Croatia National Parks

Nature is the foundation of the Croatian experience. Croatia has eight national parks – Kornati, Krka, Mljet, Brijuni, Paklenica, North Velebit, Risnjak, and Plitvice. All but Plitvice are on the coast, so you can visit them as part of your sailing holiday. Here we take a closer look at each of Croatia’s national parks.

Kornati National Park, North Dalmatia

Yacht charters frequently visit Kornati National Park. In fact, some people plan their entire itinerary around this destination. You might sail here from Zadar, Sibenik, or Split.

Kornati National Park is a true gem of Croatia’s natural heritage. Situated in the central part of the Adriatic Sea, it encompasses a stunning archipelago of 140 uninhabited islands, islets, and reefs, covering a total area of about 220 square kilometers.

The park’s rugged terrain features sharp cliffs, stone fields, and wild shrubs, all shaped by the sea, wind, and sun over the centuries. As a result, the unique landscape provides a sense of remoteness and isolation.

The best way to explore Kornati National Park is by boat. Moreover, the park’s crystal-clear waters provide some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the Adriatic. Additionally, the rich marine life includes dolphins, sea turtles, and schools of colorful fish.

History Abounds

In addition to its natural beauty, Kornati National Park, along with other iconic Croatia’s national parks like Plitvice Lakes and Krka, is also home to a rich cultural and historical heritage. The islands are dotted with ancient stone walls, stone shelters, and shepherd’s huts, which serve as reminders of the centuries-old human presence in the area.

Stone Wall

The stone walls, known as “suhozidi” in Croatian, represent a traditional type of dry-stone construction. Locals built them not only to mark land boundaries but also to protect crops from wind and erosion, as well as to shelter animals.

The walls were built without mortar, using only the natural shape and weight of the stones to create a stable structure. They are still visible today, crisscrossing the hillsides and creating a unique and fascinating landscape.

Shepherd’s Huts

The shepherd’s huts, or “konobe” in Croatian, are small stone shelters that local shepherds used as a refuge during the long summer months when they grazed their flocks on the island pastures, particularly in national parks like Kornati and Mljet. The huts were typically built into the hillside, featuring a low stone entrance and a thatched roof made of reeds or straw. Inside, they were sparsely furnished, with a fireplace, a wooden bench, and cooking utensils. Moreover, the huts provided shelter from the sun, wind, and rain, offering a place to rest and prepare meals.

Today, many ancient stone walls and shepherd’s huts in Kornati National Park are in disrepair, abandoned for many years. However, efforts are being made to preserve and restore these structures.

Krka National Park, North Dalmatia

If sailing to the Kornati from Sibenik or Split, you should detour to Krka National Park. Sail up the winding channel to Skradin, home to a well-equipped marina. From here, catch the national park shuttle boat to Skradinski Buk.

The Krka River runs through a deep canyon within the park, tumbling over seven spectacular waterfalls. Follow signed footpaths through dense woodland of oak, ash, and pine. Then catch another national park boat to visit the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery on Visovac islet.

Mljet National Park, South Dalmatia

From Dubrovnik, you can easily sail to the island of Mljet, where one-third of it is Mljet National Park, one of Croatia’s most serene and beautiful national parks. Most yachters choose to moor up or drop anchor in Pomena or Polace. The park features two interconnected turquoise salt-water lakes, nestled amid dense pinewoods, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Along with other Croatian gems like Plitvice Lakes and Krka, Mljet is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Hire bikes and cycle the larger lake’s 12-kilometer (8-mile) perimeter, Veliko Jezero. Stop to catch a national park boat to St Mary’s islet, capped by a disused 12^th-century Benedictine Monastery. Alternatively, hire kayaks and paddle across the lake.

Brijuni Park, Istria

One of Croatia’s National Parks, Brijuni National Park, is an archipelago of 14 islands and islets. In the days of Yugoslavia, the largest island, Veli Brijuni, was President Tito’s summer retreat.

It is an oasis of lush green parkland, with oaks and pine trees, and it is populated by deer and peacocks. Additionally, it offers two hotels and an 18-hole golf course. You can moor in Veli Brijuni’s small port, which provides services such as water and electricity. Alternatively, you can drop anchor in St. Nicholas Bay off neighboring Mali Brijuni.

Paklenica Park, North Dalmatia

On the mainland coast, northeast of Zadar, opposite the island of Pag, lies Paklenica National Park, one of Croatia’s stunning national parks. Climbers especially love its dramatic mountains, gorges, and limestone cliffs for rock climbing. With around 600 climbing routes, the towering crag of Anica Kuk offers the most challenging. Additionally, for hikers, marked trails lead to the cave of Manita Pec and to Paklenica’s highest peak, Vaganski (1757 m/5764 ft). Croatia’s other national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka, also offer breathtaking landscapes and diverse outdoor adventures.

North Velebit National Park, Kvarner

You’ll find North Velebit National Park, one of Croatia’s most scenic national parks, between Zadar and Rijeka, on the mainland coast, opposite the island of Rab. It encompasses spectacular mountains of white rock, green meadows, and forests of oak, beech, and pine. In addition, there’s a botanical garden devoted to indigenous rock plants. Come here to explore over 30 marked trails on foot or by mountain bike, and experience the natural beauty that Croatia’s national parks, like Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica, are famous for.

Risnjak National Park, Kvarner

Risnjak National Park rises behind the port city of Rijeka, high above the Kvarner Gulf. This region, characterized by limestone mountains, highland pastures, and fir and beech forests, is also inhabited by owls and woodpeckers. Named after the native lynx (ris in Croatia), Risnjak attracts visitors not only for hiking and mountain biking but also for fishing trout in the Kupa River. Like many of Croatia’s national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka, Risnjak offers a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Plitvice National Park, Lika

UNESCO-listed Plitvice National Park is Croatia’s most visited inland destination. It centers on 16 turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls, rimmed by paths, and traversed by wooden walkways.

Immersed in the dense woodland of beech, fir, and spruce, the colors here are prettiest in spring and autumn. Plitvice lies far from the coast, so you can’t combine it with sailing. But if you’re flying into Zagreb, you might visit it from there.

Visit one of these amazing natural wonders on a Croatia Luxury Yacht Charter.