Nature
National, natural parks and picnic sites that are worth visiting;
KORNATI – The archipelago covers an area of 300km2 with 148 islands and islets in total surface of 62km2. Because of its unique natural beauty, numerous bays and coves, preserved nature and extremely rich sea ecosystem, bigger part of these island comprise a National Park founded in 1980. The Adriatic sea belongs to the bluest seas in the world. The colour of this sea is almost unbelievable. Crystal clearness of the sea enables you to see the sea bottom with its various shapes: crevices, holes, caves, red coral, shells and many sorts of fish. This National Park is unavoidable destination for all the sailors who can found safe haven in marinas on the islands of Žut and Piškera. For all the other guests tourist agencies offer guided trips, cruising, fishing boat and fishing equipment hire.
KRKA – At the foot of the mount Dinara, in the eastern part of the Knin field, it cuts its way through the narrow canyon and flows into the Adriatic sea at the Šibenik port. With the sunken part of its mouth its length is 72km. For its great natural, scientific and cultural value, it was proclamed The National Park in 1985. The river Krka has seven lime barriers among which the best known is Skradinski buk, 45.7m high and Roški slap, 25.5m high. This aboundance in water results in rich vegetation so that along its course some 200 species of the Mediaterranean and Sub-Mediterranean plants can be found. Krka is one of the most beautiful and most popular excursion area in Dalmatia. Each year thousands of visitors come by boat from Skradin or by road towards Drniš to the two entrances, in Lozovac and at the Roški slap.
PAKLENICA – Paklenica abounds with numerous natural wonders and phenomena, which is why the entire area was proclaimed a National park in 1949. And rightfully so, as this region is simple and unusual in its connection between the sea and the mountains, rich in beech and black pine forests, its deep canyons cut vertically into the Velebit ridge, its karst formations and numerous caves and pits. The most attractive part of National park are the canyons of Velika (Big) and Mala (Small) Paklenica. That 400m high rock is also the most popular climbing point in Croatia.
PLITVICE LAKES – The National Park Plitvice lakes was declared a national park in 1949 and it is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia as well as under the protection of UNESCO since 1979. It is located in between Male Kapele and Plješevice in Lika. Plitvice lakes are a unique natural phenomenon- 16 picturesques lakes which are connected by a number of cascading waterfalls.Plitvička jezera are rich in fish and crab, fishing is possible only in certain spots along with a special license. The administration of the National Park Plitvicka Jezera cares to preserve this unique natural phenomenon: entrance into the park is at two locations, cars are left on the parking lot and a special electric train is used for travelling throughout the park. In order to preserve nature, special electric boats are used along the lakes.
TELASCICA – Telašćica bay is situated in the central part of the eastern Adriatic coast, in the SE part of the island of Dugi otok. Thanks to its extreme beauty, richness and importance, this bay surrounded by 13 islands and islets, together with 6 islets inside the bay of Telašćica itself, was proclaimed the Nature Park in 1988. Thanks to its exceptionally valuable plant and animal life, geological and geomorphological phenomena, valuable colonies of the sea bottom and interesting archaeological heritage this area became protected in 1980. The area of “Telašćica” Nature Park is distinctly contrasted area with quiet and peaceful beaches and laid down coastline on one side and wild and rough cliffs on the other. In the Nature Park it is possible to dive on a few attractive locations next to the cliffs, walk along the paths and visit interesting places, and the panoramic view from the belvedere Grpašćak is something that must not be missed.
VRANA LAKE – The largest natural lake in Croatia lies between two historical cities of Zadar and Šibenik. Because it is one of the rare and almost intact natural habitats of waterbirds as well as because of its fresh water springs and biodiversity, the Vrana Lake and its surroundings have been declared a nature park in 1999. The predominating characteristic of the park is its special Ornithological reserve, which received its title for its well preserved huge reed-patch in the north-western part of the lake, with its immense biodiversity, and for its extraordinary scientific and ecological value ever since 1983. The reserve has been included to the list of Important Bird Areas in Europe. Vrana Lake is a hot-spot with tremendous diversity of ornithofauna of 241 recorded bird species, of which 102 nest in the park area. Of these nesting birds, four are considered Endangered on the European level and seven on national level. For some of these birds Vrana Lake is the only nesting area in the entire Mediterrenean part of Croatia. The park area is also an important resting and feeding place for a whole range of endangered European species. More than 100 000 waterbirds come here to spend the winter. The climate of the area is typically Mediterranean. Quality time, vacation and time to rest is something not only to be found by birdwatchers but also those interested in recreational fishing, since you are welcome to fish on our lake almost the whole year round. Those who enjoy cycling and going for a walk will have the opportunity for an indescribable experience on the 40 km long cycling track around the lake. A part of the track offers a sanctuary in the shade of the pine forrest, just by the shore of the lake.
ZRMANJA – To river Zrmanja was given pet-name „beauty and the beast“, becouse of its beautiful scenery in summer months when it looks like sleeping beauty, as well it looks like dangerous animal in autumn and winter months at high water levels. In north Dalmatia it is long 69km, with strong spring underneath the mountain Postak in south part of Lika region, and it pours in Adriatic sea 12km from town Obrovac. Until the town Obrovac river is navigably for smaller boats, while canyon from Obrovac until its estuary is turistic attraction. Zrmanja abound in warm water, beautiful canyons and waterfalls. The river is suitable for swimming and diving, becouse of its interesting flora and fauna, and also becouse of its purity it is drinkable. With its own force and the force of its influents (the most important is river Kupa), for thousands of years it was finding its way to the sea. On its short flow Krupa has created around 19 waterfalls, the most of them by its height or indenticity and shape belong among the most beautiful waterfalls in Croatia. When Zrmanja is up it provide us one of the best raftings in this part of Europe. And when it is calm it is ideal for canoe safari.