The Paklenica National Park encompasses the torrent areas of Velika and Mala Paklenica, namely their well known canyons that are vertically carved in the southern slopes of Velebit Mountain and the broader surrounding area. In this relatively small area there is an exceptional diversity of geomorphological phenomena and forms, fauna and flora, attractive landscapes and virgin nature. There are some 150 km of trekking paths and trails and is considered the best climbing centre in Croatia, with more than 400 equipped and maintained climbing directions.
Established: 1949
Surface: 9.600 ha
International protection: UNESCO MAB-Biosphere Reserve
Telephone: +385 (0)23 369 202
Fax: +385 (0)23 369 155
E-mail: np-paklenica@zd.t-com.hr
Web: www.paklenica.hr
Possible activities: mountaineering, free climbing, trekking, bike-riding, bird watching, cave exploration
The Risnjak National Park has a large number of natural features distributed in a relatively small area: virgin forests and mountain peaks, well preserved mountain meadows, dinaric karst with its specific hydrology and relief. The Park is situated in the hiterland of Rijeka and Kvarner Bay, in the nort-western part of Gorski Kotar. Beside the mountains of Risnjak and Snježnik, the Park encompasses a hydrological nature monument, the source and upper part of the Kupa River. There are two zones in the Park – moderately protected zone and strictly protected zone, where the vegetation is left to its natural succession, and no activities are allowed.
Founded: 1953
Surface: 6.400 ha
Telephone: +385 (0)51 836 133
Fax: +385 (0)51 836 116
E-mail: np-risnjak@ri.t-com.hr
Web: www.risnjak.hr
Possible activities: trekking, mountaineering, bike-riding, watching and photographing wild animals, recreational fishing, horse-drawn cart
The Mljet National Park occupies the north-western part of the island of the same name, also called ”the green island”. One of the important features of the National Park is the island’s indented coast. Apart from numerous inlets, bays and small islands, the Park is well known for its two saline lakes, Small Lake and Great Lake that were created by flooding of karst dales. Fields covered with vineyards and olive trees, which have been grown here for centuries, enhance the landscape diversity of the protected area. Cultural and historical heritage is abundant in the National Park Mljet. The small island of Saint Mary is located in the Great Lake, where an ancient Benedictine Monastery and Church were found in the 12th century. Due to its picturesque scenery, it is a kind of landmark of the National Park.
Founded: 1960
Surface: 5.375 ha
Telephone: +385 (0)20 744 041; +385 (0)20 744 058; +385 (0)20 744
Fax: +385 (0)20 744 043
E-mail: np-mljet@np-mljet.hr
Web: www.np-mljet.hr
Possible activities: trekking, mountaineering, bike-riding, water sports, rowing, diving, photographing
The Kornati National Park is incomparable creation of nature, located in the central part of the Adriatic Sea. It is the largest archipelago in the Mediterranean which have attracted attention by their beauty since ancient times. The sea makes up more than three-quarters of the National Park area whose sea bed, due to its diverse and rich submarine world, is the most important trait of this protected area. The sight of the lace-like pattern of island cliffs, bleached by the noble salt of the Adriatic and lashed by the fragrance- saturated bora, plummeting into the sea, is one that has no equal anywhere. At the same time the mellow, tiny ports and hidden beaches are a true paradise for modern-day Robinsons seeking unspoiled nature.
”The gods wanted to set a crown upon their work, so on the last day, out of tears, stars and the breath of the sea, they created the Kornati.” So wrote George Bernard Shaw when reminiscing about this breathtakingly beautiful archipelago.
Founded: 1980
Surface: 21.700 ha
Telephone: +385 (0)22 435 740
Fax: +385 (0)22 435 058
E-mail: kornati@kornati.hr
Web: www.kornati.hr
Possible activities: trekking, cruising, recreational fishing, diving, underwater filming, photographing
The Brijuni National Park ecompasses a group of 14 islands and islets. It is situated alongside the south-eastern part of the Istrian coast, and is distinguished by specific climatic, landscape, and cultural features. The distinctly indented coast line with many gulfs, bays and shallow water gives Brijuni exceptional landscape diversity. One of the oldest olive trees in the Mediterranean, planted as far back as the 4th century on the Veliki Brijun island still grows, attracting as a witness of long past times numerous turists. About a hundred cultural-historical and archeological sites and structures have been registerd in the area or the Brijuni National Park.
Founded: 1983
Surface: 3.395 ha
Telephone: +385 (0)52 525 888
Fax: +385 (0)52 525 917
E-mail: brijuni@brijuni.hr
Web: www.brijuni.hr
Possible activities: trekking, bike-riding, horseback riding, electrical-car riding, cruising, diving, water sports and recreation, underwater filming, golf, tennis
The Krka National Park is natural and karstic phenomena, located entirely within the territory of Šibenik – Knin County. It covers the major part of the course of the Krka River. The main attraction of this amazing National Park is its seven pictoresque waterfalls. The widest of these is Roski slap, although Skradinski buk is the highest waterfall in Mediterranean (46 m)and most well known. In addition to natural monuments it abounds with cultural and historical monuments. The most outstanding is the Franciscan monastery on the tiny isle of Visovac, set like a precious stone in the middle of a lake like widening in the river. Within the monastery there is a picture gallery and a church whose origins can be traced back to the 14th century. Beyond the charming little town of Skradin, which happens to be favorite starting point for boat trips to the park, the river Krka, gradually widens, first into Prokljansko Lake and then into deep sea bay, towards the city of Sibenik.
Founded: 1985
Surface: 10.900 ha
Telephone: +385 (0)22 201 777
Fax: +385 (0)22 336 836
E-mail: izleti@npkrka.hr
Web: www.npkrka.hr
Possible activities: trekking, mountaineering, boat riding, bike-riding, photographing diving, filming, recreational fishing, participation in old crafts (weaving, ”blacksmith trade”)
The National Park Sjeverni Velebit (Northern Velebit) is the ”youngest” park in Croatia, established due to its exceptional diversity of karst relief forms, biological resources, and landscapes in a relatively small area. It is located within the Velebit Nature Park and is also part of the International Biosphere Reserve. There is a magnificent view on the Adriatic Sea and its islands Pag, Rab, Goli, Prvić i Krk from the beautiful peaks in the surroundings, and on the continental side as well. The Park’s cultural value is present in a form of numerous ruins of the so-called “summer lodges”, which witness of the ages passed and long forgotten, when Velebit was inhabited by the population of shepherds and cattlers.
Founded: 1999
Surface: 10.900 ha
International protection: UNESCO MAB-Biosphere Reserve
Telephone: +385 (0)53 665 380
Fax: +385 (0)53 665 390
E-mail: np.sjeverni.velebit@gs.t-com.hr
Web: www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr
Possible activities: trekking, mountaineering, bike-riding