Travel bucket list idea:
Split, Dalmatia, Croatia
The Krka National Park, though small at only 142 sq km, is one of the most important natural habitats in Europe, home to a staggering 222 bird species, 18 different types of bat and more than 800 species of plant life.
It’s most famously home to the spectacular Skradinski Buk waterfall, where 17 cascades plunge 45m into an emerald-green basin – great for swimming. Footpaths and wooden bridges meander around the waterfalls, and lead upriver to the Roski slap waterfall (known as the ‘necklaces’ for the strange water patterns created). It’s lovely walking – look out for otters, golden eagles and peregrine falcons along the way.
A park shuttle boat connects the two waterfalls, and also stops at the tiny island in the middle of a lake capped by the 15th-century Franciscan Visovac Monastery. There’s also a 19th-century watermill with ethnographic museum.
Split, Dalmatia, Croatia
Experience
This picturesque collection of 17 cascading waterfalls is one of the highlights of the Krka National Park. Wander the 2km walking track, or put on your bathers and swim in the river waters. Go early if you can – it gets crowded in summer.
Good for age: 4+
There are five entrances to the park: Skradin (the main entrance), Lozovac, Roski slap, Burnum and Kistanje.
From Skradin, which is located 80km northwest of Split, a national park boat runs every hour up to Skradinski buk (price included in the cost of the park entrance ticket).
You can also visit independently by car or join an organised tour group, departing from Split (by bus) or from Sibenik (by bus or boat). Maps are available on the park website.
There are several kiosks and small cafés within the national park serving cold drinks and snacks. Or for something more refined, in Skradin, Zlatne Skoljke is a top-notch restaurant serving exquisite seafood and fine wine overlooking the sailing marina.
Note – to visit the Visovac Monastery, you’ll need to be decently dressed; covered shoulders for women and long trousers for men.
The falls are at their most impressive after heavy rain in spring or autumn. Summer is best if you like swimming; winter is enchanting when there’s often snow on the ground.
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