Croatia is a country of stunning natural beauty, from its mountain and forested interior to the islands off its beautiful Adriatic coastline.
Here are 8 of the most stunning natural wonders to include in your Croatian itinerary.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes are Croatia’s most famous natural wonder. A gorgeous series of 16 turquoise lakes with numerous beautiful waterfalls. It is considered one of Europe’s most striking national parks. Wooden walkways lead visitors past the scenic lakes and falls amidst lovely forest landscapes. The lakes vary in colour from green or blue to grey depending on the mineral content in the water and the angle of sunlight.
The park is large, at 120km2, with electric boats and tourist trains connecting the most popular parts of the park together. The flow of lake water over limestone and chalk led to the creation of the waterfalls, and the park is home to a variety of bird and wildlife. Plitvice is located about an hour and a half from the coastal city of Zadar. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Krka National Park
The emerald blue waters of Krka National Park are located just north of Šibenik in northern Dalmatia. They are another of Croatia’s top beauty spots. Here you’ll see cascades of water plunging over gorgeous waterfalls, created by the flow of the Krka River. More than 60% of the river is protected within the confines of the park.
Take a boat trip and visit the two clusters of gorgeous waterfalls.
The largest, Skradinski Buk, consists of 17 falls plunging into a large natural pool. While Roski falls comprise an additional 12 falls. Your boat trip can also include a stop at the peaceful lake island of Visovac to explore the Franciscan monastery and church there.
Imotski Blue Lake
Located inland from Split near the hilltop town of Imotski near the Bosnian border lies the beautiful blue lake of Imotski. The lake is normally over 300 feet deep, but as it relies on rainfall, it can dry up during the summer months until snowmelt replenishes its water supply. Swimming is permitted in the lake, and there are hiking trails.
The Blue Lake is a deep sinkhole that may have been formed by the collapse of a large underground cave. From the upper rim to the lake is over 700 feet high. During summer months if the lake dries up, local tradition holds that a soccer match between two local teams is held on the lakebed surface!
Glavas Source
Located in the village of Cetina near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Glavas Source is a beautiful small blue lake that is actually the source of the Cetina River, one of Croatia’s most important.
The turquoise lake itself is quite deep in the middle, about 400 feet, making the central portion darker blue like the iris of an eye, but the waters are too cold for swimming. From the coastal city of Split, Cetina is about 1 ½ hours by car.
Kornati National Park
Kornati National Park consists of about 90 uninhabited islands. It lies off the coast of Šibenik, consisting of the main island of Kornat and its archipelago of smaller islands. These are the tops of underwater mountains, and the sea and rock formations around the islands are home to a rich array of sea life that can be explored by divers or snorkelers.
One side of the island is rocky and has light vegetation such as olive trees, but the sea facing side is a sheer cliff dropping about 250 feet into the water. Above water activities include hiking on Kornat, with epic sea views. Organized boat trips leave from Šibenik to reach the gorgeous islands park.
Zlatni Rat Beach
The gorgeous beach of Zlatni Rat, named the Golden Horn or Golden Cape is Croatia’s most famous beach, covered with white pebbles and stretching for over 1,500 feet. Its unusual shape on its own promontory is subject to change with wind and water conditions. The pine tree grove bordering the beach has remnants of a Roman villa.
Read more here about the best beaches in Croatia.
The beach is located near the town of Bol on the island of Brač. It is a perfect destination for relaxation and enjoying swimming and gorgeous sea views. There are also water sport activities available. The beach can be visited by taking a ferry from Split.
Mljet National Park
Mljet is a small island off the Adriatic coast near Dubrovnik. It is home to Mljet National Park on the western end of the island. And boasts salt lakes that visitors can swim in along with beautiful landscapes. On the larger of the two lakes is a small island with a former Benedictine monastery.
The island offers peace and quiet and great hiking or biking opportunities. You can also kayak around both lakes. Ferries leave from Dubrovnik for day trips to the island.
Telascica Nature Park
Telascica Nature Park offers a stunning lake surrounded by mountains on an island in the Adriatic. Various Park activities include boating, fishing, water sports in the lake, nature tours and cycling. The natural landscapes are exceptional.
With beautiful bays, rocky cliffs, pine forests and some areas of cultivation with vineyards and olive trees. Small tourist boats help you explore this gem. Reachable from Zadar by first taking a ferry to Dugi Otok Island.
