Virgin nature, clear waters, and unspoilt plant and animal life attract tourists and nature lovers from all over the world.

National parks

The region of Zadar is encompassed by as many as five national parks: Paklenica, Kornati, Plitvice Lakes, Krka Waterfalls and Northern Velebit.

Paklenica

The park stretches from the coast to the highest peaks of Mount Velebit, and abounds in natural attractions and phenomena. This is a unique area of contact between the sea and the mountain, densely wooded, with the canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, cliffs such as the well-known Anića Kuk, and caves and chasms. A genuine challenge for climbers, nature lovers and scientists.
Kornati

One of the largest island groups (about 150 islands and islets) in the Mediterranean, of breath-taking beauty. As George Bernard Shaw put it, “on the last day of Creation God wanted to crown His work and created the Kornati out of tears, stars and breath”.
Plitvice Lakes

A string of sixteen lakes separated by travertine barriers, this is an outstanding phenomenon of striking beauty and diversity, which is why UNESCO included it in its World Heritage List.
Krka Waterfalls

The seven travertine waterfalls of the river Krka are an extraordinary karst phenomenon. Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap stand out among the rest. Between them is the small island of Visovac, an oasis of peace and prayer notwithstanding its eventful history, with a Franciscan monastery and church – fortresses of spirituality, moral, faith, Croatian culture and national identity.
Northern Velebit

The park is distinguished by an outstanding variety of karst phenomena, wildlife and scenery, and includes the nature reserves of ’Rožanski and Hajdučki Kuk’, Lukina Jama (Luka’s Hollow, one of the deepest in the world) and the famous Velebit botanical garden.

 

Nature Parks

Nature parks in the Zadar region include Telašćica (bay on the island of Dugi Otok), Lake Vrana (the largest natural lake in Croatia) and Mount Velebit. In 1978 Velebit was proclaimed a World Biosphere Reserve.

Telašćica

One of the largest and most beautiful natural harbours in Croatia, and a favourite boaters’ destination, with a specific natural phenomenon, the Mir salt lake. The seaward cliffs (the highest on the Adriatic coast) protect it from the fury of the open sea.

Lake Vrana

The largest natural lake in Croatia and a Special Bird Reserve. This unusual blend of land and water offers refuge to many plants and animals, particularly rare bird species.

Mount Velebit

The most impressive part of the Dinaric Range, which divides the Mediterranen and the continental part of Croatia.
Velebit is a World Biosphere Reserve because of the wealth of its plant and animal life, and many endemic species.