Croatia's eight national parks are the real treasure of the country and amazing natural reserves, where time seems to have stood still. The nature here is as pristine as it was hundreds of years ago, and the inhabitants of rivers and forests, as before, adorn the magnificent landscapes of the Balkan republic.
Briefly about each
The first national parks in Croatia appeared immediately after the Second World War, and the last ones - at the end of the 90s of the last century:
- Plitvice Lakes are located in the Dinaric Highlands. The nearest settlement is the town of Slunj.
- Park "Paklenica" is located northeast of Zadar.
- The town of Delnice is the center of the tourist infrastructure of the Risnjak Park.
- The island of Mljet is a Croatian national park in the South Dalmatia region.
- The Kornati archipelago is located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of central Dalmatia.
- The Brijuni group of islands is accessible from the Istrian coast.
- Between the towns of Knin and Skradin lies the valley of the Krka River.
- South of the city of Senya, the country's youngest national park "Northern Velebit" was formed.
The total area of Croatian national parks reaches almost 1000 square meters. km.
Diamonds of European nature
Plitvice Lakes National Park is worthy of the most enthusiastic epithets, and therefore, despite the sufficient distance from tourist resorts, it is very popular among travelers. The main attractions are clean air, virgin forest, picturesque waterfalls and many rare representatives of the Balkan flora and fauna. The water in the lakes is so transparent that you can see every blade of grass at the bottom, and the rare combination of colors in the backwaters allows photographers to create real masterpieces.
Details and rules for visiting the Plitvice Lakes Park can be found on the website - www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr. The administration will gladly answer the questions asked by phone +385 53 751 015. A one-day ticket will cost between HRK 55 and HRK 180, depending on the season. For kids under 7 years old, admission to the park is free.
Krka and its inhabitants
Going to this park, guests look forward to meeting large waterfalls and a huge number of birds living on the banks of the Krka River. The cascade of seven waterfalls has a total fall of more than 240 meters, which is a record for the Balkan region.
The architectural sights of this national park in Croatia attract Christian pilgrims here - the 14th century Franciscan monastery Visovac on an island in the middle of the river and the Krka monastery are important centers of Orthodoxy in the Balkans.
The price of an adult ticket in winter is 30 Croatian kuna, in summer - 110, and the rest of the time - 90. Children under 7 years old can visit the Croatian National Park for free, and for young people and seniors there are special discounts, information about which can be obtained by phone + 385 22 201 777 or on the website - www.np-krka.hr.
