Explore Croatia

6 Most Beautiful National Parks In Croatia To Visit

Discover Croatia's most beautiful national parks, from Plitvice Lakes to Krka Falls, packed with waterfalls, trails, and wildlife.

Croatia may be best known for its coastline and medieval cities, but its national parks are just as impressive—and in many ways, way more peaceful.

Here are the most beautiful national parks in Croatia you won’t want to miss.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Waterfalls flowing into emerald clear waters in Plitvice Lakes Croatia.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is hands-down the most famous and most visited national park in Croatia. It’s known for its chain of 16 terraced lakes that are connected by a series of waterfalls and wooden boardwalks. The water here is a surreal mix of turquoise, blue, and green, depending on the light and time of year.

Plitvice is also one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of those rare places that’s both stunning and historically important.

Plitvice Highlights

16 cascading lakes linked by waterfalls
Wooden walkways and hiking trails with scenic views
Boat and shuttle rides available for exploring
Open year-round, but fall and spring are less crowded

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is often compared to Plitvice, but it's a bit more relaxed and way easier to get to if you're staying in Split or Šibenik. The biggest draw here is Skradinski Buk, a massive waterfall surrounded by walking trails, swimming areas (seasonal), and wooden bridges.

What makes Krka unique is that it’s more than just waterfalls—there’s also historical sites, ancient monasteries, and even Roman ruins scattered around the park.

Krka Highlights

Skradinski Buk waterfall and natural pools
Swimming allowed in certain areas (check seasonal rules)
Easy access from Split or Šibenik
Boat trips to nearby attractions

Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park is one of the most peaceful and scenic in the country. It's perfect if you're visiting Dubrovnik and want to escape the city for a day or two. Mljet is known for its two saltwater lakes—Veliko and Malo Jezero—and the island of St. Mary, which sits right in the middle of the larger lake.

It’s less crowded than the mainland parks and offers a mix of biking, kayaking, and swimming.

Mljet Highlights

Two calm saltwater lakes perfect for kayaking
Swimming areas surrounded by pine forest
Ferry ride to a historic island monastery
Ideal for a full-day or overnight trip

Paklenica National Park

Paklenica National Park is located in the Velebit mountain range near Zadar. The park is known for its dramatic canyons, high cliffs, and challenging hiking trails. The two main canyons—Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica—are surrounded by tall limestone cliffs that attract rock climbers from around the world.

Even if you’re not climbing, the park has plenty of trails with views over the mountains and Adriatic coast.

Paklenica Highlights

Two deep canyons with rugged trails
Top rock climbing destination in Croatia
Over 150 km of marked hiking paths
Underground WWII bunker turned visitor center

Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park is made up of 14 small islands off the Istrian coast, and it’s very different from the other parks. It’s a mix of nature, archaeology, and history. You’ll find Roman villas, dinosaur footprints, and even a safari park with animals brought in during Yugoslav times.

The main island, Veli Brijun, can be reached by boat from Fažana and is great for cycling and sightseeing.

Brijuni Highlights

Combination of nature and historical landmarks
Roman ruins and dinosaur tracks
Golf course and safari park
Best explored by bike or electric cart

Risnjak National Park

For cooler temps and forested trails, Risnjak is a great pick. Located in the Gorski Kotar region, it's one of the least crowded national parks in Croatia. The area is heavily wooded, home to lynx (which the park is named after), and has plenty of wildlife.

It’s a favorite among serious hikers and birdwatchers, and it offers panoramic views from its highest peak, Veliki Risnjak.

Risnjak Highlights

Forested mountain hikes with fewer crowds
Cooler climate than coastal parks
Rare wildlife including lynx and bears
Less touristy and great for nature lovers