Guide to National Parks in Wider Zadar Region: Krka

Fascinating force of water rumbling down travertine waterfalls in the midst of beautiful surroundings… Stand in awe before nature’s creation in Krka National Park, a stunning area surrounding the Krka river which was declared a national park in 1985.

The river flows from the foothill of Dinara mountain into the Adriatic Sea in the Bay of Šibenik and an area of more than 100 km² along its way is protected for its outstanding value. It is the second most visited national park in Croatia and the most popular one in Dalmatia.

Krka is most famous for its 7 waterfalls and cascades, even though its appeal goes beyond that. The national park is home to a great variety of animal and plant species, some of which are endemic. It also boasts rich cultural-historical heritage which perfectly completes the story of the Krka river.

Top attractions

The national park is divided into lower course, middle course and upper course areas, each with its irresistible attractions. Even though the most popular sights can be seen in a single day, for a full Krka experience a multi-day visit is well worth considering.

The lower course starts at the main entrance Lozovac and includes an ethno village and the most photographed point in the park - Skradinski buk waterfall. To continue the journey of exploration you can take an excursion boat from there towards Visovac island and Roški slap waterfall.

The middle course offers access to Roški slap waterfall, another popular sight in the park, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet on the small island of Visovac with the 15th century Franciscan monastery and the Church of Our Lady of Mercy. In this park area you can also see the traditional watermills, explore the prehistoric cave Oziđana pećina and take an excursion boat to visit medieval fortresses Nečven and Trošenj.

In the upper course visitors can see the tallest waterfall Manojlovac (note: peak water flow is in off season) and other smaller waterfalls. In addition, there is the 15th century Krka monastery, Burnum site with the only reconstructed Roman theatre in Croatia, as well as Krka Eco Campus centre in Puljane.

Top experiences

Actively discover the beauty of the national park! The entire park is full of educational trails which provide information about the amazing nature all around and cultural-historical sites. There are 47 km of hiking trails with lengths ranging from a few hundred metres to a couple of kilometres.

Cycling fans can also appreciate the wonder of nature on a bike by choosing among 14 marked circular routes. The categories include mountain, road and trekking options with various levels of difficulty. Their starting points are at the park offices in Skradin, Laškovica or Krka Eco Campus in Puljane.

The park offers numerous unique photo opportunities particularly at a number of lookouts with sensational views. However, one of the most memorable experiences is going for a swim under the waterfall. Swimming is allowed in designated areas by Roški slap and Skradinski buk waterfalls from June through September.

Useful info

Have a special day to remember in Krka National Park! In order to fully enjoy your trip, make sure to plan it wisely. The river has the greatest water level in winter, while the national park is the busiest in the summer, when it is advisable to buy the tickets online. Namely, to guarantee visitor safety and provide them with a great experience as well as preserve nature, the park has limited the number of daily visitors. The park is open all year round but the working hours vary according to the season.

How to get there. The distance from Zaton Holiday Resort to Krka National Park is 85 km (approximately 1 hour by car). Apart from taking an organized excursion, you can choose among 10 tours to explore the national park on your own. Accordingly, there are 10 entrances to the park. Driving along the A1 motorway south of Zadar, take the exit Skradin to reach the entrance of the same name or the exit Šibenik for the main entrance - Lozovac. The park offers charging stations for electric cars in Lozovac and Laškovica, in the lower and middle course respectively.

Prices. The individual tickets vary from €4 to €27, depending on the season and the chosen tour. Also note that boat excursions available from April to October are charged extra. Credit cards are widely accepted, but bring some money since there are a few sales points within the park that accept only cash.

Basic equipment - For absolute comfort during your visit remember to put on the right footwear and layered clothing. Also note that appropriate clothes are required on Visovac island and inside Krka monastery.

Other - You can bring along a dog to the park, but it needs to be on a leash. Your pet also must have a muzzle on during transport by bus or boat on the park grounds. Still, pets are not allowed on Visovac island nor inside Krka monastery.

Roar with joy watching the rumbling waterfalls of the beautiful Krka river!