NATURE PARKS OF CROATIA

Croatia is known for its exceptional natural beauty, and in addition to its national parks, which we recently discussed, its nature parks also represent some of the country’s most important protected areas. These parks encompass diverse ecosystems, ranging from mountain ranges and lakes to wetlands and coastal zones. The Republic of Croatia has 12 nature parks, and here we will touch on those that are easily accessible from the best accommodation in the region, which you can find on the Molo Longo agency’s website.

Učka Nature Park
Thanks to its location, Mount Učka offers spectacular panoramic views of Istria, Kvarner, and Gorski Kotar. This nature park is known for its rich flora and fauna, including many endemic species. The park also features numerous speleological formations, notably the Vela Draga canyon, which is protected as a natural monument. Visitors can explore numerous hiking and biking trails and visit Vojak peak, the highest point of Učka and all of Istria.

Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park
Heading northeast from Učka, you will reach the next nature park. Located west of Zagreb, Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park encompasses a mountainous area with numerous villages, meadows, forests, and karst phenomena. The park is known for its cultural and natural heritage, including traditional village houses, archaeological sites, and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the local history.

Medvednica Nature Park
Located in the immediate vicinity of Zagreb, Medvednica provides a natural oasis for the residents of the capital. The highest peak is Sljeme, a popular excursion spot both in winter and summer. The nature park is rich in forests, and visitors can explore numerous hiking and biking trails, visit Veternica cave, the medieval Zrinski mine, Medvedgrad fortress, the TV tower on Sljeme, or one of the many mountain lodges.

Velebit Nature Park
Heading south, we come to the largest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit. Most of the mountain is covered by either the nature park or the national parks of Northern Velebit and Paklenica, and since 1978, the nature park has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Velebit is known for its wild beauty, rich flora and fauna with endemic species, and numerous opportunities for hiking, speleology, and nature observation.

Vransko Jezero Nature Park
Vransko Jezero, the largest natural lake in Croatia, is located near the Adriatic coast between Zadar and Šibenik. It is a cryptodepression filled with slightly saline water, leading to the development of specific aquatic organisms. Additionally, the park is an important ornithological reserve with numerous bird species.

Telašćica Nature Park
Located on Dugi Otok in Dalmatia, Telašćica Nature Park encompasses a picturesque bay with several islets and cliffs, as well as a land area. The park is known for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy swimming, diving, boating, and hiking along the trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Dinara Nature Park
The newest nature park in Croatia, Dinara, is located near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park includes the Dinara mountain range, which contains Croatia’s highest peak, Sinjal (1831 m), the enchanting source and upper course of the Cetina River, and surrounding karst fields. The area is rich in endemic species and diverse ecosystems, as well as cultural heritage, making it ideal for all types of visitors.