Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. The park is located in the Krka River valley and is best known for its waterfalls. Krka National Park Croatia is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites, making it a great place to learn about Croatia’s history and culture. Visitors to Krka National Park can explore the park’s hiking trails, marvel at the beautiful waterfalls, or take a boat tour of the Krka River. Krka National Park is a great place to spend a day or two exploring Croatia’s natural beauty. Some say these are the best waterfalls in Croatia National Park options. In this travel guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the famous Krka waterfalls in Croatia including things to do, where to stay nearby, how to get from Split to Krka National Park and much more. Let’s get into it!
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Table of Contents
Krka National Park Croatia Complete Travel Guide-The Best Waterfalls in Croatia National Park
Krka National Park is an absolutely beautiful national park in Croatia, but it can be somewhat confusing to get around. I found myself getting lost several times looking for the main attractions. The park has a layout that can be difficult to understand. So be sure to get a map when you get your tickets. For the best experience, you will need to have a car to get around. All of the top things to do in Krka National Park are a pretty far distance apart, so be prepared to drive in between attractions.
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Things to Do in Krka National Park Croatia
1. Skradinski Buk
Skradinski Buk is one of the best waterfalls in Croatia and is the main attraction at Krka National Park. This beautiful cascading waterfall is created by the Krka River, which flows over limestone and dolomite rocks. There is a platform that goes around the main waterfall, allowing for great views. I recommend making this your first stop of the day because it is the area that gets the busiest. These are the most famous Krka waterfalls in Croatia.
In previous years, you used to be able to swim in and under the waterfall but at the time of writing this blog post swimming is not allowed. I think it has something to do with the deterioration of the land from people getting in and out of the water. Even without being able to swim, Skradinksi Buk is definitely worth a visit to take in the natural beauty of some of the best waterfalls in Croatia.
2. Walk the Lozovac Trail to the Main Waterfall
The main entrance into Krka National Park is in Lozovac. Once you have gotten through the main gate, you can either take a bus or walk down to the main pathway. This pathway weaves throughout the falls, walking over the gorgeous crystal clear water. The main trail eventually will lead you to the Skradinski Buk waterfall, but there are many other things to see along the way.
I suggest taking your time walking through here, as there is so much plant-life and wildlife around to take in. This trail also gets very busy so make sure to do this first. Most people visiting Krka National Park Croatia only visit this main trail, but there is actually much more to see in the park. But if you can only visit one of the trails, this is the best one to do. You get great views of the some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Croatia.
3. Visovac Monsatery
Visovac Monastery is a Catholic monastery that sits on an island in Visovac Lake, within Krka National Park in Croatia. The monastery was founded in the 15th century, and today it is home to a community of Franciscan monks. The Visovac Monastery is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take boat tours of the lake to reach the island. The monastery complex includes a church, a museum, and a cemetery, and the buildings are constructed in a traditional Croatian style.
The Visovac Monastery is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful setting, and it is an important religious site for Catholics in Croatia. You can take a ferry from two sides of the mainland of the national park. It is definitely worth visiting not only for the monastery itself, but you also get a great little boat ride with beautiful views of the national park.
4. Roski Waterfalls
The Roski Waterfalls are one of the main attractions in Krka National Park Croatia. They are located in the northern part of the park. The Roski waterfalls in Croatia are formed by a series of cascades, which create a spectacular scene. The Roski waterfalls in Croatia are unlike anything I have ever seen, with dozens of weaving waterfalls interconnected. You can walk along a path that runs throughout the waterfalls, and there are also several viewing platforms where you can get a better look at the cascades.
I highly recommend hiking up to one of the many trails overlooking the waterfalls. You not only get a better picture for seeing the Roski waterfalls as a whole, but you get great views of the entire region. It is breathtakingly beautiful here, you just have to see it for yourself.
5. Hike up To Ozidana Pecina Cave
Ozidana Pecina Cave is located in Krka national park and it is one of the most famous caves in Croatia. This cave is known for its mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites. The hike up to the cave overlooks the Roski waterfalls, and gives some of the best views of the area. If you don’t want to do hike up too far, there is a road that you can drive up above the cave. Then it is only a short hike down to the cave. But I highly recommend doing the entire hike up to the top from the bottom near Roski waterfalls.
There are several viewing platforms to rest at on the hike up, and the views are unmatched. These are some of the best views of some of the best waterfalls in Croatia. The cave itself is pretty cool, especially when you think about how people in the past used to live in such a difficult place to reach. Definitely worth a visit!
6. Alte Mühle Kristijan
If you are looking for somewhere to eat or have a drink, I suggest visiting the small village near the Roski waterfalls. Alte Mühle Kristijan is just one of the restaurant options here, and it was quite good. There are waterfalls running all around the village and restaurants. Some of the restaurants even have tables setup where you can eat with your feet in the water. This is a great place to come relax after a grueling hike and to fuel up for more adventures.
7. Burnum Amphitheatre
Burnum Amphitheatre is a Roman ruin located in the Krka national park Croatia. The amphitheatre was built in the 1st century AD and could seat up to 10,000 people. It was used for public events such as plays, concerts, and gladiatorial games. Today, the amphitheatre is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the ruins and learn about its history. The Burnum Amphitheatre is a great example of Roman architecture, and it offers a glimpse into the past of this fascinating country.
Getting from Split to Krka National Park
Getting from Split to Krka National Park is easy and there are a few different ways to do it. By far the most popular way is to take a day tour from Split. This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of time or if you want someone else to handle the logistics. Day tours typically last 8-10 hours and include round-trip transportation, a guide, and entrance fees.
Another popular option is to rent a car and drive to Krka on your own. This is a good option if you have more time or if you want more flexibility in your itinerary. The drive from Split to Krka takes about 1.5 hours. Finally, you can also take a bus from Split to Krka. This is the cheapest option, but it does require more planning as there are fewer buses per day and the journey takes a bit longer (2-3 hours). Whichever method you choose, getting from Split to Krka National Park is easy and straightforward.
Krka National Park vs Plitvice Lakes-Which has the Best Waterfalls in Croatia National Park
Krka National Park vs Plitvice Lakes, which one to visit? Well my obvious answer is BOTH. If you have the time, visit both of these incredible national parks. They are actually quite different, with diffferent size scales of waterfalls throughout each park. I understand that it may be difficult to visit both if you have limited time, but if you can do it.
If I had to personally pick between Krka National Park vs Plitvice Lakes, I would probably pick Krka. Obviously this is just my personal opinion, but I enjoyed how calm and tranquil Krka was. Plitvice Lakes is gorgeous, but the crowds can somewhat take a bit away from the beauty. Also, I found the waterfalls in Krka to be a bit more impressive. Not in size, but overall beauty. But again, visit both if you can. I’ve made an entire guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park as well which you can find here if interested.
Where to Stay Close to the Krka Waterfalls in Croatia
Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. The park is home to a stunning series of waterfalls, as well as a wealth of plant and animal life. If you’re planning a visit to Krka National Park, you’ll need to choose a place to stay that’s close to the falls. Here are a few towns that are located within easy driving distance of Krka National Park:
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- Skradin: Skradin is a small town located just outside the park boundaries. It’s a popular base for visitors to the park, as it offers easy access to all of the main attractions. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Skradin, so you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.
- Sibenik: Sibenik is the largest town in the vicinity of Krka National Park. It’s located about 20 minutes drive from the park, making it a convenient base for exploring all that the area has to offer. There’s a wide range of accommodation options available in Sibenik, from budget hotels to luxury apartments.
- Vodice: Vodice is another small town located near Krka National Park. It’s slightly further away from the park than Skradin, but still within easy driving distance. Vodice offers a wide range of accommodation options, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.
- Trogir: Trogir is a small town close to the Split airport, about a 30 minute drive from downtown Split. Trogir is about a 45 minute drive to Krka National Park. The town of Trogir is where I stayed during my entire time in Croatia and I found the location to be very ideal for day trips, including Krka National Park. Check out my full travel guide to Trogir here for more information.
Book a Tour to Krka National Park Croatia
Booking a tour to Krka National Park Croatia is a great way to see the park and learn about its history and ecosystem. Tours are typically led by knowledgeable guides who can answer any questions you might have. They also help to provide structure and a sense of direction, which can be especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the area. In addition, tours typically include stops at some of the park’s most popular attractions, making it easy to make the most of your visit. If you are one a vacation with limited time, it is sometimes easier to let others do all the planning.
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Of course, there are a few downsides to booking a tour. Tours can be expensive, and they often require advance planning. In addition, you’ll likely be spending most of your time with other people, so if you’re looking for a more solitary experience, this might not be the best option for you. Also, you will have to go by the schedule of the group regardless of whether or not you want to stay somewhere longer. However, if you’re looking for an enjoyable and educational way to see Krka National Park Croatia, booking a tour is definitely worth considering.
F.A.Q. and Tips for Visiting Krka National Park Croatia
I did a lot of research before my visit to the national park and I’m glad that I did. The park itself is quite large, with many different things to see and do. Here are some of my tips for your visit to Krka National Park Croatia as well as some answers to frequently asked questions about the park:
- Arrive Early– Krka National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. Crowd levels, especially during peak season, get insanely large. My top piece of advice for getting to see these amazing waterfalls in Croatia is to arrive at opening. You’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the krka waterfalls in Croatia without all of the crowds.
- Plan for a Full Day Visit– Krka is a very large national park and there are many different areas within the park to visit. A lot of people only come to see the main waterfall, but there is so much more here. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to see the park in its entirety. I recommend allowing for at least one full day at the Krka National Park.
- Book Tickets Online– Be sure to book your tickets online in advance to save time when visiting. The lines for the tickets can get very long during peak hours. You can avoid all of that by buying your tickets online and walking right in.
- Can You Swim in Krka National Park?– Although previously swimming was allowed, at the time of writing this blog post swimming is prohibited in Krka National Park.
- Stay Connected- Use Airalo e-SIMS for reliable and affordable cell phone data while traveling throughout Croatia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Krka National Park in Croatia is an absolute must-do while you are in the area. From the beautiful cascading waterfalls to Roman ruins and all the natural beauty of Croatia, you will not be disappointed. These are some of the best waterfalls in Croatia National Park. Out of the entire month I spent in Croatia, Krka National Park remains one of my favorite memories. It is much less crowded than its rival park Plitvice Lakes National Park, so you can really relax into the natural surroundings. No matter what time of year you visit, you are sure to be blown away by the natural beauty of some of the best waterfalls in Croatia at Krka National Park.
I hope that you found this blog post to be both informative and entertaining. It is my goal to provide as much useful information to my fellow travelers as possible so that you can enjoy the best of your travels. Be sure to check out the rest of Croatia content here! If you enjoyed this Krka National Park Croatia Travel Guide, please consider sharing it with your friends and fellow travelers. Also, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list and follow me on social media to stay up to date with all of my current travel content. Thank you so much for visiting my travel blog!
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