Privlaka is a charming village located on a peninsula, just 20 km northwest of the historic city of Zadar in Dalmatia, Croatia. 

It’s an ideal destination for tourists seeking a peaceful getaway, surrounded by beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea, and the traditional Dalmatian atmosphere.

Privlaka and Nin are places that enchant not only with their beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere, but also with their remarkable wealth of monuments and history—especially Nin, the oldest royal town in Croatia. At the heart of Nin lies the famous Church of the Holy Cross, known as “the smallest cathedral in the world.” This unique pre-Romanesque church from the 9th century amazes with its proportions and function — thanks to the arrangement of its windows and the play of light, it served as a kind of solar calendar. Every year, on the summer solstice, the Sun and Light Festival is held here, attracting history and astronomy enthusiasts.

Another extraordinary monument is the Church of St. Nicholas, situated on a hill in the Prahulje field. This small Romanesque church from the 11th/12th century, with its characteristic fortress-like shape, is one of Nin’s most important symbols. According to legend, seven Croatian kings were crowned here, and from its hilltop, there is a picturesque view of the surrounding area and the Adriatic Sea. While strolling through Nin, you should also see the ruins of the largest Roman temple on the eastern Adriatic coast, the remains of city walls, 16th-century stone bridges, and historic city gates. Also noteworthy are the Cathedral of St. Anselm, fragments of mosaics, and numerous relics from Roman and medieval times, which can be admired both in museums and outdoors.

Nin is also famous for its traditional salt production. The local salt pans have been in operation for over 1,500 years, and today you can visit the Salt Museum, learn about the salt extraction process, and see how important salt was for the inhabitants and the region’s economy. During the summer season, open days are organized, during which you can taste local salt and take part in workshops.

Nin is a place where history intertwines with everyday life, and every walk allows you to discover more fascinating traces of the past—from ancient ruins and unique churches to the tradition of salt production that has continued here for centuries.

Zadar is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Croatia, enchanting visitors with its unique blend of rich history, monuments from various eras, and modern attractions. Picturesquely situated on a peninsula surrounded by the turquoise Adriatic, Zadar attracts tourists with both its cultural heritage and the exceptional atmosphere of a Mediterranean city.

While strolling through the historic center, you should see the ruins of the Roman forum — one of the largest in this part of Europe—as well as numerous remnants from Roman times, including fragments of an amphitheater and stone columns. The city’s symbol is the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus from the 9th century, known for its remarkable rotunda shape and excellent acoustics. It’s also worth visiting the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Anastasia — the largest cathedral in Dalmatia—as well as the Church of St. Chrysogonus, the Church of St. Mary with its characteristic bell tower, and the baroque palaces, Franciscan monastery, and 16th-century city walls, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zadar is also famous for its modern attractions, such as the Sea Organ — a unique installation that uses sea waves to create music — and the Greeting to the Sun, a glass circle that emits light during sunset. These innovative works of art perfectly complement the city’s atmosphere, blending tradition with modernity. The city is vibrant all year round — numerous festivals, cultural events, and a rich museum offer ensure that everyone will find something for themselves. Zadar is a place where history intertwines with everyday life, and a walk through the narrow streets of the old town lets you feel the spirit of bygone eras and admire stunning sea views and sunsets that even impressed Alfred Hitchcock.

Plitvice Lakes are a true wonder of nature and one of Croatia’s greatest attractions, enchanting visitors from all over the world. The Plitvice Lakes National Park creates a breathtaking landscape made up of 16 turquoise lakes connected by over 90 picturesque waterfalls, all surrounded by lush greenery and dense forests. Walking along the wooden footbridges that wind just above the crystal-clear water makes you feel as if you’re in a fairy tale, allowing you to admire the extraordinary richness of nature — from colorful fish to numerous species of birds and wild animals.

This place offers unforgettable experiences in every season—spring and summer delight with vibrant greenery, autumn dazzles with a riot of colors, and in winter, the park transforms into an icy wonderland. Additional attractions include boat cruises on the largest lake, Kozjak, and panoramic train rides, both included in the ticket price. The Plitvice Lakes have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which only confirms their uniqueness and global significance. If you dream of a magical place that will stay in your memory for a long time, you must visit Plitvice Lakes — a journey into the heart of pristine nature like nowhere else.

Guests often ask for advice on the best way to walk around the lakes to see the most interesting spots. 

Here are my suggestions, supplemented with maps from mapy.com. You can use the marked tracks for navigation in the park or download the route to your watch.

• Leave early in the morning, ideally around 6 a.m. from Privlaka, so you arrive at the park around 8 a.m. This will allow you to start your walk before the biggest crowds, especially in the summer season when it can get really crowdly.

• Park near Entrance 1 to the park; the parking lot is spacious, and if it fills up, staff will direct you to forest roads, which also gives you a chance to leave your car in the shade.

The walking times given are approximate and calculated according to the map. 

Because you’ll be admiring breathtaking views and taking photos, the actual time will certainly be longer.

Krka National Park is one of the most picturesque places in Croatia, enchanting visitors with its fairytale waterfalls, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. The park’s main attraction is Skradinski Buk—an impressive waterfall consisting of 17 cascades stretching over 800 meters, creating a spectacular landscape featured on many postcards and promotional photos of Croatia. Walking along the wooden footbridges just above the water lets you admire the extraordinary beauty of nature and feel as if you’ve stepped into a green paradise.

At the heart of the park lies Visovac Lake, with its scenic island where, among trees and flowers, stands a historic Franciscan monastery — a place full of peace and history, accessible by boat tours. The park also offers other attractions, such as the Roški Slap waterfall, historic water mills, educational trails, and viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas.

Krka is the perfect destination for family trips, walks, and connecting with nature — numerous amenities, benches, food stalls, and the possibility of boat cruises ensure that everyone will find something for themselves here. If you dream of relaxing amidst stunning landscapes and want to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, Krka National Park is a must-visit!

Suggested Routes & Points of Interest

Skradinski Buk Loop

• Route: From Skradin or Lozovac entrances, follow the wooden boardwalks around Skradinski Buk. Distance: ~2km loop (easy, scenic).

• Features: 17 cascading waterfalls, educational panels, occasional historical displays, and exceptional photo opportunities at various viewpoints.

• Time needed: 1–2 hours.

From Skradin – Boat Ride and Walk

• Start: Take the boat (included in ticket price) from Skradin village to Skradinski Buk base.

• Route: Walk the Skradinski Buk loop as above.

• Optional extension: Walk or cycle the 4km nature path along the river between Skradin and Skradinski Buk.

Roški Slap

• How to reach: By car (park at Roški Slap) or on a longer boat excursion within the park.

• Features: Series of smaller waterfalls ("Necklaces"), walking trails, historic water mills, and less-crowded picnic areas.

• Visovac Monastery (Island):

  • Can be visited by organized NP boat tour from Skradinski Buk or Roški Slap (purchase tickets well in advance in high season).

  • 15th-century monastery set in a tranquil lake.

Other Trails

• Goriš Village to Torak Trail: 2.9km to a splendid river viewpoint.

• Brnjica–Čikola Canyon Trail: For experienced hikers seeking dramatic landscapes.

• Cycling routes: Several marked cycling paths through the Krka canyon and past historic fortresses and viewpoints are available for active visitors.

Other Attractions Worth Seeing

• Roman ruins and medieval fortresses: Especially near the northern park boundary.

• Old water mills: With ethnographic programs and demonstrations in season.

• Monastery at Visovac: Accessible by scheduled boat tours.

• Manojlovački and Bilušića Buk Waterfalls: Scenic, less visited, accessible by car and short hike.

Enjoy your trip to Krka National Park :)

The Zrmanja River and its canyon are among the most picturesque and fascinating places in Croatia, perfect for lovers of wild nature and spectacular landscapes. Originating in the Velebit mountains, the Zrmanja flows for about 69 kilometers, carving an impressive canyon in the limestone rocks that stretches for around 20 kilometers, with cliffs reaching up to 200 meters high. The river’s crystal-clear, turquoise waters beautifully contrast with the bright, rugged rocks, creating breathtaking views.

The Zrmanja Canyon is famous not only for its extraordinary beauty but also as a filming location for the legendary Winnetou movies, where it stood in for the Wild West. The area offers many attractions: from scenic viewpoints, you can admire panoramic views of the canyon, and adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, rafting, or boat trips along the river. The section between Kaštel Žegarski and Obrovac is especially popular, where the river forms picturesque cascades and waterfalls, the largest of which — Veliki Buk — reaches 15 meters in height.

Zrmanja is also a unique ecosystem where Mediterranean and continental influences meet, and the diversity of flora and fauna delights both tourists and nature enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a place that will amaze you with its wild nature, spectacular views, and opportunities for active recreation, the Zrmanja River Canyon is a must-see destination on the map of Croatia!