Excursions from Šibenik:
KRKA National Park
The KRKA National Park is known as one of the Mediterranean's quietest corners. The park was established in 1985 and follows the Krka River from its source in the foothills of the Dinaric Mountains through the Karst landscape into the Adriatic. The Park is dotted with limestone mountains and is located against the archipelagos of the Adriatic Sea. This area has warm and dry summers but coupled with cooling sea breezes and the temptations of the Adriatic. Within the park, the river and the waterfalls neutralize the heat. In winter it is mild and wet, but the park is likely to be closed around that time.
The Park shows the Croatian Karst at its best. Karst environments are formed by the dissolving action of carbon dioxide and water on carbonate rock. Over thousands of years this process has resulted in fascinating geomorphologic features. The area is rich in Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean flora and fauna. The surrounding forest is mixed with hornbeam, cypress, poplar, oak and willow. |
| More than 200 bird species including golden eagles are found and the river is home to Visovac trout and Adriatic salmon. There are only two falls in the park - Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap. The former is the more impressive of the two with a 46m-drop over 17 limestone steps.
Sjeverni (North) Velebit
Velebit is an untamed mountainous ridge located adjacent to the Adriatic. It occupies over 2, 000 sq km - 145km in length and 30km in width. It is a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve. Velebit is perfect for those who want to explore a fascinating area in solitude. It is possible to hike the whole length of the ridge following Premuzic's path and staying in mountain huts, while the more compact Paklenica National Park also offers excellent walking opportunities.
Despite its proximity to the coast and the pleasant climate of nearby island archipelagos, Velebit's size ensures that only on the coastal slopes is it typically Mediterranean. On the top of the ridge the climate is consistently continental, with intense summers exacerbated by the scarcity of surface water and then followed by cold, harsh winters.
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Kornati Islands is a group of about 130 islands, islets and reefs sprinkled in the deep blue sea of the Adriatic covering an area of about 64 sq km. The Kornati archipelago is in Dalmatia. The largest island is Kornat from which the archipelago takes its name. Apart from a tiny area of cultivated land with fig trees, olives and vineyards, Kornati islands are rocky, covered with thin grass, rare trees and Mediterranean scrubs.
The landscape of chalk limestone is covered with bushes of rosemary, juniper, lavender, thyme, myrtle and sage. Pathways leading to steep and huge cliffs facing the open sea and others gently decline towards the sea, ending in a small bay with a jetty and one or two fishermen's cottages surrounded by pine, olives and fig trees. This stupendous natural beauty moved authorities in 1980 to notify the area as a national park. There are 89 islands, islets and reefs within the area of Kornati National Park and this makes it the most indented group of islands in the Mediterranean. | The Kornati submarine area has the richest biocenosis in the Adriatic Sea. The magnificent geomorphology of the seabed attracts divers from all over Europe to come and enjoy in unforgettable submarine adventures.
Vransko Jezero Park - a huge lake, which is a sanctuary for birds and an excellent location for fishing.
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