Plitvice Lakes National Park, located near the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of the iconic destinations of Croatia. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice is the largest national park in Croatia. Across its vast area of 296.85 square kilometers are 16 crystalline lakes, each renowned for its intense distinctive colour, ranging from grey-green to azure blue. The series of falls at Plitvice descend in cascades from an altitude of over 130 metres and cover a distance of eight kilometres. As you can imagine, this forms some of the most visually stunning waterfalls in the entire world. This series of waterfalls is truly the crown on Croatia’s brow.

However, Veliki Slap, the Great Waterfall, is without a doubt the jewel in this crown. The highest waterfall in Croatia, Veliki Slap thunders over a 78 metre drop into the river Korana below. It is also widely acknowledged as the most beautiful in the entire park with its mineral-rich waters shimmering over the grey rocks and depositing limestone tufa in continually changing formations. It is also stunning in mid-winter when it becomes almost completely frozen, forming an incredible ice sculpture.

Hours: Open 365 days a year. Hours vary with the season. See https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/operating-hours-and-seasons/  for more information.

Prices: Vary depending on season. See https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/plan-your-visit/price-list/ for more information.

Contact: Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera | Znanstveno – stručni centar “Dr. Ivo Pevalek” | HR 53231 Plitvička Jezera | tel: +385 (0)53 751 015, +385 (0)53 751 014 | e-mail: info@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr | web: https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/

Krka National Park, runs from the Adriatic near Šibenik inland to the mountains of the Croatian interior. It is a truly magical place, with the Krka River gushing through a 200 metre deep karstic canyon. But of course it is also the home of incredible waterfalls, which flow over the rim of deep gorges into the rushing river below.

One of the best of these is Skradinski Buk, the longest waterfall on the Krka River, one of the natural beauties of Croatia and arguably one of the biggest tourist draws in the entire country. It is composed of a clear natural pool with high waterfalls at one end, and flowing cascades of whirlpools at the other. Because of the incredible variety of flora and fauna, as well as the effects caused by the play of light on the whirlpools, Skradinski Buk is considered to be one of the most picturesque waterfalls not only in Croatia, but in all of Europe.

While you are visiting Krka National Park, be sure to take some time to visit another breathtaking waterfall – Roški Slap, as well as take in some of the traditional watermills the area is famous for. And don’t miss visiting the monastery on the island of Visovac, home to Franciscan monks since 1445.

Hours: Open 365 days a year. Hours vary with the season. See http://www.np-krka.hr/stranice/working-hours/144/en.html for more information.

Prices: Vary depending on season. See http://www.np-krka.hr/stranice/price-list/37/en.html for more information.

Contact: Krka National Park, Public Institute, Trg Ivana Pavla II br. 5, 22000 Šibenik, Croatia | tel: +385 (0)22 201-777 | e-mail: info@npk.hr | web: http://www.np-krka.hr/

Amid green, rolling hills, the Mrežnica River in Karlovac County has carved a deep canyon that runs over 63 kilometres in length and delivers 93 spectacular waterfalls. Slapovi Mrežnice is considered one of the best series of waterfalls in Croatia, and it is certainly one of the most picturesque. As the river meanders along, dragonflies dip in and out of water lilies that cover the river banks and pond turtles rest among the leaves while lush vegetation covers the shores from the forests beyond. These charming falls are hugged on both sides by rising canyons and fed by springs that slip down their sides, delighting visitors and nature enthusiasts alike.

Though the Mrežnice falls are lower in height and grandeur than those in Plitvice Lakes or Krka, they more than make up for this with their natural charm and the interesting variety of forms that the various falls take. Each viewing will offer something new to see and experience, and visitors will find themselves beguiled by their phenomenal natural beauty.

Slapovi Mrežnice is a free attraction.

Hidden away near Šibenik, the Slapovi Zrmanje are the wondrous result of the rough and tumultuous River Zrmanje carving its way toward the sea. The river itself is nearly perfectly clear warm water, with magnificent waterfalls tumbling down amidst spectacular and lush-green canyon walls. In fact, this is one of the most breathtaking canyon runs in all of Europe, and because of this, one of the most sought-after places for river rafters of all levels.

The river forms 12 cascades while running its course, and without exception, each one of them is stunning. Running this river while experiencing Croatia’s pristine natural environment with its rich and diverse habitat of aquatic plants and animal species, must be considered one of this country’s top natural experiences.

Slapovi Zrmanje is a free attraction. Visitor information can be found at http://www.zadar.hr/zrmanja-river-canyon/.

Rastočki Slapovi, or the Rastoke Waterfalls, are located in the remote but incredibly charming Rastoke Village near the city of Slunj in the Kordun Region of Croatia. Rastoke is situated at the confluence of two rivers – the Slunjčica and the Korana, and their joining has created the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Rastočki Slapovi. Here the Slunjčica river rushes into the Korana river over a number of travertine barriers, watercourses and waterfalls. This waterway has, over thousands of years, carved a deep canyon in the limestone plateau, creating the incredible falls we see today and providing a home for a vast array of local flora and fauna.

The village itself is part of the beauty of these falls, its charming and authentic architectural heritage juxtaposed with the rushing natural beauty surrounding it. The waterfalls also power a quaint old flourmill, which is well worth a visit for a glimpse into Croatia’s traditional lifestyle and culture.

Rastočki Slapovi is a free attraction. Visitor information can be found at http://www.tz-slunj.hr/en/. Information about Rastoke Village can be found at http://slunj-rastoke.hr/en/homepage-en/.