Croatian Vacation Recommendations

Istria and Kvarner

Limski Channel - Between Vrsar and Rovinj, there is a geomorphologic phenomenon - a 10 km long and 600 m wide canyon, with cliffs protruding up to 150 m above the sea. Since oysters and mussels are bred in the Limski Channel, make sure to taste them in one of many excellent restaurants.

Motovunska Forest - Istria's inland is famous for its forests abundant in mushrooms and wild game, while Motovunska Forest, where the largest truffle, recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, was found, lies in the Mirna River valley, close to the Medieval hill-top towns.

Ucka - Ucka, covered by coniferous forests, medicinal and aromatic herbs, is Istria's highest mountain. From Ucka, you have a splendid view of Istria and the Kvarner islands, and thanks to its vegetation and the direction of the wind, the region at the foot of Ucka has been included on the list of tourist destinations favorable for all of those with respiratory difficulties.

Rajska Beach and Dundo Forest - 40% of the island of Rab is covered by woods, while the Dundo Park-Forest, only 4 km from the town of Rab, stands out as one of the most beautiful holm oak forests in the Mediterranean region.

Lubenice - On a 378 m high cliff with a view towards the open sea, lies the prehistoric settlement that resembles the fairytale town in Sleeping Beauty - stone-chiseled Lubenice, where every year interesting music evenings are held and creative workshops are organized.

Northern Dalmatia

Lake Mir - On the island of Dugi otok, in the area of the Telascica Nature Park, 146 m above sea level lies the salt water lake Mir. In the past, an integral part of the Kornati National Park, Telascica Bay is among the most beautiful in the Adriatic, while its waters at the surface are up to 6°C warmer than the sea water in summer.

Velebit Botanical Garden - At the foot of Zavizan Mountain, at the altitude of 1480 meters, lies a botanical garden with an area of 30 hectares. Besides dense forests and spacious meadows, you can see autochthonous and rare plants of the Velebit region, among them, the endemic yellow flower - Degenia velebitica.

Zrmanja River, whose canyons and rapids have recently been discovered by rafting and kayaking enthusiasts, lies near the town of Obrovac. One of its beauties is a 27-meter high waterfall. Along its entire length of 69 km, the river flows through green landscapes, the most spectacular ones in the Obrovac region.

Cerovacke Caves - On the slopes of Southern Velebit lies the geomorphologic nature monument consisting of two caves: Donja cave, explored to the depth of 2000 meters and Gornja cave, although smaller (approx. 1200 m), can boast of having the so-called "White Crystal Chamber" that is ornamented with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

Central Dalmatia

Cetina River Canyon - 100 km long Cetina River is Dalmatia's river with the most water and its mouth lies at the old town of Omis. Thanks to its waters, the river has formed a splendid canyon with waterfalls (Gubavica) and excursion areas, among which Radmanove mlinice, a place where excellent dishes are served, stands out.

Malacological Museum in Makarska - is located in the Franciscan monastery and houses the largest selection of shells and snails in the world, as well as a rare collection of fossils from the Mediterranean area.

Biokovo Botanical Garden - If you head from Makarska towards Zagora, you will reach a botanical garden that, besides autochthonous plants from the Biokovo area, houses several endemic plants, while there are large meadows of yellow narcissuses at several places within the park.

Crveno and Modro Lakes are hydrographic and geomorphologic natural phenomena in the Imotski region. In Modro lake (800 x 500 meters), bathing is allowed in summer, while its water level varies up to 70 meters. Neighboring Crveno lake resembles a giant well: it has a diameter of about 200 meters and a depth of about 500 meters and cannot be accessed, while the red color of the surrounding steep rocks make it a marvelous sight.

Southern Dalmatia

Veliko and Malo Lakes - On the island of Mljet, whose western part has been proclaimed a national park, there are two lakes and the bay of Soline. On 46 meter deep Veliko Lake lies the islet of Sv. Marija with a Benedictine monastery. The water of Malo Lake is up to 4°C warmer than the sea water.

Bacinska Lakes - Freshwater Bacinska Lakes, a favorite destination for sports fishermen, lies north of the port of Ploce and in the immediate vicinity of the sea. There are several excellent sea food restaurants in the vicinity.

Ston Walls - The 14th century fortification walls, called "European Wall of China" due to their monumentality, still circle the town that had waterworks and a sewage system already in 1581. Besides that, Ston is known for excellent oysters bred there.

Lokrum is among the most beautiful islands of the Dubrovnik archipelago and it used to be the summer residence of Maximillian von Habsburg. The island is covered with Mediterranean vegetation, magnolias, agaves and palm trees. Due to its exquisite beauty, it has been proclaimed a special reserve of forest vegetation.

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