The Republic of Croatia has a great number of localities put under legal protection: 8 national parks, 10 nature parks and 2 strict nature reserves, nearly 100 special reserves, 19 park forests, 28 protected landscapes and 72 nature monuments. Through this story we will introduce the above mentioned localities, mostly situated on the coast and on the islands, and invite you to visit them during your vacation in Croatia.
Brijuni
Brijuni is a group of two larger and twelve small islands near the west coast of Istria. The islands are famous as a location with the best-preserved Mediterranean vegetation. The key feature of this National Park are surely the fabulous heritage monuments, particularly those from Roman and Byzantine periods. On account of their exceptional natural beauty, these islands have been a preferred summer hideaway for many statesmen of the world..
Kornati
The most indented island group in the Mediterranean, comprising 140 uninhabited islands, islets and reefs, is a veritable labyrinth built of seawater and stone. It is also a very popular destination among the sailors. The Piskera Marina is located within the National Park itself and there are eight other marinas in the vicinity.
Krka
The most beautiful karstic river in Croatia, occupies the area between Knin and Skradin; deep canyons are carved in limestone plateaus; among many waterfalls, the most famous are Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap.There is a small island in the middle of the lake between the two; a Franciscan monastery stands on the island.
Paklenica
A National Park on the southern slopes of Velebit - the largest mountain massif of Croatia, extends from its highest peaks to the shoreline. The impressive canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica belong to a group of the most attractive natural phenomena created by erosion, with a large number of unusual karst formations and many caves. Paklenica is also renowned for its abundance and variety of plant and animal life. The monumental vertical cliff named Anica Kuk is very popular with alpine climbers in Croatia.
Plitvicka jezera
The most beautiful and the best known of all Croatian National Parks, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, located near the main route that links Zagreb with Dalmatia; It includes a string of 16 lakes which are connected by waterfalls naturally created by limestone barriers. Most of the area of the Park is covered by dense beech, fir, spruce and pine forests. Various animals live in the Park, brown bear and wolf among them; transfer by special vehicles is organised for visitors.
Risnjak
Risnjak is a forested mountain massif in Gorski Kotar, to the north of Rijeka. It includes the area of the Kupa river headwaters; Due to its location between the Alps and the Dinara mountain, this small area is a habitat for various species of flora and fauna,including brown bear, lynx, chamois, deer and short-toed snake eagle The beauty and variety of forests, karst formations and monumental vistas are attracting numerous hikers.
Northern Velebit
This National Park comprises the most interesting and attractive part of the highest regions of Velebit. It includes the Strict Natural Reserves of Rozanski kukovi and Hajducki kukovi with their magnificent karst formations and the Lukina jama, one of the deepest caves in the world. The famous Velebit Botanical Garden is also there.
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