travertine barriers that form these imposing waterfalls are the main reason for preserving this karst beauty. The best time to visit the park is in the spring and summer. In the spring Krka is rich in water melting down from snow in Dinara mountain, and the waterfalls abound in water and show its full splendor. During the summer it is possible to swim under Skradinski Buk or Visovac lake, and because of the tourist season and the proximity of towns Šibenik, Vodice, Primošten, and Rogoznica, the whole park is crowded with tourists. There are several entrances to the park, and one of the most attractive is certainly from Skradin, a small picturesque place where the river Krka flows into the Prokljansko lake (flooded river Krka). From Skradin, boats are regularly going through the beautiful canyon, up to the entrance to the National Park at the foot of Skradinski Buk. In addition to the Skradinski Buk, some of the attractive locations to visit are Visovac lake, Roški Slap, Oziđana cave, Krka monastery, and Manojlovački waterfalls. One of the attractions of the park is the numerous stone watermills, which are no longer in use, and which have been used by the local population to produce flour in the past, and today you can find local specialties.

One of the most famous beaches in Croatia and Europe is certainly Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač. Due to its unique appearance and beauty, sandy beach Zlatni Rat is one of the symbols of Croatia. The beach is located on the southern part of the island of Brač, in the town of Bol. Zlatni Rat is formed by the deposition of natural white pebbles around the ridge that has created a 500 meters long beach. The peculiarity of the beach is that it changes its shape depending on the sea currents, waves and winds, so the top of the beach can be turned to one side or the other. Zlatni Rat is surrounded by crystal clear sea and dense pine trees that provide natural shade during the summer months. By the beach, you can enjoy your favorite cocktail in one of the bars or try traditional Dalmatian specialties in one of the restaurants. You can rent a deck chair and parasol. There are numerous opportunities for active holidays such as parasailing and jet skiing. Due to the exceptionally favorable winds, Zlatni Rat is a favorite place for kitesurfers and surfers. On the beach, there is a section intended for dogs. Many adventurers climb to the highest peak of the island, Vidova Gora, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of Zlatni Rat, Brač and island of Hvar. During the summer numerous excursion boats from Split, Makarska and Omiš are visiting Zlatni Rat. The town of Bol is 2 kilometers away and the beach can be reached by walk, by taxi boat or by train.

The city of Dubrovnik is one of the greatest pearls of the Adriatic and Mediterranean, so it is no wonder that, due to preservation, beauty and age, the city walls of Dubrovnik and the old town core have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The symbol of the city are the walls built in the period from the 12th to the 17th century. The walls of Dubrovnik protected the freedom of the Republic of Dubrovnik for centuries. 1,940 meters long city walls are up to 25 meters high, and up to 6 meters wide. The walls surround the old town of Dubrovnik and represent a complex defense structure. From the walls, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the old town of Dubrovnik, Lokrum island and the blue sea. The walls of Dubrovnik consist of 16 towers, 4 city gates, 3 forts (Minčeta, Bokar, and St. Ivan) and 6 bastions. Although fortresses Lovrijenac and Revelin are not an integral part of the city walls, both fortresses are part of the city's defense system. Don't miss a unique opportunity to visit the impressive cultural monument recognized by UNESCO. Ticket price for visiting the walls ranges from 50 to 200 Kn (7 to 27 euros). We recommend visiting the walls of Dubrovnik in the morning to avoid crowds. Sightseeing takes around an hour and a half, depending on the tempo, so bring water and sunscreen.

Kornati islands are the densest archipelago in the entire Mediterranean Sea. So many islands are located in such a small area. More precisely, about 140 islands have been scattered on a surface of 320 km2. The Kornati is located in central Dalmatia, west of Šibenik, within the Šibenik-Knin County, and the national park was proclaimed in 1980, primarily for the protection of the marine ecosystem. Of the total area of ​​the park, only 1/4 occupy the land or islands, while the remaining part makes a rich marine ecosystem. The largest island in the archipelago is Kornat with a surface of 32.44 km2. The largest island (Kornat) occupies two-thirds of the land area of the National Park. But the distinctiveness and uniqueness of the Kornati archipelago are small islands and islets, numerous coves and beaches, crystal clear sea, rich underwater world and high cliffs on the west side of the outer islands. To the Kornati tourists and guests are mostly arriving with organized tourist boats from Murter, and the price includes the entrance fee for the park, visits to the park's greatest attractions, and lunch on one of the islands. At Kornati, you can also dive with professional diving clubs, and experience all the wealth of protected underwater life. You can also go hiking on the well-maintained paths that once used Kornati cattle breeders or enjoy fish specialties in several beautifully landscaped local restaurants. If you are planning to spend a holiday in central Dalmatia, in the Sibenik area, then the Kornati is an unavoidable destination because you will experience the Mediterranean as it used to be.

One of the most attractive nature parks in Croatia is located on Dugi otok - nature park Telašćica. The nature park consists of Telašćica bay, archipelago, 13 islands and 6 islets. The park area covers about 70 km2. The nature park is rich in flora and fauna, geological phenomena and the underwater world. Three natural phenomena make this park special: the salt lake Mir, the safest natural harbor on the Adriatic, and up to 200 meters high cliffs (rocks) that rise above the sea. Telašćica has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by tombs from the 1st century as well as numerous churches. Telašćica offers visitors numerous options - from guided tours, diving, cruising, fishing, water sports, cycling to gastronomic specialties at one of the restaurants within the park. We recommend a visit to Grpašćak viewpoint from which you can enjoy magical views over Telašćica bay. The entrance is possible by land and sea.

The impressive Velebit mountain is the longest and largest mountain in Croatia, rich in flora and fauna, so it is no wonder that it has 2 national parks - national park Northern Velebit and national park Paklenica. Velebit mountain extends 150 kilometers from Senj (north) to Zrmanja river (south). The highest peak of Velebit is 1,757 meters high Vaganski vrh, which is part of Paklenica national park. Nature park Velebit covers an area of ​​about 2,000 km2 and it is the largest protected area in Croatia. On Velebit there are also strict reserves Hajdučki kuk and Rožanski kuk, Cerovac caves, Velebit botanical garden, Lukina jama (one of the deepest pits in the world), forest vegetation reserve Štirovača, bear shelter Kuterevo, numerous endemic species including bears and wolves. One of the biggest attractions is Premužić trail, a 50 km long trail that connects the northern and central Velebit, which offers attractive views of the sea, islands and, when skies are clear, even Italy. The specificity of Velebit is two completely different faces - mild, green and forested on the continental side and steep, rocky and bare on the sea side. The possibilities for activities on Velebit are diverse - from hiking, caving, walking, alpinism to cycling. The Adriatic sea and the attractive beaches of Velebit channel are also in the vicinity. You can visit Velebit from Starigrad Paklenica, Senj, Karlobag, Otočac, Gračac or Gospić.

Mljet national park is located in the northwestern part of the island of Mljet, and it covers an area of ​​54 km2 of protected land, sea belt, islets, and rocks. It became a national park in 1960 because of unspoiled nature, cultural and historical heritage, flora, indented coast, cliffs, islets, and dense pine forests. The central part of the park is a natural phenomenon in the karst - a saltwater lake. The most famous is Veliko lake deep up to 46 m covering an area of ​​145 ha, as well as Malo lake deep up to 29 m covering an area of ​​24 ha. The sea enters the interior of the island through Soline channel, creating Veliko lake and Malo lake. Although they have saltwater, they are perceived as a lake due to their appearance. In the center of Veliko lake is the small island of St. Mary, with a church from 12th-century and Benedictine monastery. The island can be reached by boats of the national park. Due to the lush vegetation, the island of Mljet was named the green island. Most of the island is covered with dense forests of oak and pine tree. There are numerous opportunities for activities - from swimming in the clear blue sea, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, hiking to walks. We recommend climbing the highest peak of Montokuc which offers spectacular views of the island of Mljet, archipelago, nearby islands and the open sea. Many regular ferry lines and excursion boats come to Mljet from Split, Dubrovnik, and Pelješac. Tickets cost from 70 to 125 kuna.

Due to the unique geomorphological forms and dense forests, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica have been declared a national park in 1949, making Paklenica the second national park in Croatia (after Plitvice lakes). The national park covers an area of ​​96 km2. The highest peaks of the national park are 1,757 m high Vaganski vrh and 1,753 m high Sveto brdo. The area of the park includes small rivers of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica as well as vertical canyons on the south side of Velebit. The symbols of national park Paklenica are the unspoiled nature, canyons and the indigenous forests of black pine and beech that have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Europe (Beech Rainforest in the Carpathians and other areas of Europe). Over 100,000 people visit Paklenica every year, mostly hikers visiting the rock of Anića kuk (712 meters high). You can visit cave Manita peć and Jama Vodarica, try rock climbing or enjoy hiking on hiking trails. Ticket for adults is from 40 to 50 kuna (6 to 7 euros).

Biokovo nature park is, by many, one of the most attractive nature parks in Croatia. Biokovo nature park stretches 30 km above Makarska riviera, and it covers almost entire Biokovo mountain (part of Dinaric mountains), characterized by high steep cliffs rising above Makarska riviera. St. Jure is the highest peak of the mountain Biokovo, with an altitude of 1,762 m. A narrow paved road leads to the top of Biokovo, so it is possible to reach St. Jure by car. Climbing to the top of the mountain offers special experience since along the way you can enjoy magical views of Makarska riviera, the nearby islands of Hvar and Brač and the open sea. You can try local specialties at one of the restaurants. Biokovo is also characterized by karst forms typical of Dinarides. Nature park Biokovo is rich in plant and animal species, of which the most typical for Biokovo are eagle, wolf, forests of black pine, beech and fir. In the park, there is a botanical garden Kotišina, worth visiting. Due to the attractive viewpoints and the proximity to the sea, Biokovo nature park is visited by many visitors, especially in the summer.