Croatian national parks. The most beautiful national parks in Croatia
Croatia has long been recognized as one of the most ecologically clean corners of the planet. It is attractive for its curative climate, amazing coastline with excellent beaches, wonderful islands, as well as virgin nature, the picturesque landscapes of which are the fetish of true romantics and numerous amateur photographers.
The unique charm of this region is represented by natural parks- priceless property, carefully protected by the state. There are 11 of them in the country, 8 of them have the status of national ones. Each of the reserves has its own zest and endows visitors with its own emotions.
Even if you don't feel adventurous, we still recommend taking a tour there. This is an incomparable experience that is remembered for a lifetime.
Plitvice lakes
Plitvice National Park is a truly divine place. It is the oldest and most famous in Croatia and throughout southeastern Europe.
The roar of falling water resounding for kilometers in the area leads tourists to awe long before approaching the entrance itself.
The park is a basin of the Korana River, forming 16 cascades of karst lakes strung on top of each other, interconnected by 140 impressive waterfalls and kilometers of wooden bridges.
About ¾ of the entire territory is covered with beech and coniferous forests, which are often inhabited by bears, wolves, roe deer and owls.
Location: near Slunj, in the counties of Lika-Senj and Karlovac
krka
The Krka River is a real natural phenomenon. Taking its sources 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, the richness of the animal world and the stunning beauty, the area around Krka with an area of 109 km² was declared a National Park in 1985.
Its most famous waterfalls are Roshki Slar (24 m)
and Skradinski Buk (22.5 m).
Location: in Central Dalmatia, the entrance is from Skradin or Lazovac.
bryuny
Brijuni is an archipelago consisting of three large (Veli, Brijun, Mali) and twelve small islands.
He won the sympathy of travelers in the early 20th century. Its mild climate, luxurious vegetation and alluring beauty still 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 residence of Josip Brozo Tito, the permanent president of Yugoslavia.
Location: near the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, near the cities of Pula and Fažana.
Kornati
The Kornati Islands amaze with their impressive size (220 km²), grandeur and mesmerizing beauty.
A superbly preserved marine ecosystem, a diverse coastal landscape, the rarest representatives of flora and fauna - all this gave rise to the fact that in 1980 this natural object patronage was taken.
The Kornati are 89 islands, islets and reefs with straits that form a network of labyrinths between harsh rocks. The seabed abounds with shellfish and various types of fish.
This is a paradise for divers, yachtsmen and all those who are looking for an oasis of solitude in the bosom of magnificent untouched nature.
Location: in Central Dalmatia, on the archipelago of the same name, the nearest 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 held Odysseus by force for 7 years.
The beauty of the island, in addition to its luxurious views, is evidenced by the name itself. It is derived from the Greek word "Melite Nesos", which means "honey island".
In 1960 he West Side protected 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 resort of Dubrovnik.
You can talk about the uniqueness of the National Parks of Croatia for a very long time, but it's better to see for yourself.
This is a small but very picturesque state, comfortably located in the east of Europe. It is known for its hospitality, a lot of interesting sights, affordable prices for holidays and natural beauties that amaze 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 lakes that amaze with their pristine beauty. There are a lot of campsites 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 river Krka which is a real natural phenomenon. The river originates at the foot Dinara mountains, making its way to the Adriatic Sea itself. Numerous waterfalls, water meadows, beautiful mountains waiting for tourists huge park Krka.
Brijuni Park
Brijuni Park in fact, it is the territory of an ancient archipelago, which consists of three large islands entitled Mali, Briun, Veli. For the first time the park became visited in the middle of the last century. Mild climate, beautiful views, the cleanest air creates a special picture of peace. By itself, a tour of the park is carried out in special excursion trailers. themselves Briun lands 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 literally from all over the world. Harbors in Kornati amaze with their unusual view water, in this park you can not only take a walk and admire the local beauties, but also go snorkeling or diving.
Mljet National Park
Mljet Park once was island of Ogygia. If you recall Greek mythology, then it was on this island that the nymph Calypso held King Odysseus. Mljet is considered one of the oldest national parks in Croatia, on its territory there are beech forests, waterfalls, incredibly beautiful lakes and waterfalls.
Paklenica National Park
Paklenica is a park nestled in the area Northern Dalmatia. It sprawled right on the slopes of the picturesque mountain range Velebit. The main attractions of the park are rocky shores, mountains, water meadows, karst caves. Huge sheer cliffs stand out in this park. For example, the height of a rock Anica Cook reaches 712 meters. This real paradise for eco-tourists and climbers.
Northern Velebit National Park
North Velibit- a real pearl of friendly Croatia. It is located one hundred kilometers Kvarner region. Although the park is relatively young, it has already managed to win the love of tourists. It was founded in 1999. There are many interesting sights in it, for example, Rocks Rozanski Kukovi And Heiditsky, karst Luka's cave which is one of the deepest in the world. Also in the park 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 only fifteen kilometers from the park, and thanks to this, it has a special marine microclimate. The park is interesting for the great variety of local flora and fauna, where you can watch squirrels, martens, lynxes in natural conditions. Park Risniak lovers of extreme tourism. Indeed, there are many bases for lovers of trekking and rock climbing, and for lovers of cycling there are numerous paths.
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 reflected in the water, ancient castles, on the slopes of the Croatian Zagorje and the boundless fields of Slavonia, the hills of Gorski Kotar covered with dense forest and healing thermal springs in small cozy towns hidden in the valleys between the mountains.
But, perhaps, one of the most pleasant memories remains with tourists after visiting the unique reserves and national parks of Croatia, thanks to which the country is one of the most environmentally friendly places on the planet. All eight national parks are unique heavenly corners who conquer their natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This picturesque region, which is one of business cards 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 was widely used in the famous films "about the Indians" with Gojko Mitic in the title role. The landscapes of the Plitvice Lakes park look truly fabulous: 16 karst lakes connected to 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 North and Middle Dalmatia, as well as Zagreb, for recreation.
National Park "Krka"
This park got its name from the river Krka, which is famous for its unique views. For most of its length, Krka flows through a canyon, the depth of which varies from 100 to 200 meters, thanks to which the waters of the river form lakes. The water collected in the lakes rushes to the bottom of the canyon with silver jets of seven waterfalls, which you can admire while walking along the paths, equipped especially for hiking excursions. Popular with 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 Skradin.
Brijuni National Park
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 one can meet pheasants, chamois or deer. History buffs are attracted to the islands by numerous archaeological and architectural monuments left here from the Roman emperors and Venetian merchants. It is allowed to sunbathe and swim on the beaches of the Brijuni park, but you should be careful - in the crystal clean water easy to stumble upon sea urchins.
Kornati National Park
A beautiful legend of the creation of the Kornati archipelago says that it appeared from the pebbles left by the god after the creation of the earth. Carelessly thrown over his shoulder, the 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 with 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 athletes and tourists who prefer active recreation. The territory of this national park stretches between the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range and the sea. Mountain rivers - Malaya and Velikaya Paklenica, 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.
Mljet National Park
In the western part of the largest Croatian islands Mljet National Park is located, named after the name of 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 hand by the monks. In the small towns of Polace and Pomena, whose bays are very attractive for yachtsmen, modern tourism infrastructure is gradually developing, but in general the island still remains a suitable place for a quiet, secluded holiday. Closest to Mljet is Dubrovnik, from where boats and a ferry depart on schedule.
National Park "Northern Velebit"
The vast territory of the Northern Velebit mountain range received the status of a national park relatively recently - only in 1999. But this does not mean at all that there is nothing to see in the youngest national park in Croatia. Here is 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 Haiduchki, on the territory of which there are limestone rocks and stones of bizarre shape. 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.
Risnyak National Park
Risnyak Park, which got its name from the lynxes that once lived here in a large number, is practically not developed in terms of the tourism industry. On the territory of Risnjak, starting near the city of Rijek and stretching straight to the Slovenian borders, there are several mountains where climbers and rock climbers get their dose of adrenaline. From the top of Mount Veliky Risnyak, which is the most high point park (1528 m), offers beautiful views of the vast expanses of untouched mountain nature. The route up the mountain lasts just over three hours, but the spectacle 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 separate laudatory publications. Just know that at any time of the year and in any corner of Croatia you can find something new and exciting, different from what you have seen before.
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Any Game of Thrones Unesco
- Universally known fact: Croatia - very well beautiful country. And this applies not only to the picturesque coast of the Adriatic Sea. This bizarre extended blot on the map truly owns all the treasures of Europe that the unfortunate neighbors did not get: and Mountain peaks, and the cleanest rivers, and fragrant pine forests, and lakes-hills-valleys-list-you can-even-long-what. 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. Excursions are offered here from all over the country, and not in vain. Nature on Plitvice is blooming every day, opening up 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 National Park of the Brijuni Islands. Tailed peacocks, peacefully strolling near Broz Tito's villa, are only part of the local beauty.
Slightly less popular with beachgoers (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 impregnable cliffs and stunning trekking routes laid between them. To the south, the Paklenica National Park is located surrounded by fantastic nature. Fans of caving tourism tend to 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 located in the vicinity of Sibenik. He, 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 will slowly sail past the most picturesque landscapes, it will go around a tiny island with a Franciscan monastery in order to unload its “land rats” for swimming at the end of the excursion. As an exception, not at sea, but in the river of the same name with the park.