State nature reserves in Croatia. Reserves and national parks of Croatia. Paklenica National Park
How are Croatia's natural resources divided? What types are there?
So, some dry but impressive statistics. In Croatia you can discover the following natural beauties:
9 National Wonderland Parks;
75 monuments, one way or another connected with natural resources;
10 protected areas;
more than a hundred garden-themed monuments;
70 isolated natural reserves.
All of the listed objects are under state protection and are deservedly a source of pride for the residents of the country. When you see these beauties, you will understand that if you were the Croatians, you yourself would be proud of such countless natural treasures. And now more about the most popular natural masterpieces of Croatia.
Plitvice Lakes are the special pride of Croatia, one might even say they are the country’s “visiting natural card”. You could see this miracle of the landscape more than once, just not live, but on the screen, since it was filmed here great amount films (especially in the adventure genre), and the famous “Plitvice Marathon” takes place annually, within the framework of which competitions are held between 15 countries.
Plitvice Lakes is a fairy tale consisting of a picturesque park, 16 lakes, united by hundreds of waterfalls and many “indigenous inhabitants”: plants, animals, fish, birds (including rare species).
The history of the park is interesting and rich. Previously, this place was called nothing more than “Devil’s Forest”, since the park was located in a ring of dense, virtually impenetrable forests. Perhaps this feature saved the lives of many soldiers who, during the heightened moments of Croatia’s struggle for independence, took refuge in the caves of the park from the enemy. So Plitvice Lakes were not always quiet, tourist place striking the eyes with its beauty. However, in XIX century everything has changed. Guests of the country began to take an independent interest in the local beauties; the number of tourists increased from year to year, so local authorities in 1983 decided to build the first hotel near the park, thereby increasing the flow of travelers. Since 1949, the natural wonder began to bear the title of a national park.
And in 1979, UNESCO included this landscape masterpiece on the World Heritage List.
The park is huge; to see it completely, you need to spend almost the whole day. If you don't have that kind of time, you can use bus tour, which will take about an hour and a half, or speed up movement in individual areas by using pleasure boat or by electric train (by the way, completely silent). The most important highlight of the Plitvice Lakes is the birth of new waterfalls, and no one knows at what time and where to expect the birth of a “newborn”. Park workers simply record the appearance of new waterfalls out of habit, put them on maps and in booklets, and tourists never cease to be amazed at the quirks of nature.
They are open at any time of the year, but the entrance price varies. During the peak season (July-August) a ticket costs 180 kunas (32 dollars), in the last two spring months and the first two autumn months, you will have to pay 110 kunas (20 kunas) to enter, the rest of the time the cost is even lower - 55 kunas (10 dollars). There are discounts for students and children, and children under 7 years old and disabled people are always allowed in for free. There are also two-day tickets on sale, they are more profitable to buy, so be guided by the length of your stay. For detailed information, please follow the park link - www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr.
Direct competitor of Plitvice Lakes - Brion Islands, which is an archipelago of 14 pieces of land, are located in Istria. The Brijuns are shrouded in mystery and have a fascinating birth story. Allegedly, when the Lord created a perfect region - Istria, the devil, unable to bear the success of this operation, decided to ruin everything, and, taking away a bag of stones from one of God’s helpers - an angel, he began to mischief, scattering them in a chaotic order over the sea. The angels, seeing what the demon had done, decided to at least protect the stones from the waves. This is how the Brion Islands were born, the beauty of which is now impossible to take your eyes off. Today Brijuni is an elite resort where tourists from all over the world strive to get to. What is interesting on the islands?
A park;
Tito Museum;
Safari Park;
procure yachts;
ornithological park;
tennis court;
ethnopark;
golf Club;
hotels;
restaurants.
National Park is located at the very large island and occupies 4 hectares. Undoubtedly, the most interesting thing here is wild nature. A sika deer, fallow deer, or mouflon can pass by you quite calmly. Being on the edge of a reservoir, you can see how fish, gathering in schools, swim with you in a race. The ethnopark presents all domestic animals that are found in Croatia. The ornithological park is a bird paradise, where there is such an incredible number of all kinds of birds that you have hardly ever seen in one place. Safari Park is the highlight of Briunov, occupying 9 hectares of territory. Local wildlife: llamas, antelopes, elephants, and zebras roam freely and you can see them up close. Entrance to the national park, as well as to the safari park, is 110 kuna ($23). There are two wonderful hotels nearby. Locals luxury villas for rent. 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, flowing along the bottom of a deep (200 meters) canyon in Central Dalmatia and along the way forming lakes, which in turn fall in waterfalls. Around this magical water extravaganza there is another wonderful park of the same name - Krka. A riot of colors, pristine nature and water element. A lot of living creatures are “registered” in Krka, but the most interesting “residents” of the park are birds. There is a great abundance of them here, you can also find rare species, and birds of prey. In addition to natural beauty, there are also historical monuments, for example, the Visovac Monastery, dating back to the 14th century.
Fans active rest You will certainly be interested in the ancient settlement - the town of Skardin, where you will also be offered sailing or a yacht ride. Entrance to the national park, depending on the time of year, varies between 20-95 kunas (4-17 dollars), reaching a peak price in July-August. You can find out more about Krka on this resource - www.npkrka.hr.
Mljet
In the south of Croatia, on an island located near Dubrovnik, there is another natural masterpiece- Mljet Park, which received national status in 1960. The highlight of the park is the unearthly beauty of the salt water lake. There are two of them - Small and Large. Due to local waters have retained their pristine purity, Aurelia, the oldest type of jellyfish, is still found here. Mljet has lush vegetation that amazes even the most capricious biologists with its abundance and shades.
For history buffs, the Benedict Monastery, built in the 12th century, awaits here, ready to reveal its hidden secrets, the surviving remains imperial palace. To get 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 perfectly relax from the bustle of the city and be alone with your thoughts.
Paklenica
The natural attractions of the country are the National Parks of Croatia. 4 most popular: Plitvice lakes, Kornati, protected Krka and Brijuni islands. Photos and reviews.
National parks of Croatia are the heritage of the country. Plitvice Lakes, Krka, the islands of Brijuni and Kornati are real natural treasures on the Croatian shores of the Adriatic.
A holiday in this country will especially appeal to connoisseurs of the vibrant and untouched Adriatic nature. Here you can visit unusually beautiful and luxurious National parks And nature reserves.
The water of Plitvice Lakes is exactly the same color as in the photo!
An excursion to Plitvice Lakes can be one of the most exciting!
Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's most famous natural attraction and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. An amazing phenomenon: 16 lakes of the national park are connected by 92 cascades of waterfalls. Falling water fills the space with melodic noise, which merges with bird trills and the rustling of leaves. The enormous value of the park is the hundred-year-old beech and pine forests.
Plitvice Lakes are located far from the main Istrian resorts, so it’s worth coming here for a couple of days to see all the wonders of this park.
2. Brijuni Islands
The Brijuni Islands are uninhabited and very picturesque!
Brijuni National Park is located on the archipelago of the same name near the ancient city of Pula. Ancient Roman patricians and medieval nobility loved to relax here, as evidenced by the remains of ancient villas and the ruins of a Byzantine city.
Amazing animals walk in the park - zebras, antelopes, ostriches. These are descendants of exotic animals that were given to Yugoslav leader Joseph Broz Tito. All his life he spent six months on the island of Bolshoi Brijun, and also received heads of other states, famous actors and artists.
3. Krka National Park
Lakes and waterfalls of the Krka Nature Reserve
The Krka Nature Reserve lies in the bed of the river of the same name and is famous for its numerous lakes and sonorous waterfalls. Various Mediterranean trees, bushes and herbs are found here, and 18 species of fish live in the lakes. Most beautiful waterfall, Skradinski Buk, rises 45 m. Its crystal waters fall in cascades and turn into azure lakes.
A walk along the wooden bridges that are installed over the water will give you an unforgettable experience. It is also worth visiting the 15th century Franciscan monastery. with an ancient library.
4. Kornati Archipelago
One of the beaches of the Kornati archipelago
Alien Kornati is no less interesting than other national parks in Croatia
Croatia's Kornati National Park is an archipelago of 140 tiny uninhabited islands, where nature reigns in all its pristine beauty.
Fragrant pines and silver olives grow in the reserve, white cliffs rise straight from the sea, huge fish swim near the surface of the water, birds sing in the forests, martens and squirrels run around. On some islets there are ruins of incredibly ancient Illyrian settlements, and on the island of Kornat there is the Byzantine fortress of Tureta. Bernard Shaw wrote that the gods created these islands from the stars and the breath of the sea.
National parks of Croatia on the map
To make it easier to perceive information, and perhaps even plan your future trip, we have put the most beautiful national parks of Croatia on the map.
Croatia, a country with a long tourism tradition, has something to offer even the most seasoned traveler. The clearest sea and secluded beaches, with rocks reflected in the water, ancient castles, on the slopes of Croatian Zagorje and the endless fields of Slavonia, the densely forested hills of Gorski Kotar 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 unique reserves and national parks Croatia, thanks to which the country is one of the most environmentally friendly places on the planet. All eight national parks are unique paradises that will captivate you with 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 live scenery of the park was widely used in the famous films about 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 it is easiest to get here for tourists who choose Northern and Central Dolmatia, as well as Zagreb, for their holidays.
Krka National Park
This park takes its name from the Krka River, which is famous for its unique views. Most Along 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 collected in the lakes falls to the bottom of the canyon in silvery streams of seven waterfalls, which can be admired while walking along paths specially equipped for walking excursions. Popular among tourists are boat trips to the island of Visovac, where the ancient Franciscan monastery is located, as well as trips to the nearby picturesque ancient town of Skradin.
Brijuni National Park
The territory of the Brijuni Park is made up of 14 islands located to the west of the Istrian coast, whose temperate climate 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 monuments left here by Roman emperors and Venetian merchants. Sunbathing and swimming are allowed on the beaches of Brijuni Park, but you should be careful - in the crystal clear water it is easy to stumble upon sea urchins.
Kornati National Park
The beautiful legend of the creation of the Kornati archipelago says that it appeared from pebbles left by 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, which 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 mountain range Velebit and the sea. Mountain rivers - Malaya and Velikaya Paklenica, rocks, caves, canyons, waterfalls seem to challenge climbers and brave explorers. There are routes for less prepared tourists hiking and excursions with a visit to the Manita Pech cave.
Mljet National Park
In the western part of the largest of Croatian islands Mljet National Park is located, named after the island itself. The park area includes 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 monks. IN small towns Polache and Pomena, whose bays are very attractive to yachtsmen, are gradually developing a modern tourism infrastructure, but in general the island is still suitable place for a quiet, secluded holiday. The closest place to Mljet is Dubrovnik, from where scheduled boats and ferries depart to the island.
Northern Velebit National Park
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 that there is nothing to see in Croatia's youngest national park. 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 - Rozansky Kukovy and Hajduchki, on the territory of which there are limestone cliffs and oddly shaped stones. For flora lovers, 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 received its name from the people who once lived here large quantities Lynx, in terms of the tourism industry, is practically undeveloped. In the territory of Risnjak, starting near the city of Rijek and stretching straight to the Slovenian borders, there are several mountains where climbers and climbers get their dose of adrenaline. From the top of Mount Velikiy Risnyak, which is the most high point park (1528 m), offering 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 natural beauty of Croatia’s 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
- Well-known fact: Croatia is very good beautiful country. And this applies not only to the picturesque coast of the Adriatic Sea. This bizarre extended blot on the map truly holds all the treasures of Europe that were not given to its unlucky neighbors: and Mountain peaks, and the purest rivers, and fragrant pine forests, and lakes-hills-valleys-you can 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 go unexplored and unnoticed.
Perhaps the most popular national park in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes. Excursions here are offered from all over the country, and for good reason. Nature on Plitvice is blooming every day, revealing new facets and colors - both in winter and in summer.
Tourists vegetating on the Istrian peninsula should not miss the opportunity to go to the Brijuni Islands National Park. Tailed peacocks peacefully strolling near Villa Brosa Tito are just part of the local beauty.
Slightly less popular among beachgoers (but world famous among climbers, cyclists, etc.) are the Risnjak and Northern Velebit national parks. If the first one is famous for his alpine meadows, which are adjacent to dense forests, then Velebit attracts with inaccessible rocks and stunning trekking routes laid between them. To the south is the Paklenica National Park, surrounded by fantastic nature. Fans of caving tourism flock 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. It, like Plitvice Lakes, is famous for its reservoirs, namely the clean Krka River and lakes. As a rule, everyone arrives in Krka by water: on a tourist boat, which will leisurely sail past the most picturesque landscapes, go around a tiny island with a Franciscan monastery, and at the end of the excursion unload their “land rats” for a swim. As an exception, not at sea, but in the river of the same name as the park.
Paklenica National Park is located. Although it is one of the smaller national parks, there is a large and varied offering in a small area. If you want to enjoy all the beauty of its flora and fauna, you can do it, walking or cycling according to him 200 km of equipped paths. For the adventurers among you, Paklenica offers 360 climbing places. Traditional attractions, of course: Paklenica mill, Manita Pech cave, educational center Mala Paklenica and ethno-house Marasović. Look for a holiday in Lugarnica- a forest house located at an altitude of 400 m above sea level on the main path of Velika Paklenica. To complete the experience, don't forget to stay at the National Park campsite, which has become popular for its pebble beach a place among adventurers and families with children.
Telaščica Nature Park in the south-eastern part of the island of Dugi Otok
On the island of Dugi otok next to the island of Rava and the island of Izh near the island of Pašman you will find Telaščica Bay, another name for which is natural Park Telascica. One of the features Telaščica Natural Park is Lake Mir, the salinity of which is higher than the salinity of the sea. Another interesting place- Rocks (Stene) - the most prominent Strmac of the Adriatic Sea. During your stay in Telaščica, visit one of its numerous beaches, walk or bike along one from equipped paths, enjoying the diversity and uniqueness of the animal and plant kingdoms. Very popular trekking, photo-hunting and opportunity solo diving, which does not appear every day and which is not found in any other natural park Croatia. You will find accommodation and relaxation in one of the private stone houses or in one of the apartments in the nearest town of Sali.Plitvice Lakes National Park - just an hour's drive from Zagreb
The most visited national park in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes. His profitable geographical position
allows an hour's drive get to Plitvice from Zagreb or Rijeka. Walking along the Plitvice Lakes along one of numerous equipped routes, you can enjoy the beauty of its 16 lakes with limestone waterfalls, thanks to which the park is listed World Heritage UNESCO. Don't miss the opportunity to view its beauty in an unconventional way - a trip on an electric boat or a panoramic train. Outdoor enthusiasts should definitely try it climbing in summer and skiing in winter. All visitors can enjoy authentic Plitvice dishes in the restaurants Lička kuća, Borja and Poljana. Look for housing in nearby cities, located a few kilometers from the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Brijuni National Park in Istria
If you ever visit Pula, Porec, Rovinj or any other part of Istria, be sure to make your way to Brijuni National Park. Brijuni thanks to her beauty were favorite place President of the former Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito. Then we started here creation of a safari park, which you can see by going to excursion by train around Brijuni. Over the past few years, the park has become an increasingly attractive destination for yachtsmen who, located in St. Nicholas Bay, enjoy time in the national park organized by the Concierge service staff club. All those who come to the island public transport, will be inspired by the proposal sports and entertainment events, among which it is necessary to highlight golf and tennis, How popular types sports You can stay in Brijuni in one of the villas or a hotel, or use proximityPools and rent an apartment there. Kopački Rit Nature Park in eastern Croatia
Between the Drava and the Danube in the immediate vicinity of Osijek and Baranja The largest ornithological park in Europe is located - the Kopáčki Rit Nature Park. Routes around Kopački Rit Park are organized by boat or land and include visit to the zoological reserve and Tikvesh Castle. Another popular reason to visit is the opportunity recreational fishing. As a feature of Kopački Rit offers you the opportunity bird adoption, which will be marked with your number and name and which you will be informed about when someone sees it anywhere in the world. Enjoy rich traditional Slavonian cuisine in one of the restaurants in nearby towns, such as the ethno-village Karanac, Beli Manastir, Bile, Draz, Knezevi Vinogradi and Osijek. Private housing you can find it in one of numerous rural estates orprivate apartments, located in nearby towns near Kopačka Rit or in the city of Osijek. Losinj water area and Kvarner dolphins, Losinj island
When visiting the island of Lošinj, do not forget to visit water area of Losinj, located in Veli Losinj. Blue Planet organization dedicated to protection and study marine species, founded the Adriatic Dolphin Project. As part of this project, Loshinsky was created dolphin sanctuary and marine education center. Entrance to the "blue planet" is only 15 kunas. You will be offered a lot of entertainment, watching the playful dolphins in their natural environment habitat crystal clean sea. In the center you have the opportunity learn something about the Adriatic Sea. You can also lift your family's spirits by adopting a dolphin. If you find yourself in Lošinj in first Saturday in August, you can participate in Day of the Dolphin. Besides pleasure gastronomic delicacies, hospitality of the hosts and accommodation in the private sector, take advantage of one of the programs developed for that day. Kosljun and Biserujka Cave, Krk Island
Total 8 km from the city of Krk located Punat. Besides the fact that he is the most equipped tourist port of the eastern Adriatic, here hides one pearl called Kosljun Island. This small island is located just 750 meters from Punat. You can walk around it in two hours and still enjoy the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Franciscan monastery, museum, zoological collections and library. Since there are no public catering establishments on Koszljun, Look for food in the nearest Punat, Baska or the city of Krk. Be sure to go to Rudina to visit the 110-meter Biseruika cave, the beauty of its interior and shape will take your breath away. The Biseruika Cave is illuminated and equipped with safe routes. Your whole family will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of this natural phenomenon at an affordable price - only 15 kuna per person. You can look for accommodation in apartments or rooms in Šilo, Klimna, Malinska, Njivice, Krka, Baska, Punat... Lake Vransko on the island of Cres
One of the most mystical natural phenomena Croatia is Lake Vransko on the island of Cres. It acquired its mystery thanks to an as yet unexplained fact: in this freshwater lake
, the bottom of which is below sea level, fresh and salty water don't mix. The lake is located in the center of the island of Cres. It should in no way be confused with the Vransky Lake of Biograd and Sibenik. When visiting Vransko Lake on Cres you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the lush Mediterranean vegetation, as well as the singing of many birds, since the lake is also an ornithological reserve. If you are a lover of legends and stories, you will be inspired by the fact that according to legend, at the bottom of this 76-meter lake there is an enchanted castle. There are many more legends about Lake Vransko you can hear during your visit one of restaurants and staysapartments in the nearby town of Cres. Krka National Park, a couple of kilometers from Sibenik
Between Skradin andSibenik Krka National Park is located. Krka National Park open to visitors all year round
and offers many possibilities. You can admire the beauty of NP Krka while walking along one of the equipped paths or along the 3-kilometer bike path, stretching from the Skradinsky bridge to the Skradinsky buk, or organized tours on boats. The most famous parts of the Krka NP are the Skradinski buk and Roški slap waterfalls. Of course you can feel a whiff of old customs in the ethno-presentation on Vodenica from the 19th century, you can buy a souvenir in memory of the Krka NP in the souvenir shop and look for food in one of the catering facilities of the aromatic plant culture, used as food by page sheep, from whose milk is produced worldwide famous page cheese. This type of food is also suitable for lambs. Page lamb considered one of world famous delicacies thanks to its high quality meat. Besides enjoying the delicacies of Pag, you can enjoy hiking, diving, cycling 115 km of equipped paths or just a visit cultural heritage Hellenistic era, as well as partying until late at night in "Croatian Ibiza"- sandy