Visitors to Croatian cities such as Split will certainly enjoy some fine buildings, museums, restaurants and lots of culture, but those venturing beyond the city boundaries can see a lot more. The Krka National Park is an absolute must-see for nature lovers who stay in the city. Easy to reach, it consists of some glorious scenery based around the Krka River and the lower Cikola River. Covering 109 square miles, the park includes seven waterfalls along the river, with a combined drop of 242 m. The boundaries include 50 km of the upper and middle sections of the Krka, which also runs partly underground, while the most notable settlement within the boundaries – and administrative capital of the national park – is Sibenik.
The national park was first established in 1985 and then extended in 1997, ensuring the preservation of this beautiful landscape. The river itself is a delight with its waterfalls and rugged cliffs, but so too are the lush, wooded hillsides on either flank. Open all year round, the national park can be entered at five specific points, with perhaps the most fascinating being the Krka Monastery. This is one of two places where the park can only be entered by river boat, the other being at Skradin. Boat trips can include organised tours of the monastery. Coach trips tend to take the Lozovac Entrance, the main way in by road, while Roski Slap offers both road and boat access. The Burnum entrance is another way in by road, and likely to be of most interest to those fascinated by Roman ruins, with traces of the ancient military settlement including an amphitheatre – the only one of its kind in Croatia. An array of artefacts from the site is on display at the Burnum Archaeological Collection in nearby Puljani. Inside the park, visitors can tour by road, by water or on foot, with a wide array of hiking trails. Those who opt for the latter should ensure they have good footwear, bring provisions, and are reasonably fit.
Needless to say, the same basic conservation rules apply here as everywhere: take lots of photographs and leave only footprints. Of course, what visitors to Krka will also take with them is some fine memories of a truly beautiful place.
