National parks in Croatia - 8 lovely oases

Updated: August 2026 | Croatia has eight national parks with everything from turquoise lakes and mighty waterfalls to dramatic mountains, deep gorges and barren islands in the Adriatic Sea. We have visited several of them ourselves, including Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica and Krka. Here we list all eight of Croatia's national parks - and briefly tell you what makes each one worth discovering.

National parks in Croatia

Croatia's eight national parks offer very different nature experiences. Plitvice Lakes and Krka are famous for lakes, rivers and waterfalls, while Paklenica and Northern Velebit attract with mountains, hiking and climbing. Brijuni, Kornati and Mljet instead show off Croatia's island world, and in Risnjak, forests and mountains await near the border with Slovenia.

We have visited three of the national parks so far – Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica and Krka – and of course hope to check off more in the future. Here you can find all eight.

Map of national parks in Croatia

On the map you will find Croatia's eight national parks. The numbers correspond to the numbering in the list below, so you can easily see where the different parks are located.

1. Risnjak - mountains and lynx

If you like mountains, you will enjoy the Risnjak National Park (Nacionalni park Risnjak) in northern Croatia. From a distance you can see the peaks of Veliki Risnjak and Južni Mali Risnjak, between which there is a small hostel. It is also surrounded by green forests and the blue river Kupa.

The area has been made a national park to protect and preserve the ecological balance of nature. There is a great diversity of flora and fauna, including the largest population of wild lynx in Croatia. There are hiking trails and the nearby ski resort of Platak.

2. Brijuni - island with zebras

Brijuni National Park is an archipelago of fourteen islands, two of which are larger and twelve smaller. The archipelago was once the summer residence of the then Yugoslavian President Tito, and is now the summer residence of the Croatian President. Tito brought zebras and antelopes, which can be seen today in the archipelago's safari park.

The total area of the islands is only seven square kilometres, but as the surrounding sea is also protected, the entire national park occupies 34 square kilometres. In addition to the safari park, there is a large golf course. On the island of Veliki Brijuni there are three small hotels where you can stay overnight.

3. Northern Velebit - for walkers and climbers

Northern Velebit National Park (Nacionalni park Sjeverni Velebit) is located in the northern part of the mighty Velebit mountain range. The entire Velebit area has been part of UNESCO's world network of biosphere reserves since 1978. The national park attracts visitors with its hiking, dramatic limestone formations and magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea.

At an altitude of 714 metres, the village of Krasno is visited by up to 100,000 people every year. The nature reserve attracts mainly hikers and mountaineers, and includes caves and special limestone formations.

4. Plitvice Lakes - a Unesco World Heritage Site

Plitvice National Park (Plitvicka Jezera) is not only a national park, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park has a large lake system with 16 lakes and many beautiful waterfalls. It is also home to one of the oldest forests in Europe, wild animals such as bears and wolves, and a very rich birdlife.

You can hike around the vast national park on your own, and in many places you can walk on wooden boardwalks across the vast expanses of water. You can also get around by shuttle buses or silent electric boats. A very beautiful place!

5. Paklenica - climbing and caving

Paklenica National Park is located on the southern side of the Velebit mountain range. The highest peak of the mountain is called Vaganski Vrh and rises 1757 meters above sea level. Here is also the famous cliff Anića Kuk, with a height of 712 meters.

This national park attracts mainly rock climbers, but is also known for its interesting and exciting caves. Nearby you can also see so-called 'mirila', a kind of burial ground for souls that the people of the area set up in the past.

6. Kornati Islands - for divers and sailors

The Kornati Islands consist of at least 89 uninhabited islands, islets and skerries, and according to some sources there are even more. Apparently, there is an old saying that says "As many days as there are in a year, so many Kornati Islands there are."

Kornat Island is the largest island in the archipelago, and the main part of the national park is located here. The area became a national park mainly to protect the life below the surface. The islands are white and barren, attracting mainly divers and sailors. Small uninhabited stone houses on the islands are also used by local fishermen.

7. Krka - mighty waterfalls

Krka National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Croatia, and offers fantastic nature. Between the city of Knin in the north and the city of Skradin in the south flows the river Krka. The water rushes through lush green nature and there are several large and powerful waterfalls such as Roški slap and Skradinski buk.

You can walk around the national park, sometimes on winding wooden walkways. You can also take a boat trip if you wish. On the island of Visovac, located in the centre of the river system, there is an old Franciscan monastery.

8. Mljet - green island with deep bays

Mljet is Croatia's eighth largest island and is characterised by lush green Mediterranean vegetation. There are two deep bays on the island, which have such narrow inlets that they feel like lakes: Veliko jezero and Malo jezero (Big and Small Lake). On the western side of the island is the Mljet National Park.

Mljet has a rich cultural heritage, including a 12th century Benedictine monastery. The monastery, surrounded by a Mediterranean park, is located on a small island in the centre of Veliko jezero (Great Lake).

What is your experience with national parks in Croatia?

What is your experience with national parks in Croatia? Have you visited any of them? Which one attracts the most?

More to see and experience in Croatia

There is of course much more to see and experience in Croatia, beyond national parks. Here you will find more tips and further reading:

• Unesco World Heritage Sites in Croatia
• Istria – 9 locations
• Dalmatia – 10 places
• Croatian food
• Facts about Croatia