Adriatic Sea - Waterfalls on the river Krka - Croatia
Krka National Park lies about 10km inland from Sibenik in this part of Dalmatia. Named after the Krka River, the Park covers an area of just over 142 square km and includes two thirds of the river itself. The top attraction of the Park are its magnificent waterfalls, including the famous Skradinski Buk falls which are one of Croatia’s most famous sights.
Getting to Krka National Park
Due to its proximity to the coastline, the majority of Krka National Park’s visitors are those that find themselves travelling either up or down the Croatian coast. If you’re planning on making the Park your first port of call in Croatia, or want to get there easily, the nearest airport to the park is Split Airport. From here, transfer to Split Bus Station and then take one of the many daily buses to Sibenik (journey time about 1 hour 40 minutes).
From Sibenik, you can then take a bus to Skradin, a town just outside the park. At Skradin, you can embark on one of the ferry excursions of the Park.
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Croatia, likewise make your way to Sibenik first and then travel on to Skradin and Krka National Park.
You can also embark on an organised excursion to Krka from many towns in Dalmatia – enquire at a local travel agency for details.
Features of Krka National Park
There’s a wide variety of both flora and fauna in the Park. Over 800 species of plantlife have been identified as being present in the National Park. Much of the animal life lives, unsurprisingly, in and around the waters of the Krka River which is home to different amphibian and reptile creatures. You will also be able to see many different bird species (there are over 200), and possibly some of the 18 different species of bat who call the Park their home!
What to see and do in Krka National Park
As mentioned, the Skradinski Buk waterfalls are a collection of 17 waterfalls that range in height by over 45 metres.
The tiny island of Visovac in the Krka river was settled by Franciscan monks in 1445, who originally built a monastery in that year (later demolished, then rebuilt in the 18th century) and a church in 1576. The monastery contains a number of well-preserved artefacts and a library.
Roski Slap (slap being Croatian for waterfall) is another famous sight within Krka National Park. A series of 12 waterfalls in a space of 450 metres, the largest is just over 22 metres in height and 60 metres in width.
Undoubtedly the best way of seeing the sights of the Park is with a boat excursion – a number of these leave from Skradin. Not only will you be able to see the beauty of the Park up close (and in a relaxed manner) but these excursions include a chance to stop off and wander on footpaths along the water, as well as presentations and talks and other items of interest.
The River Krka in the National Park
If you want to stay very near to the Park, then the town of Skradin is the top (and only) choice. Hotel Skradinski Buk is located there, and you’ll also be able to find a few private accommodation possibilities too. Contact the Skradin Tourist Board for more information.
For further accommodation options, it is advisable to stay in Sibenik.
