Along the Adriatic coast, Croatia has many hidden treasures that deserve to be discovered, and why not this summer?
With 14.9 million visitors in 2015, Croatia is definitely one of the flagship destinations of the moment. Known for its beaches and summer celebrations, Croatia is also the destination of excellence for nature lovers. In addition to its many natural parks, Croatia has no less than 8 national parks! True natural paradise, these are ideal destinations for cutting off the world, changing air and feeling close to nature. Crystal water, mountains, waterfalls, cliffs, forests... so many attributes that make Croatia and its national parks a real edifice!
One of the waterfall lakes in Plitvice National Park – Photo credit: Wikimedia – Michal Klajban
Among national parks, it is impossible not to mention Plitvice National Park and its 16 lakes that throw each other in waterfalls. The latter is according to site Ideoz the most visited park in Croatia with more than 900,000 visitors every year. Inscribed to UNESCO’s World Heritage, Plitvice is a must during a stay in Croatian lands. And it is not difficult to understand why! Cascades and turquoise blue water are at the rendezvous to offer visitors a spectacle out of time and disappointing. If the flora of the park is breathtaking, the fauna is also intact and composed of many protected species. So don't be surprised if you cross a brown bear on your way, as these are the symbol of the park.
Mljet Island – Photo credit: Flickr – Yacht Rent
For lovers of nature and breathtaking landscapes, the Croatian islands are true immanquables. With a wide variety of landscapes, these remain preserved treasures of the world. The island of Mljet, which houses the national park of the same name, is one of these wonders. Accessible by ferry from the city Dubrovnik among others, the island has the high quality of having a rich cultural and natural heritage. Between two walks, it is possible to visit monasteries or other historical monuments. Beyond these monuments, the nature of the island is as varied as it is abundant. The park’s beaches, cliffs, lakes and forests are part of UNESCO’s world heritage. Example illustrator of this plant wealth: the island has five different types of forests! This island alone proves that there is no need to cross the world to find unique landscapes.
A Eurasian lynx – Photo credit: Wikimedia – Roberta F.
The last “type” of park that can be distinguished in Croatia are the altitude parks. Three Croatian national parks are representative of this category for the pleasure of those who enjoy altitude activities. Risnjak National Park, located in the heart of the mountains, is known for its abundant nature that allows a large number of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and mountaineering. In addition to these activities, it is also possible to observe protected species such as bears, wolves or lynx. The lynx, which is called “ ris” in Croatian, is also the origin of the name of the park.
Rock climbers in Paklenica Park – Photo credit: Flickr – Danilo Tic
Paklenica Park is also a route not to be missed for climbers. With nearly 400 climbing walls according to the site Adriagate , impossible not to find rock at his foot! Located in the mountainous Velebit massif, the park is also particularly famous for its many caves. Not far from there, Velebit Nord National Park also offers a route in the middle of the mountains with impressive views of the Adriatic. The park is also known to house the famous cave of Luka, one of the deepest caves in the world.
Sometimes it's hard to imagine that all this beauty is so close to France... And yet, yes! The country has to fill all lovers of green tourism and outdoor activities. The richness of its landscapes and the variety of its nature make Croatia a destination of character to discover and discover!
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