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Out of 8 National Parks, 7 are situated directly or very near the sea, and the eighth National Park, Plitvice Lakes, lies less than 200 km away from the sea. The Island group Brijuni, situated outside the West coast of Istria consist of 2 larger and 12 smaller islands, and another island National Park, Kornati, is the most indented island group on the whole Mediterranean. National Park Mljet is famous for its two lakes, Big lake and Small lake, National Parks North Velebit, Paklenica, and Risnjak are attractive for mountaineers, speleologists, botanists and alpinists, and the National Park Krka lies on the most beautiful Croatian karst river Krka.
Croatia has altogether 10 Nature Parks, 5 of which lie on the coast. Nature Park Biokovo is situated on the same called mountain above Makarska riviera and is very popular among botanists, bicyclists and climbers. Nature Park Telašćica, situated on the entrance to National Park Kornati, is a bay with a high vertical cliff with a salt lake on its top. Nature Park Velebit near Zadar riviera attracts many speleologists and those who seek an active holiday. Near Zadar there is also the biggest Croatian lake – Vranjsko Lake. Mountain Učka Nature Park is situated above Opatija and it has very favorable microclimate.
Kornati
One other island group National Park, Kornati, is the most indented island group on the whole of Mediterranean with as many as 140 uninhabited islands, islets and cliffs. It is a paradise for nautical experts, modern Robinsons and divers. The first time you visit Kornati you might be surprised by the clash of sharp whiteness of karst with soothing blueness of the sea hiding many secrets but one soon gets used to it and can see how these two complement each other perfectly. The "crowns" of Kornati are the best-known phenomenon of the Park. This beautiful name has been righteously given to white vertical cliffs facing the open sea. The crowns are witnesses, but also the most beautiful result of long geological processes. You will probably want to know whether people used to live in Kornati in the ancient times. You can visit Illyrian buildings and ruins, which are the oldest on the islands situated on the hills of the islands of Kornat and Žut. Fortress Tureta on the island of Kornat was built during Byzantine time probably in the 6th century and its function was to protect and watch over the ships on the then rather unsafe Adriatic Sea. Visit to the remains of Lavsa salt works, which are today sunken. Another interesting sight is the island of Vela Panitula with a Venetian castle dating back to the 16th century.
Brijuni
Three larger and 12 smaller islands that have been homes to the wealthiest and important families since the Antique comprise the Brijuni archipelago situated parallel to the western coast of Istria. Just as a large part of the Adriatic coast, Brijuni are an ideal combination of natural beauties and cultural heritage. Ever since prehistoric times people have recognized how favorable the position of the islands is and started creating history on a relatively small area. If you come to Brijuni you will see historic traces everywhere, since there are over one hundred localities and objects of archeological and cultural-historical values on the islands that date back to the period of neolith. The combination of turquoise blue sea and fresh green is a true natural paradise where cultural monuments remind us of past times. White Istrian stone that can be found throughout the islands and their beaches stretches like a pearl necklace.
Mljet
The greenest Adriatic island and National Park situated southwest of Dubrovnik is special for its two lakes Big and Small Lake as well as for unique forests of Mediterranean oak. The main reasons for proclaiming the island a National Park is extraordinary indentedness of coast and lush flora with rich forests. Coming in from the South of the island the sea finds its to the island's inside forming the Big Lake through a barely visible isthmus, and than through an even smaller isthmus the sea water forms the Small Lake. The lakes are salty and rich in various shells (mussels, pen shells, Noah's arcs, oysters), and plankton, which has already been a focus of several scientific studies. You can swim in the open sea or the Big Lake and if you visit the island in spring or fall you will be able to swim in the Small Lake which is always warmer than the Big Lake and the sea. You can enjoy long walks through thick pine forests where you might spot a mungos, an unusual small animal that protects the island from sneaks.
Krka
National Park Krka is situated on the most beautiful Croatian karst river Krka. The river represents a sort of karst phenomenon, which, on its way towards the sea, forms numerous lakes, waterfalls and currents. Most impressive and most visited of these are Skradinski buk and Roški waterfall. Roški waterfall is easily reachable and can be visited through the entire year. From Roški waterfall onwards, the river Krka forms a long Visovačko lake. In the middle of this lake stands an island called Visovac with a church and Franciscan monastery, which give the lake additional sense of mystery. First people to visit the island were the Augustines (hermits) in the 14th century who built the convent and church. Skradinski buk is considered to be one of the most beautiful segmented waterfalls in Europe. It is possible to see it from several places connected by walking paths and bridges.
Risnjak
National Park Risnjak situated in Gorski Kotar was named after the Croatian word for lynx, a type of wildcat, which belongs to endangered species and is under special protection. There you can see the edelweiss, an endangered flower. Walking through the educational trails you will see numerous plants and enjoy the fresh air. National Park Risnjak is interesting to climbers, speleologists and biologists but also to all nature lovers. Educational trails were built for all people in order to get to know the natural beauties of Risnjak in an easy and fun way. After walking through the National Park visit the nearby forests where you can enjoy plenty of fresh air and pleasant smell of evergreen wood.
Paklenica
National Park Paklenica is a small but important part of mountain Velebit including two canyons: Velika and Mala Paklenica. It is one of the most attractive and most beautiful natural pheonomena in Velebit that has become worldwide mountaineering attraction. In the Velika Paklenica canyon you can find the largest rock called Anica kuk, which is especially popular among climbers. In the whole of National Park there are over 400 places to climb of varying difficulty and length so every climber can be satisfied. Many animals found their home in the National Park Paklenica among which are protected birds griffon vultures, bears, wild boars, wild cats, lynxes, and numerous gentle butterflies. Combination of climbing activities that are offered in the park together with beautiful nature and animal world, will make any visitor delighted.
Northern Velebit
National Park Northern Velebit is situated in the mountain area, more accurately on the mountain Velebit which is a natural border between continental and coastal climates in Croatia. It is very popular among mountaineers, speleologists and nature lovers in general. Mountaineers experts consider it to be a true gem. Many mountain paths intersect the Park. The most famous is Premužić path that passes through the most beautiful and most interesting parts of northern Velebit. You can enjoy a spectacular view over the Adriatic sea and islands from the mountain tops. In the past this area was inhabited by a number of people which can be seen from numerous ruins of old cattle breeders' houses. On the side of Velebit facing the sea lies Zavratnica bay, a sunken valley, the most beautiful detail of Subvelebit coast.
Plitvice Lakes
Combination of continental and coastal climate in National Park Plitvice Lakes has resulted in pleasantly warm summers and snow rich winters. Fresh springs and colorful autumns have been attracting visitors for a long number of years. Plitvice Lakes is a destination you can visit during all four seasons and you will always have an impression that you have come for the first time. Sixteen turquoise mutually interconnected lakes make a unique image created by nature. The lakes decant one into the other through many waterfalls. You can walk around them using numerous bridges and paths or take a romantic boat ride. Also, one of the phenomena is the transparency and clearness of the lakes so you can see as far as 8 meter down through the water.
Kopački rit
Nature Park situated close to Drava estuary next to the border with Serbia is one of the most important, largest and most attractive preserved original swamp areas of Europe. It consists of numerous tributaries and lakes next to the river Danube. One part of Kopački rit is placed under strict protection as a special zoo reservation. There are approximately 260 various bird species nesting here, and many species temporarily stay here on their way from northern colder regions towards southern warmer ones and vice versa. There are about 40 fish species in the water, and many types of mammals on land (deers, does, wild boars, wild cats, pine martens, beech martens, otters etc.) Tourist visits and sightseeing are organized with guides on panoramic ships, boats, on horse pulled carriages and on foot. There are also arrangements where it is possible to film the animals, especially birds. The other part of Kopački rit, which is less protected, is available for hunters and fishermen.
Papuk
Papuk near the town of Požega situated on the northern and northwestern border of Požeška valley belongs to Slavonian mountain chain with its highest part Papuk. This area is covered in beautiful forests. There are numerous places worth visiting; geological pheonomena, botanically interesting areas, historical buildings, archeological sites. Nature Park Papuk is open for visitors the whole year round. It offers various possibilities of recreation and is a perfect place for active holiday (mountain bicycling, mountaineering, hiking through nature which is interesting in all seasons of the year). All are welcome to mountaineer regardless of their age, since the heights of Papuk reach up to 1000m in height. In the summer you can enjoy thermal water pools in a nearby spa situated near the town Velika. Those who love snow and winter sports can have fun on ski piste "Nevoljač".
Medvednica
Mountain Medvednica with its highest peak Sljeme is situated in the North of Zagreb. Very few European capitals have a Nature Park so close to their centers as Zagreb. You can reach the foot of Medvednica from various parts of Zagreb by car, tram or bus, and you can reach Sljeme on foot or by cable car. Well-preserved forests of Medvednica are main recreational areas of Zagreb. Beside its woods, Medvednica offers its visitors several beautiful caves, most interesting of which is Veternica, one of the largest in Croatia. Next to the medieval fortress Medvedgrad, today stands an Altar to Homeland, a memorial for those fallen in the recent war for Croatian independence. In the winter snow lasts for 100 days in a year in average, and it is thickest in February. In the spring and summer there is more sun on Medvednica than in Zagreb and Zagorje.
Lonjsko polje
Lonjsko polje is a part of a valley between the river Sava and Moslavačka Mountain next to the river Lonja, approximately 30 km away from the town of Sisak. This is the largest protected flooded area not only in Croatia but along the entire Danube. Rich flora and fauna as well as architecture of traditional wooden houses in Posavina, which are a true cultural monument due to their beauty, perseverance and number, characterize this area. Several areas within the Nature Park (ornithological reservation Krapje Đol) are under strict protection regime. Swamp meadows, forests of ash, willow and poplar are important for nesting of ducks, while in the flooded oak forests and meadows of Lonjsko Polje one can see rare European animals (white-tailed eagle and short-toed eagle, gray heron and little egret, black stork and other). One of the largest carp spawning places in Europe takes place in this flooded area where high water remains for up to six months in a year.
Žumberak
The hilly southern slopes of Žumberak Mountain were proclaimed a Nature Park in 1999. The Park is situated 30 km southwest of Zagreb and it got its name after the old town of Žumberak which burned down in 1793, and whose ruins can still be seen today. The protected area of the Park includes hills of Žumberak and Samobor Mountains. This area is characterized by karst (caves, chasms, and pits) with beech and chestnut forests. The Nature Park area is characterized by a large number of water springs. Archeological excavations have discovered that this area has been continuously inhabited since the Stone Age. The oldest preserved building originates from the 13th century. The park area is rich in flora and fauna with large predators like bears and wolfs. Out of many types of birds living here it is noteworthy to mention the goshawk (jastreb), which gave the name to the town of Jastrebarsko.
Ucka
Nature Park Učka includes mountain range Učka and part of Ćićarija with total surface area of 160 km2 situated on the eastern side of Istrian peninsula. The highest peak of Učka is Vojak with a tower serving as a lookout point and a souvenir shop. From the lookout point there is a breathtaking view over the islands of Krk, Lošinj and Cres, Gorski Kotar and the Istrian peninsula. Učka has rich flora and fauna with endemic species such as Učarski bluebell and rare griffin vulture. It is important to mention centennial forests of sweet chestnut, beech forest and various kinds of herbs and fruit. This area was inhabited since ancient times which can be seen from the several ruins, which remained. Adventure lovers can enjoy many activities within the park such as mountain bicycling, rock climbing (the most popular is Vela Draga), kite flying, simple hiking and horse riding in fresh air and beautiful countryside.
Telaščica
Nature Park Telašćica is situated on the entrance to National Park Kornati. It consists of a narrow bay with a 100 m high vertical cliff on whose top there is a large salt lake that was a part of the National Park Kornati until 1988. Today it is a Nature Park on the southeastern coast of the Long Island with the highest point Grpašćak and salt lake Mir. Telašćica is one of the most beautiful and largest bays on the Adriatic. It is also known as a good and safe shelter for all types of vessels. The northeastern side of the bay is completely stripped of all plants, while the southwestern side is covered in thick pine, olive, and fig forest. The lake Mir changes water level just like the sea only with a certain delay compared to the sea. The area around Telašćica has been inhabited since ancient times which can be seen from the remains from the Paleolith until the present (remains around the place Sali, Roman remains in Mala Proversa, old-Croatian Pre-Romanic churches in Dugopolje). There are many animals in this area. Over 250 plant species and 300 animal species live in the sea including the Mediterranean sponge and rare red corals.
Vransko Lake
Vransko Lake is a natural phenomenon and the larges natural lake in Croatia. It is situated between two historic towns of Zadar and Šibenik, several kilometers away from the town of Biograd. The lake and surrounding area have been proclaimed a Nature Park in 1999. It is really a sunken karst field, and several smaller springs provide the lake with water. The lake is interesting in several ways. Part of it is protected as an ornithological reservation (since 1983), while the whole lake is proclaimed to be important bird area (Important Bird Area – IBA) according to criteria by the European Union. Vransko Lake has always been famous for its nature. There are archeological remains on the "Crkvina" locality and other places near the lake from several Roman agricultural estates. Roman sign that was found on the nearby Roman aquaduct testifies of important agricultural activity of Roman empire on this area. Roman aquaduct built from Vrane to Zadar not only supplied Zadar with water but also all of the agricultural estates near the aquaduct.
Biokovo
Protected Nature Park Biokovo spreads over mountain Biokovo, and the mountain itself makes a huge natural barrier above Makarska riviera. This karst coastal area of unique natural characteristics is full of deep chasms, caves, abysses and beech forests. Some of the abysses are so deep under ground that even during summer heat one can find snow and ice on their bottoms, which has been used, in the past times for storing food. All tourists are welcomed to visit a botanical garden on the mountain and reach the peaks Vošac and St. Jure on the Biokovo road. Those who prefer an active holiday can enjoy bicycling, mountaineering, riding and many other activities. True adventurers can have their go at paragliding. Botanical garden is situated above the village Kotiština. St. Jure is the highest peak of Biokovo mountain. You can reach it by car which makes it especially attractive and available. Every year on the last Saturday in July pilgrims walk to the top of the mountain. There is a magnificent view over Makarska riviera and Middle-Dalmatian islands, and on very clear and sunny days one can see as far as to the peaks of Italian Apennines.
Velebit
There is a great number of reasons why Velebit was proclaimed a Nature Park; unusual rocks, canyons, deep pits, caves, and numerous endemic species that inhabit this mountain. The fact that there are two National Parks on Velebit gives it the name " the Park of National Parks", In the year 1978 it was included in World Net of Biosphere Reservations ("Program man and biosphere", UNESCO). There are various habitats of numerous endemic species of flora and fauna on Velebit. Velebit has many caves, the most famous of which are Cerovačke Caves near Gračac and caves around Paklenica near Starigrad. In the past this area has been inhabited by a number of people that left their traces in the forms of ruins, houses, sacral buildings and cultural monuments. Today these remains testify of the life in the past, customs and culture of residents on this mysterious mountain. Numerous mountain paths pass through the Park the most famous of which is Premužić path. From the mountaintops there is a magnificent view over the Adriatic Sea and several islands. In the Park you are welcome to raft on the river Zrmanja, climb, fish and mountaineer.
Lastovo
The island group Lastovo has become Nature Park in 2006. The green island Lastovo is surrounded by islets of Priježba, Mrčara, Vlasnik, Bratin island, Kopište and Sušac and islet group called Lastovnjaci from the East. Sandy beaches characterize the islet of Saplun in the islet group Lastovnjaci. Sušac is the largest and most separated island of the Lastovo archipelago. It is interesting to know that there are no further residents on this island beside the lighthouse crew and one shepard with 300 sheep and 50 goats. Lastovo is a perfect place for nature, sailing, and fishing lovers and those who enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine (Lastovo is famous for lobster and wine). The island can be explored from the sea and land, but its hidden beauty under the sea with underwater cliffs and caves should not be missed. Lastovo becomes vibrant in the beginning of August during the festival "Lastovo, the island of music".
