Croatia is blessed with over 1000 beautiful islands, breathtaking waterfalls, mountainous landscapes, and much more.
There are also eight world famous National Parks in Croatia that you can always visit, explore and have a load of fun. They are a unique experience and a must-do whilst visiting Croatia.
Krka and Plitvice National Parks are certainly the most prominent and talked about. However, there are a number of other national parks that you certainly should not miss out on if you have the opportunity to visit.
Our list below outlines the eight National Parks in Croatia.
Krka National Park
This is a national reserve located in the southern parts of Croatia and is the nearest National Park to Novalja. What makes this particular Croatia National park more beautiful is the flowing waters from the Krka River.
You are able to swim at Krka and the park features seven wonderful but very different waterfalls, such as the Skardinki Buk falls.
Many visitors go hiking on the trails and then enjoy swimming in the calm waters to cool off afterwards.
Additionally, this Croatia National Park remains one an important historical and cultural site in Croatia.
This is because Krka Park is home to the remains of some ancient civilizations and fortresses.
Krka National Park guarantees an enjoyable experience each and every time you come to this stunning Croatia National Park region.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This is a large national reserve located at the centre of Croatia and is a population day trip for those staying on Pag Island.
This Croatia National Park covers up to 114 square miles of inter-connected lakes and very thick forests.
Moreover, it is well-known for its unique 16 beautiful freshwater lakes. You can visit these rivers by renting a boat of getting involved on one of the many guided tours.
Not only can you go boating but you can also hike in the park and swim in the waters.
Each time you visit this Croatia National Park, you must check out the 256-foot waterfall, usually referred to as Veliki Slap.
Plitvice Lakes is one of the oldest, famous and largest national parks here in Croatia and is also a treasured UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kornati National Park
Kornati National Park is well known for its reefs, islets, and the 89 islands that make up the
Kornati Archipelago. The Adriatic Sea completely surrounds this Croatia National Park.
These crystal blue waters create an Adriatic paradise as the crystal clear sea envelops the entire park.
Due to this many people that visit are sailors and yachtsmen.
However, tourists generally get around by island hopping and the park has many bays where you can go swimming, scuba diving, or snorkelling!
It really is a wonderful place with so much to do.
Sjeverni Velebit National Park
Sjeverni Velebit National Park is usually referred to as the Northern Velebit National Park.
It is located on one of the largest mountain ranges in Croatia, the Velebit mountains.
The Croatia national park covers 42 square miles on the northern part of Velebit.
Most people visit this park for hiking, camping and outdoor activities.
Sjeverni is extremely popular and regularly sees up to 15000 people visiting the park every year.
Plus, since it is located close to the coast, you can enjoy beach swimming at any time.
Paklenica National Park
This Croatia National Park covers approximately 37 square miles in Stargard in Croatia.
Paklenica National Park is made up of the mountains and canyons of Mala Paklenica and Velika.
This National Park is home to an eclectic mix of wildlife and birds. Be prepared to see falcons, deer, eagles, and even bears at times!
The Menita Pec Cave is also well known for its stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.
Not only can you visit this park for hiking and camping but you can also go rock climbing for some more extreme fun.
Risnjak National Park
Found in Croatia's forested and mountainous region, the famous Risnjak National Park will leave you speechless by its natural beauty.
You'll discover thick green forests, clear blue lakes and snowy mountain slopes.
There are countless things that you can do while in this particular National park, so you'll never for even a minute become bored.
At Platak, snowboarding and skiing are the order of the day at the ski resort. Yes, a ski resort in a Croatian national park!
Then, you can always pop over to Lokvarsko Jezero if you are looking for some warmer weather and a sunny day right beside the lake. Simply perfect!
Apart from these activities, you can always extend your stay and go hiking and mountaineering at one of the many park trails.
Brijuni Islands National Park
This island is made up of fourteen small islands.
If you are wanting to visit this Croatia National park, the best thing to do is to rent a boat so you are able to explore, island-hop and experience the park on your own time and at your very own leisure.
Or you can join one of the several ferry tours which take visitors throughout this National Park.
The Brijuni Islands Croatia National Park is surrounded by the sublime aquamarine waters of the Adriatic and complemented by the fabulous backdrop of thick bushy forests that fill every island in the region.
Better yet, on the Veliki Brijun, which is the largest island at Brijuni Islands National Park, there is even a golf course for you to play golf.
Are you a golfer?
Mljet National Park
This national park is found on the long and small island of Mljet.
When you visit this park, ensure to visit Malo Jezero, Veliko, and the twin lakes.
In the centre of Veliko, you'll find a tiny islet named Melita that is home to the historical Benedictine Monastery.
Currently, this building is used as a very decent restaurant and a cafe bar, so you can relax and enjoy a nice meal on your visit.
Again, as with some of the other parks, island-hopping is the name of the game at this stunning National Park in Croatia.