Beautiful and unspoiled natural beauties are the greatest treasures of Croatia; they turn it into one of the most richest destinations. Croatia boasts with eight national parks: Plitvice Lakes, Brijuni, Krka, Kornati, Mljet, Paklenica, Risnjak and North Velebit.
The most famous Croatian National Parkis by far Plitvice Lakes, which is the most visited national park, as well.
Here are the most visited national parks in Croatia :
1. Plitvice Lakes
2. Krka River
3. Brijuni Islands
4. Paklenica
5. Mljet
6. Kornati
7. Risnjak
8. Northern Velebit
I like Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka in the spring, when wildlife thrives in them, and the water level is high enough to show all the grandeur of the popular waterfalls. Therefore, if you can, be sure to visit Plitvice and Krka in the spring. Do not forget to bring your cameras and jackets, it can be chilly near waterside. There are several restaurants in the parks in which you can savor local dishes and enjoy long walks.
Brijuni and Kornati are a unique island group, which can be reached by organized transport from the Istrian mainland ports (Islands) and Dalmatia (archipelago). These excursion ships usually offer lunch and a drinks, and after the tour they dock on one of the islands so you can rest, walk and swim.
You can visit The island of Mljet, popularly called the “forest island“, by taking a ferry from Dubrovnik or a tourist / excursion boat from Korcula, Hvar, Brac, Peljesac or Makarska. On the island you can enjoy the sea and sun and walk the trails around the lake all the way up to the peaks Montokuc from where you can see the entire Mljet National Park.
Paklenica, Risnjak and Northern Velebit are parts of Croatian mountain chains. Paklenica is the most famous climbing destination with 150 km of hiking trails. The single most popular trail is the one which leads from the Great Paklenica canyon to the Paklenica Mountain Lodge (about 2 hours).
In these mountainous parts of Croatia, visitors can enjoy walking, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, fishing, caving and wildlife observation.
The Northern Velebit National Park is best known for the Premuzic path that passes through the most beautiful and interesting parts of the park. The mountain peaks offer a breathtaking view of the Adriatic sea and islands.
