Do you want to relax and enjoy in the untouched nature? Do you want to spend an unforgettable active vacation with scuba diving, climbing, hiking or biking?
You can do all of that in Croatian national parks! Just their diversity and all the profusion of the flora and fauna – rarely leaves anyone indifferent. Fortunately, a couple of them are located in the vicinity of Vodice! So, let’s reveal them before you go and discover them for real…
National Park Kornati
“On the last day of the Creation, God desired to crown His work and thus created Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath.” – George Bernard Shaw
When George Bernard Shaw, the Irish writer and Nobel laureate, wrote this sentence, he probably never knew the magnitude of his kind words. The reason is simple, the beauty of this national park is far from easy to briefly describe. If you visit in the region of Vodice, a trip to Kornati National Park is inevitable, just because it is so close to the town! Specifically, this national park is located only 25km from Vodice. His splendor spreads over 89 islands which covers an area of 220m², mostly marine archipelago, which is considered the densest archipelago in the entire Mediterranean. This under-explored area is rich with diverse flora and fauna! Because of that, all nature lovers will have unforgettable experience in this place.
Scientists believe that the number of living organisms in the sea would be between 2500 and 3000. Visitors are allowed anywhere in the park, except for the area around the islands and reefs Purara and Violić which are declared areas of special protection.
Krka National Park
One of the most beautiful places in Croatia, also situated only 25 kilometers from the town, the park around Krka river is a beautiful display of diverse nature! Krka, the clean river flowing through a 75km long canyon, is bordered by waterfalls whose noise and beauty fascinates every observer! And so, the waterfalls – Bilusic buk, Brljan, Miljacka, Manojlovacki waterfall, Roski, Roshnjak and, the largest travertine barrier in Europe – Skradinski buk, are the creations of Krka river.
However, Krka has historical features also! And one of them is certainly a Franciscan monastery on Visovac. Island Visovac is located in the middle of Krka’s expansion and it was built in the 15th century when the area was inhabited by the Franciscans.
National Park is located in central Dalmatia, downstream Miljevci and only a few kilometers from the town of Sibenik. Krka river is a natural phenomenon that is really amazing to experience especially in the spring and summer because then, in its full glory, you can refresh yourself in its clean water!
Park Vransko jezero
The largest lake in Croatia, along the lower course of the river Neretva, is the only large swamp in the Mediterranean part of Croatian! Therefore, a special ornithological reserve which has become a habitat for four species of endangered birds at the European level, but also seven species threatened at the national level.
You can find this rich nature place when traveling the Adriatic highway, exactly half way between Sibenik and Zadar. The natural phenomenon of this area offers indented Adriatic coast on one side, and the largest natural lake in Croatia on the other.
According to its location and characteristics specific in Croatia, but also in the wider European area, this park would best be described by the following words – far from civilization, yet so close because here many will find peace and satisfaction!
National Park Paklenica
Located in the middle of Velebit mountain, just 90 kilometers from Vodice – Paklenica is considered the most hidden nature park in Croatia! Maybe it just because it has the smallest number of tourists visits. But this beautiful nature reserve offers something for everyone! Composed of Small and Large Paklenica, this park offer a true refreshment – clean air. Therefore, it is very suitable for those who have problems breathing because walking through this nature in the simplest possible way to improve your health.
Plitvice National Park
Most will say that this park is the most beautiful Croatian treasure. It is around 180 kilometers away from Vodice. Lots of tourists also said that they are equal to Niagara Falls. Each season Plitvice lakes tell a special story of colors, sounds and waterfalls. In its magical green forests and meadows below the pearl of sixteen blue-green lakes, interconnected with cascades and waterfalls.
Every corner of this rich vegetation is the home of many bird species, butterflies and wildlife. There are no words to describe the beauty and harmony in this park.
This unique gift of nature is ideal for excursions throughout the whole year!