The most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Nature reserves and national parks in Croatia How many nature reserves are there in Croatia

There was a time when Croatia was one of the most unexplored countries in Europe. With its natural beauty, beaches and many ancient towns, it has the perfect Mediterranean feel. But times change, fearless European travelers and fashionable resort-goers are beginning to discover the new horizons that Croatia easily has to offer. From chic coastal resorts to wild, rugged national parks, here's a selection of Croatia's most beautiful sights.

Dalmatia and the Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian coast is legendary - it is in fact one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. The coastline extends for hundreds of miles with steep cliffs and many islands. Once an outpost of the Venetian Empire, Dalmatia is famous for the combination of its Roman ruins, medieval architecture and dramatic landscape. A trip along this coast - best way explore the sights of Croatia. You will see many wonderful towns along the way. Charming architecture and historical sites (including Diocletian's Palace), many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is also located on the coast, but deserves a special mention. Known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', it was once a wealthy and influential centre. Today, Dubrovnik is like a living museum, with numerous quaint churches and curious visitors strolling along the pedestrian marble streets. It's a chic place, with relaxed cafes, gourmet and trendy restaurants. Dubrovnik is colorful cultural history, the stunning architecture of the Old City Quarter, and the famous 2 km route along the city walls. George Bernard Shaw once wrote: “those who seek heaven on earth must come to Dubrovnik and find it.”

Dubrovnik is Croatia's most glamorous tourist destination. Its gorgeous old town surrounded by strong medieval walls and declared a world heritage UNESCO. Any sightseeing tour of the city should begin with a walk around the ramparts (their total length is almost two kilometers), which include fortresses, towers and ancient guns. High on the walls you can enjoy amazing views of the city's old rooftops and glistening waters Adriatic Sea. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes, drinking water and a camera.

Brela Beach

This selection of Croatian attractions will not include beaches. The beach is located in Split, it is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. In 1968 the beach was crowned 'Champion of the Adriatic' due to its stunning clear waters, beautiful coves, spectacular views and winding Victorian paths. The symbol of the beach is the Brela Stone - big rock after the turquoise waters.

National Park Mljet Island

The island of Mljet is the most south-eastern of the larger Adriatic islands in the Dalmatian region. In the northwestern part of the island there is a protected area – Mljet National Park. Unique beauty, with two salt lakes and rich flora. Rent a bike and explore the lakes and take a walk through the vast forest that covers 78% of the island. You can also visit the Benedictine monastery and small chapel. The island can be reached by ferry from the mainland, which takes an hour and a half, but a visit to Mljet Park is definitely worth it.

The western third of the island of Mljet is a protected national park covered in dense woodland. The park also includes two turquoise sea lakes with an islet where a 12th-century Benedictine monastery is located. It can be visited by a special taxi boat. Popular with nature lovers, the park offers a variety of activities - numerous hiking trails cut through the wooded area, and the nine-kilometer route covers the entire perimeter of the lakes. This route is ideal for walking or mountain biking. You can simply go for a swim, or rent a kayak to explore the lake. A local culinary specialty is specially prepared lobster. There is only one hotel on the island, but locals rent out rooms to visitors summer season. Mljet can be reached by ferry or catamaran from Dubrovnik.

City of Rovinj

This is a small fishing port located along the Istrian Peninsula that is quickly becoming popular tourist resort. Rovinj can be called one of the most picturesque cities in the Mediterranean with many beautiful buildings, steep winding streets and islands off the coast. Some of the most famous attractions include the Basilica of St. Euphemia and the Zletní Forest Park.

Located in northwestern Croatia on the Istrian peninsula coastal city Rovinj. Pretty pastel-colored buildings surround the fishing harbour, and at the top is a church with an elegant Venetian-era bell tower. In addition to the neighboring pebble beach, a popular attraction in Croatia is the Batana Ecomuseum on the waterfront, which tells the story of the Batana wooden boat used by local fishermen. There are also many elegant hotels, high quality seafood restaurants and art galleries. Locals speak a dialect that mixes Croatian and Italian languages. The closest airport to Rovinj is in Pula.

Island of Vis

It's no surprise that Croatia's attractions include so many beaches and islands. Vis - amazing place, located on the northernmost corner of the coast. With a population of 4,000 people, Vis is known as the gastronomic capital of the Adriatic. With fantastic restaurants nestled under Venetian architecture serving traditional Croatian food as well as pan-European cuisine, you will experience the Mediterranean as it was many years ago. Most of the island is covered with olive groves and vineyards, making the place ideal for tourists who want to relax from the hustle and bustle big cities. Read more about the islands of Croatia in a separate collection.

Zlatni Rat beach

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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 - the country’s “visiting natural card”. You could see this miracle of the landscape more than once, but not live, but on the screen, since a huge number of films were shot here (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 the 19th century everything changed. Guests of the country began to take an independent interest local beauties, the number of tourists increased year by year, so 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 began to bear the title of a national park.

And in 1979, UNESCO added this landscape masterpiece to 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 a pleasure boat or electric train (by the way, completely silent). The main 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 manner 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?

Park;
Tito Museum;
safari park;
procure yachts;
ornithological park;
tennis court;
ethnopark;
golf club;
hotels;
restaurants.

The national park is located at large island and occupies 4 hectares. Undoubtedly, the most interesting thing here is wildlife. A sika deer, fallow deer, or mouflon can pass by you quite calmly. Being on the edge of a reservoir, you can see how the 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's 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. Local residents rent luxury villas. If you don't have time to watch 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 the water element are intertwined here. 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 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 of active recreation will certainly be interested 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, lies 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 the fact that the 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

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 of Croatia, thanks to which the country is among the most ecologically clean places on the planet. All eight national parks are unique paradises, which captivate 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. For most of its length, the 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 falls to the bottom of the canyon in silvery streams of seven waterfalls, which can be admired while walking along paths designed specifically for walking tours. 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 from Roman emperors and Venetian merchants. Sunbathing and swimming are allowed on the beaches of Brijuni Park, but you should be careful - in crystal clear clean water It's 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. For less prepared tourists, there are hiking and excursion routes with a visit to the Manita Pech cave.

Mljet National Park

In the western part of the largest of the Croatian islands is the Mljet National Park, 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 still remains a 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 stones weird shape. 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

The Risnyak park, which received its name from the large numbers of lynxes that once lived here, is practically undeveloped in terms of the tourism industry. 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), open beautiful views to 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.

Nature of Croatia national parks

Nature of Croatia unique for its reserves and amazing national parks, which will leave the most pleasant memories of Croatia. Croatia is considered one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world, because care for environment ranks first in this country. All eight national parks in Croatia have preserved pristine natural beauty, creating unique paradises, which we will visit in this article.

Plitvice Lakes

The most popular among tourists are Plitvice Lakes. Previously, this national park was designated on maps as “Devil's Forest” due to the fact that the park was surrounded by impenetrable dense forests. Here you will see many rivers and waterfalls, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. The depths of the forests of the reserve are home to many animals, including bears.

Plitvice Lakes are closely connected with historical events in Croatia. It was around this national park that the struggle for Croatian independence took place. Soldiers from both sides hid in caves from their opponents and mined the park. Now it is quite safe in the park; after the war, the Plitvice Lakes area was cleared of mines and military shells.

Plitvice Lakes won the sympathy of tourists already in the 19th century, and in 1983 the first hotel was built on the territory of the park, which undoubtedly increased interest in this beautiful place. In addition, Plitvice lakes are considered a place where hunting wild animals is not allowed. And in 1949, Plitvice Lakes became an official national park of Croatia. For the convenience of visiting, walking paths were built, silent and environmentally friendly electric trains and ferries with pleasure boats were launched. The park itself welcomes guests all year round.

Additional information:
Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of Croatia, in the counties of Lika-Senj and Karlovac. The nearest town is Slunj.
Entrance to the park is paid: from November to March from 35 to 80 HRK, from April to October from 50 to 110 HRK. Children under 7 years old and disabled people enter free of charge.
Details on the official website: www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

Brijuni Park

Another national park, not inferior in its beauty to Plitvice Lakes - Brijuni Islands. Brijuni Park was recognized as a Croatian national park in 1983 and is located on the west coast of Istria. This is an amazing park, consisting of two large and 12 small islands, which amaze with their beauty and natural vegetation. For example, here you will see Mediterranean oaks, laurels, pines, olives and rosemary.

The Brijuni Islands are famous for their temperate climate, which attracts large number tourists. An interesting fact is that in the last century the islands were acquired by a certain Austrian businessman Paul Kupelweiser. Thanks to Paul, the Brijuni Islands became a resort destination. Hotels and inns were built, as well as a golf course, tennis courts, wine cellars and other amenities for tourists. Even malaria mosquitoes were exterminated! And this is all for a comfortable stay in the national park.

In addition, this place pleases not only with picturesque landscapes, but also with historical sights. Here you will find monuments created during the era ancient Rome, and also be pleasantly surprised by the variety of exotic animals. Swimming is allowed on the Brijuni islands, but be careful, this is where they are found. sea ​​urchins, which once again confirms that the water here is absolutely clean!

Additional information:
Brijuni is a group of 14 islands and reefs in the northern Adriatic Sea, approx. west coast Istria. The nearest cities are Pula and Fažana.
Details on the official website: www.brijuni.hr

Krka Park

Along the Krka River there is another national park with the same name - Krka. The park delights with its beauty of waterfalls and a variety of birds; here you can even see a golden eagle. In addition, the park can be visited at any time of the year and watch migratory birds. This will be especially interesting for bird lovers.

In addition to birds, the park has historical sights that you simply cannot miss. For example, Franciscan Visovac monastery, built back in the 14th century by the monks of St. Augustine. The monastery is rich in art objects and historical archives. And for lovers of active rest is suitable ancient town of Skardin, which will provide the opportunity to ride on a yacht or sail.

Thanks to its beauty and diversity of animals, Krka became a national park of Croatia in 1985, which to this day delights a huge number of tourists.

Additional information:
Krka Park is located in central Dalmatia, in the valley of the Krka River. The nearest cities are Knin and Sibenik.
There is an entrance fee to the Krka Nature Reserve. The ticket price depends on the month of the year and ranges from 20 to 95 kn. Children under 7 years old have free admission.
Details on the official website: www.npkrka.hr

Kornati Park

Ideal for lovers of high cliffs, rocks and diving Kornati National Park, located in Dalmatia. Here you can enjoy the variety of aquatic animals and the beauty of the rocks growing straight from the sea! This phenomenon is called Coronas, which tourists are not allowed to visit because of the great danger. In addition, olives and sheep are raised in the Kornati National Park. But this is by no means the only advantage of the park. There are a lot of other animals here: snakes, lizards, martens, birds, and underwater world rich in corals, pearls, shellfish and fish.

Those who are partial to history will also find something for themselves. On beautiful island Kornat is located Tureta fortress, founded back in the 6th century, the brainchild of the Byzantine era, as well as the Church of St. Mary, built at the same time. Thanks to its picturesqueness and richness of nature. The Kornati Islands became a Croatian national park in 1964.

Additional information:
Kornati Park is located in central Dalmatia, on the Kornati archipelago in the Adriatic Sea. The nearest cities are Zadar, Sibenik and Biograd na Moru.
Entrance and use of vehicles in the park are paid. Cost and details can be found on the official website: www.kornati.hr

Mljet Park

also rich in vegetation and animal diversity. Located in the south of Croatia. It received national park status in November 1960, which made it possible to fence this great place from exploitation by people. It is famous for its two salt water lakes - Big and Small. St. Mary's Island is just on Big Lake, where the historical landmark is located - Benedict Monastery, founded in the 12th century.

St. Mary's Island is famous not only for its monastery, but also for its history. In the 12th century, the monks decided to connect the sea with the Great Lake, which caused the lake to become salinized. Although previously, the water in the lake was fresh. In addition, in order to combat snakes and lizards, mongooses were brought to the island, which not only exterminated snakes, but also birds, while eating their eggs, which ultimately led to a reduction in animals on the island.

The Big and Small lakes are considered ecologically clean reservoirs, and this made it possible to preserve one of the oldest species of jellyfish - Aurelia. This park will delight those who want to escape from the bustle of the metropolis and enjoy the silence.

Additional information:
Mljet is an island in southern Croatia, off the Dalmatian coast. The nearest city is Dubrovnik.

Park Paklenica

If you prefer active recreation, That Paklenica National Park- the perfect solution! The park is famous for its mountain rivers - Malaya and Velikaya Paklenica, caves, rocks, and, of course, canyons. Just like Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica Park received the status of a Croatian national park in 1949.

Mainly attracts climbers Annicha Kuk rock with a height of 712 meters. Well, for those who like simple walks and excursions, there is an opportunity to admire the beauty Manita Pech caves. Unlike the parks of Krka and Plitvice Lakes, where you can come with the whole family, Paklenica Park is by no means for quiet walks. The presence of rocks and mountainous area does not always attract tourists with children, because here you will mainly have to climb rocks and mountains. However, Palkenica is famous not only for its rocks and canyons. On a trip for new experiences, you will see how diverse fauna. This great place for filming European Westerns, since Paklenica Park perfectly creates the atmosphere of the Wild West.

Additional information:
NP Paklenica is located in northern Dalmatia, on the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range. The nearest city is Zadar.
Entrance to the park is paid. The cost depends on the month of the year and ranges from 10 to 40 kn. You can purchase a ticket for 1, 3, and 5-day visits.
Details can be found on the official website: www.paklenica.hr

Park Risnjak

accepted official status in 1953. The name, as you may have guessed, comes from the lynx that once lived in these places. It was precisely the rich fauna and diversity of vegetation that Risnjak needed to be protected from the extinction of rare animal species. After which it was given the status of a national park. The diversity of animals and plants is explained climatic conditions parka. This is where they intertwine Mediterranean climate with continental air and cold currents from the Dinarides.

You will also have the opportunity to admire the beauty karst caves. But especially active tourists seeking to get a dose of adrenaline will be able to go mountaineering and rock climbing without any problems. After all, Risnjak is rich not only in nature and caves, but also in rocks. For example, Mount Snezhnik will be a joy for climbers.

But the main advantage of the park is Mount Veliki Risnjak- this is the most high mountain parka. It will take about three hours to climb this mountain. This unusually beautiful mountain is covered with coniferous trees, and standing on the top of the mountain, you can see the sun setting, ending the day.

Additional information:
NP Risnjak is located in Gorski Kotar near the border with Slovenia. The nearest cities are Chabar, Delnice, Bakar.
In the park you can rent holiday houses with all amenities.
Details on the official website: www.risnjak.hr

Northern Velebit

The youngest of all national parks - Northern Velebit, which was founded as recently as 1999. Located on the northern slope mountain range Croatia - Velebit.

Famous for amazing botanical garden and a deep karst hole called "Lukina Yama". This is the deepest failure in the whole world! The depth of the cave is equal to 1392 meters. Also, you will be able to see the karst peaks of Hajduchki and Rozhanske Kukovy.

Climbers will not remain indifferent, because there is an opportunity to conquer Mount Velebit itself, and for tourists there will be organized walking uphill, thanks to the paved trail. But the main pride of Northern Velebit is Botanical Garden, where you can admire a variety of plant species, the beauty of which will leave a mark on your memory for a long time.

Additional information:
NP Northern Velebit is located in northern Dalmatia. The nearest town is Senj.
Entrance to the park is paid. A ticket for 1-3 days costs 30 kn. 4-7 days - 70 kn, visiting throughout the year - 100 kn. Excursion service is paid separately.
Details can be found on the official website: www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr

Attention, all prices in the article are as of 2010.

Croatia's natural resources 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 also loved him. National Park "BRIUNY"

Playgrounds for athletes who love nature. National Park "PAKLENICA"

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. The cliff, more than 400 meters high, waterfalls and rocky landscapes create an atmosphere imbued with drama. This area is a real challenge for climbers, explorers and scientists. Bird lovers admire the hawks and eagles (among them a famous colony of bald eagles), while walkers, climbers and rock climbers admire the rocks, mountain peaks and canyons.

The wonderful world of water. National Park "MLET"

It is located on beautiful island southwest of Dubrovnik. It is covered with coniferous forests, olive trees and vineyards. There are many lakes with islands 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 Polac. 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 "PLITVICK LAKES"

Those who have seen films “about Indians” with the participation of Gojko Mitic are familiar with this region - many films of the famous series based on the works of Karl May were filmed here, in unique live settings. With 16 lakes connected 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 meet here every June to participate in the Plitvice Marathon, which takes place in the national park. Plitvice Lakes have been on the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage since 1979.

Kingdom of a Hundred Lakes. National Park "Kornati"

A mountain world for botany lovers. National Park "NORTHERN VELEBIT"

This area covering the largest part Northern Velebit mountain range, was declared a National Park in 1999. Its territory has preserved the integrity and stability of the ecological system to this day. In the very center of the park are the Rozanski Kuk and Hajduchki Kuk nature reserves with limestone stones and interestingly shaped rocks, one of the deepest Lukina Cave in the world and the rich Velebit Botanical Garden.

The highest happiness for researchers. National Park "RISNYAK"

The territory of this park begins near the city of Rijeka and extends all the way to the border with Slovenia. Here, over a large area, there are a number of natural phenomena and there is not a single tourist site. "Risnyak" a rare place with truly untouched mountain nature, which is especially magnificent in the 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 Croatian tourism"