National Parks of Croatia Fly-Drive Holiday

Fly to Split and on arrival collect your rental car. Head up the coast to Sibenik (approx 1 hour drive). Sibenik is often overlooked for its surrounding neighbours and therefore delightfully less crowded because of it. The city houses a medieval central core full of atmospheric squares and historic churches with stepped passages full of surprises. The Cathedral of St James sits at its heart and is the star of the town and its pretty harbour is unpretentious and lined with restaurants. The city also makes a great base for exploring the national parks of the region. 

Why not dedicate today to one of Croatia’s stunning national parks, Krka (approx 30 min drive outside of the city). A karstic phenomenon, the Krka River has created a 200m deep canyon which cuts through the limestone hills and has created many thundering waterfalls with Skradinski Buk being the most iconic. The park can be explored via the many walking trails, by bike or by boat- there are several different boat excursion options to choose from that take in Visovac Island, with its Franciscan Monastery, and Roski Slap waterfall. (B)

Join a small group speedboat tour (11 passengers maximum) to explore the Kornati National Park. Board directly from the Riva in Sibenik at 09:00. The Kornati National Park consists of 89 islands, islets, rocks and cliffs and the islands themselves are a karst phenomenon abounding with a richness of flora and fauna. Boat is the only way to explore the Kornati archipelago and admire the natural beauties of its many islands. Stop on two or three islands to explore the islands from the vicinity, to take a swim or just relax and enjoy. Don’t worry about lunch because a lunchbox is included in the price! After wandering through the Islands, you can enjoy the sunset while sailing through St. Anthony Channel and into the port of Šibenik. * Please note this tour can only operate from June-Sept and is weather permitting. (B,L)

Head for the city of Zadar (approx 1 hour drive). En-route you may like to stop at Lake Vrana, a designated nature park and haven for birdlife. In Zadar, explore this typical Mediterranean walled town, with a romantic harbour, white stone-paved streets, fashionable cafes and ancient landmarks. A highlight of any visit to Zadar is to sit by the water listening to the sounds of the sea organ and watching the sun set. We should also mention its proud claim to fame; Alfred Hitchcock once described Zadar’s sunsets as 'the most beautiful he had ever seen'! Now that's an accolade! (B)

Depart for Plitvice National Park, making a detour to Paklenica National Park to stetch the legs. This park has a mixture of high peaks and offers hiking trails of various degrees of difficulty and some pretty canyon walks which are well marked. Continue inland to the Plitvice region. (B)

No holiday in Croatia is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Plitvice National Park. Spend time visiting some of the stunning 16 lakes and their 92 spectacular waterfalls. The setting of pine woods provides a serene yet beautiful backdrop to the cascading waters. The park can get very busy so during the summer months either get there very early around 7am or in the mid-afternoon. There are several walking routes to follow in the park (weather dependent). Walk B is one of our favourites and takes you through the limestone canyon of the lower lakes, followed by an electric-boat ride across the largest of the Plitvice lakes – Lake Kozjak. (B)

Head back down to Split for the final nights (245km- approx 3 hour drive). Just outside of Split, why not stop in Trogir where each corner is full of character and intricately carved Renaissance palaces and elegant churches line the cobbled passageways of the old town which leads out on to a small marina. (B)

Spend the day exploring the vibrant city of Split with its magnificent Diocletian’s Palace and buzzing waterfront riva. The old town and heart of the city are contained within the walls of the atmospheric Roman palace which 3,000 inhabitants call home. Highlights include the Peristil Square and the Cathedral of St Domnius and Temple of Jupiter, as well as many interesting museums. Alternatively, take an exhilarating half day rapid rafting trip on the Cetina River (approx 50 minute drive from Split). The Cetina river is one of the best places to ride rapids in the country and is a must for any adventure enthusiasts. (B)

Why not explore the glorious wooded peninsula of Marjan today. Climb the 314 steps to the Telegrin view point for the best views in the city before heading down to one of the many secluded beaches around the peninsula, adrift with pine cones and feathered by olive groves. Indulge in some delicious fresh seafood this evening at soak up the atmosphere of the city on your last evening. (B)

Return to Split Airport to drop off the car and take return flight. (B)