This 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 a UNESCO heritage.
Plitvice National Park
The park is home to the famous Plitvice Lakesthat 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 mountainsmaking its way to the Adriatic Sea itself. Many waterfalls, flood meadows, beautiful mountains await 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 in croatian territory... It is a maze 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 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, comfortably located 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. Huge steep cliffs stand out in this park. For example, the height of the rock Anitsa Cook reaches 712 meters. This is a 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. The park also has a Botanical Garden with hundreds of unusual plants and trees.
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 natural conditions, you can watch squirrels, martens, lynxes. Risnjak Park love connoisseurs extreme tourism... After all, there are many bases for trekking and rock climbing lovers, and for cycling lovers there are numerous paths.
How is Croatia's natural wealth shared? What types are there?
So, a little dry but impressive statistics. In Croatia, you can discover the following natural beauties:
9 national wonderful parks;
75 monuments, one way or another related to natural resources;
10 protected areas;
more than a hundred monuments of landscape gardening;
70 isolated natural reserves.
All listed objects are under state protection and are deservedly a source of pride for the country's residents. When you see these beauties, you will understand that in the place of the Croats, you yourself would become proud of such countless natural treasures. And now more about the most popular natural masterpieces of Croatia.
Plitvice Lakes are a special pride of Croatia, one might even say - a "visiting natural card" of the country. You could see this miracle of landscape more than once, just not live, but on the screen, since a huge number of films (especially adventure genre) were shot here, and the famous Plitvice Marathon is held annually, within which competitions are held between 15 states.
Plitvice Lakes is a fairy tale consisting of a picturesque park, 16 lakes united by hundreds of waterfalls and many "indigenous people": plants, animals, fish, birds (including their rare species).
The history of the park is interesting and rich. Previously, this place was called nothing but "Devil's Forest", since the park was located in a ring of dense, virtually impenetrable forests. Perhaps such a feature saved the lives of many soldiers who, at the heightened moments of Croatia's struggle for independence, hid in the caves of the park from the enemy. So Plitvice Lakes were not always quiet, tourist placestriking the eyes with its beauty. However, in the 19th century, everything changed. The guests of the country began to independently take an interest in local beauties, the number of tourists increased from year to year, so the local authorities in 1983 decided to build the first hotel near the park, thereby increasing the flow of travelers. Since 1949, the miracle of nature has become a national park.
And in 1979, UNESCO inscribed this landscape masterpiece on the World Heritage List.
The park is huge, to see it in full, you need to spend almost the whole day. If you do not have such time, then you can take a bus tour, which will take about an hour and a half, or speed up the movement in certain areas, using a pleasure boat or an electric train (by the way, completely silent). The most important highlight of Plitvice Lakes is the birth of new waterfalls, and no one knows what time and where to expect the birth of a “newborn”. Park employees simply out of habit record the appearance of new waterfalls, put them on the map and in booklets, and tourists never cease to be amazed at the quirks of nature.
Open at any time of the year, but the entrance price varies. At the peak of the season (July-August), a ticket costs 180 kuna (32 dollars), in the last two spring months and the first two autumn months, you will have to pay 110 kuna (20 kuna) to enter, the rest of the time the cost is even lower - 55 kuna (10 dollars). There are discounts for students and children, and babies under 7 years old and disabled people are always allowed free. There are also two-day tickets on sale, it is more profitable to buy them, so be guided depending on the length of stay. For detailed information, follow the park link - www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr.
Direct competitor of Plitvice Lakes - Brioni Islands, an archipelago of 14 pieces of land, located in Istria. Briuns are shrouded in mystery and have a fascinating birth story. Allegedly, when the Lord created a perfect land - Istria, the devil, unable to withstand the success of this operation, decided to ruin everything, and, taking a bag with stones from one of God's helpers - an angel, began to misbehave, scattering them in a chaotic manner over the sea. The angels, seeing what the demon had done, decided to at least protect the stones from the waves. So the Brion Islands were born, from the beauty of which it is now impossible to take your eyes off. Today Briuny - elite resort, where tourists from all over the world seek to get. What is interesting on the islands?
A park;
the Tito Museum;
Safari Park;
for yachts;
ornithological park;
tennis court;
ethnopark;
golf Club;
hotels;
restaurants.
The national park is located on the very large island and occupies 4 hectares. Undoubtedly, the most interesting thing here is the wildlife. A sika deer, fallow deer or mouflon can pass by you quite calmly. Being at the edge of the reservoir, you can see how the fish, gathering in schools, swim with you in a race. All domestic animals that are found in Croatia are represented in the ethnopark. The ornithological park is a bird's paradise, where there are such an incredible number of all kinds of birds that you have hardly ever seen in one place. The Safari Park is a highlight of Briunov, occupying 9 hectares of territory. Local inhabitants: llamas, antelopes, elephants, and zebras roam freely, and you can see them very close. The entrance to the territory of the national park, as well as to the safari park, is 110 kuna (23 dollars). There are two lovely hotels nearby. The locals rent out luxury villas. If you don't have time to see the natural complex during the day, you can spend the night.
Krka
Another miracle of Croatian nature is the Krka River, which flows along the bottom of a deep (200 meters) canyon in central Dalmatia and along the way, forming lakes, which in turn fall like waterfalls. Around this magical water extravaganza is another wonderful park of the same name - Krka. Here a riot of colors, pristine nature and water elements intertwined. A lot of animals are “registered” in Krka, but the most interesting “inhabitants” of the park are birds. There is a great abundance of them, you can meet both rare species and birds of prey. In addition to natural beauties, there are also historical monuments, for example, the Visovac monastery, originally from the XIV century.
Fans of outdoor activities will certainly be interested in the ancient settlement - the town of Skardin, where you will also be offered to sail or ride a yacht. Entry to the national park, depending on the season, varies between 20-95 kuna ($ 4-17), reaching a peak in July-August. You can learn more about Krka on this resource - www.npkrka.hr.
Mljet
In the south of Croatia, on an island located not far from Dubrovnik, there is another natural masterpiece - Mljet Park, which received the national status in 1960. The highlight of the park is the unearthly beauty of a salt water lake. There are two of them - Small and Big. Due to the fact that the local waters have preserved their pristine purity, Aurelia is still found here - the oldest type of jellyfish. Mljet has lush vegetation that amazes even the most capricious biologists with its abundance and shades.
History lovers will find the Benedict Monastery, erected in the 12th century, ready to reveal its innermost secrets, surviving remains imperial palace... To move around the park, you can rent a bicycle or travel with a guide in a canoe. Mljet is a quiet and cozy park, as if it comes from the Middle Ages, here you can get an excellent rest from the bustle of the city and be alone with your thoughts.
Paklenica
Natural resources of Croatia are large: 9.2% of the land and 1% of the sea are under state protection. This includes eight National Parks, ten nature reserves, 73 separate reservations, 23 forest parks, 75 natural monuments and 120 monuments of landscape gardening, as well as 380 species of fauna and 44 species of flora.
Panorama of the river and canyons. National Park "Krka"
Dinosaurs loved him too. National Park "BRIUNY"
On 14 islands near the Istrian peninsula, time seems to have stopped. Dense forests, ancient oaks, alleys of fir and cypress trees, an olive tree that is 1600 years old ... This is a real small paradise where lush flora, rich fauna, modern comfortable hotels and historical monuments, including the ruins of a summer residence of Roman emperors and a Venetian building, are surprisingly harmoniously combined. era. On Briuny you can, while resting in the shade of trees, watch pheasants, chamois and deer roam freely around the island. Meanwhile, according to paleontologists, dinosaurs once lived here.Areas for athletes who love nature. National Park "PAKLENITSA"
The area between the highest peak Velebit and the sea was declared a national park in 1959. The canyons of the Bolshaya and Malaya Paklenitsa rivers are unique. Over 400 meters high cliff, waterfalls and stone landscapes create a dramatic atmosphere. This area is a real challenge for climbers, explorers and scientists. Bird lovers admire hawks and eagles (among them the famous colony of bald eagles), while walkers, climbers and rock climbers admire rocks, mountain peaks and canyons.
The wonderful world of water. National Park "MLET"
It is located on a beautiful island southwest of Dubrovnik. It is covered with coniferous forests, olive trees and vineyards. There are many lakes with islets on Mljet. It is rich in numerous cultural monuments, including the 12th century Benedictine monastery on the islet of St. Mary, and the remains of a Roman palace and basilica in Polač. Tourists can explore the island by bike, canoe, kayak and car. The bays of the towns of Polacha and Pomena are especially attractive for yachtsmen.
Lakes with a cinematic past. National Park "PLITVICE LAKES"
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For those who have seen films "about Indians" with the participation of Goyko Mitic, this region is well known - here, in unique living scenery, many films of the famous series based on the works of Karl May were filmed. With 16 lakes interconnected by waterfalls, this national park looks like a landscape from a fairy tale. On its territory there are many dense beech, larch, pine forests, juniper thickets, in which over 120 species of birds live. Athletes from more than 15 countries of the world meet here annually in June to participate in the "Plitvice Marathon", which takes place on the territory of the national park. Plitvice Lakes have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. |
Kingdom of one hundred lakes. National Park "Kornati"
Mountain world for botany lovers. National Park "NORTH VELEBIT"
This area, covering the largest part of the Northern Velebit mountain range, was declared a National Park in 1999. Its territory has preserved the inviolability and stability of the ecological system to this day. In the very center of the park, there are the Rozhanski Kuk and Khaiduchki Kuk reserves with limestone stones and rocks of an interesting shape, one of the deepest in the world, Lukina Cave and the rich Velebit Botanical Garden.
The ultimate happiness for researchers. National Park "RISNYAK"
The territory of this park begins near the city of Rijeka and extends up to the border with Slovenia. Here, on a large territory, there are a number of natural phenomena and there is not a single tourist attraction. "Risnyak" is a rare place with a real untouched mountain nature, which is especially magnificent in spring. The most high peak - Risnyak (1528 m), and the lowest point of the park in the valley of the Kupa River - 195 meters.
Source - "Colors of Croatia Tourism"
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, some of the most pleasant memories remain 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 corners that conquer with their natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This picturesque land, which is one of the visiting cards of the tourist face of Croatia, may be familiar 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 forests. Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of the country, so the easiest way to get here is for tourists who have chosen Northern and Middle Dolmatia for recreation, as well as Zagreb.
National Park "Krka"
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 can be admired 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, the temperate climate of which allows the Mediterranean flora to show all its 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 drawn to the islands by numerous archaeological and architectural monumentsremaining 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.
National Park "Paklenica"
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 hiking trails and excursions with a visit to the Manita Pech Cave.
National Park "Mljet"
In the western part of the largest Croatian island 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 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 deepest caves in the world, and in the central part of the park there are two nature 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 begins near the town of Rijek and stretches right up to the Slovenian border, is home to several mountains where climbers and rock climbers get their adrenaline rush. From the top of Mount Velikiy Risnyak, which is the highest point of the park (1528 m), beautiful views of the vast expanses of untouched mountain nature open up. The climb route lasts just 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 the national parks of Croatia, 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.
Sights of Croatia. The most important and interesting sights of Croatian cities: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
Any Unesco Game of Thrones
- A well-known fact: Croatia is a very beautiful country. And this applies not only to the picturesque coast of the Adriatic Sea. Truly all the treasures of Europe that did not belong to unlucky neighbors belong to this bizarre extended blot on the map: and mountain peaks, and the purest rivers, and fragrant pine forests, and lakes-hills-valleys-it is possible-to-list-for a long time. If we add to this the fact that Croatia is one of the cleanest countries in the Mediterranean, where super-eco vegetables (in particular olives) grow and the air is saturated with the aroma of pine needles, it becomes clear that local national parks simply could not remain unexplored and unnoticed.
Perhaps the most popular national park in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes. Tours are offered here from all over the country, and not in vain. The nature in Plitvice blooms every day, opening with new facets and colors - both in winter and in summer.
Tourists living on the Istrian peninsula should not miss the opportunity to visit the Brijuni Islands National Park. Tailed peacocks peacefully strolling around Broza Tito's villa are just a part of the local beauty.
Slightly less popular with beach goers (but world famous among climbers, cyclists, etc) national parks Risnyak and Northern Velebit. If the former is famous for its alpine meadows, which are adjacent to dense forests, then Velebit attracts with inaccessible rocks and stunning trekking routes laid between them. To the south, the Paklenica National Park is surrounded by fantastic nature. Fans of speleo tourism come here, because it is in this park that you can visit amazing karst caves or look into the abyss of dizzying canyons.
Finally, the list would be incomplete without the Krka National Park (not to be confused with the island of Krk, this park is located on the mainland), which is in the vicinity of Sibenik. It, like Plitvice Lakes, is famous for its reservoirs, namely: the purest river Krka and lakes. In Krka, as a rule, everyone arrives by water: on a tourist boat, which slowly sails past the most picturesque landscapes, it will go around a tiny island with a Franciscan monastery to unload their "land rats" for a swim at the end of the excursion. As an exception, not at sea, but in the river of the same name with the park.
