Excursions
NP Kornati Islands
NP Paklenica
The awe-inspiring torrent gorges of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica which run parallel to each other offer an insight into the unspoilt wilderness that exists not far from the beaches of the Croatian side of the Adriatic Sea, and rank among the most attractive natural areas in the whole of the Mediterranean: dense forests of black pine and beech, watering points for game and delicious springs issuing from beneath the highest peaks of Velebit. Velika Paklenica is a veritable climbers’ Mecca, while cave lovers are drawn by the formidable Manita peć. A rocky trail leads to the entrance into the park, through the gorge to a mountain lodge (6 km). Several other organized shelters are to be found across the mountain. Mala Paklenica, with its dry bed and untamed wilderness of rugged karst and endemic plants and animals, should be negotiated only by experienced hikers.
www.paklenica.hr
NP Plitvice Lakes
A wondrous creation of forest landscapes snuggling between the mountains of Mala Kapela and Plješivica; a system of sixteen lakes interlinked by numerous waterfalls. The largest and highest of these lakes, resting on a dolomite bed, are Prošćansko jezero (639 m) and Kozjak; the lower lakes, covered in a layer of limestone, splash in a waterfall 136 m down, from whence the River Korana issues. The area also includes the primeval forest reserve of Čorkova uvala, where 120 types of bird and numerous caves still further enhance this unique landscape. The mountain climate makes for snow and ice across the mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls from November to March. This park offers quite the most beautiful cycling and walking paths anywhere in Europe. If opting to travel instead by canoe, a special permit is required.
www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
NP Krka Waterfalls
For two-thirds of its course this virginally pure karstic river, with its seven magical waterfalls and which rises near the town of Knin, flows through canyons. The area is exceptionally rich in endemic flora and fauna, containing 222 types of bird. The watermills along the rivers and above the waterfalls, ruins of fortifications rising above the canyons, the picturesque mouth of the River Čikola above Skradinski buk waterfall - all are specific features of the river landscape. The Krka’s estuary, the 23.5 km-long Lake Pruklja, which reaches up to Skradinski buk is rich in shellfish, freshwater and saltwater fish. Sitting in Lake Visovac, between Roški slap and Skradinski buk (13 km) waterfalls, is a tiny island upon which, set amid a park of sylvan charm, is a Franciscan monastery with a long history. The Krka Monastery (Arhanđelovac) is located in the area of Kistanje, at the point where the canyon widens. The quiet river and lakes are ideal for canoe and kayak tours, but for which it is necessary to obtain a special permit.
www.npkrka.hr
PN Telascica
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. It is the area of the Aleppo pine-trees and holly oak woods on one side and bare rocky grounds on the other. It is the area of cultivated fields of vineyards and olive-trees, as well as the area of degraded forms of the flora covering dry habitats.
www.telascica.hr
NP Paklenica
The awe-inspiring torrent gorges of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica which run parallel to each other offer an insight into the unspoilt wilderness that exists not far from the beaches of the Croatian side of the Adriatic Sea, and rank among the most attractive natural areas in the whole of the Mediterranean: dense forests of black pine and beech, watering points for game and delicious springs issuing from beneath the highest peaks of Velebit. Velika Paklenica is a veritable climbers’ Mecca, while cave lovers are drawn by the formidable Manita peć. A rocky trail leads to the entrance into the park, through the gorge to a mountain lodge (6 km). Several other organized shelters are to be found across the mountain. Mala Paklenica, with its dry bed and untamed wilderness of rugged karst and endemic plants and animals, should be negotiated only by experienced hikers.