Plitvice Lakes National Park
National park · Licko-senjska ·
16 terraced lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, electric boats
16 terraced lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, electric boats
"If you can make it through the crowds of selfie-taking tourists, you’ll discover that Plitvice Lakes National Park more than lives up to the hype. The 16 terraced lakes of Croatia’s most popular site are connected by waterfalls and vary in shades of blue, creating an infinitely dazzling result." - Caitlin Morton
"Croatia's largest national park is one of the most unique gems in Europe, with a mix of forests and a chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. Hiking, horseback riding, and ATV and bike tours make this one of the most fun and picturesque national parks to explore. Perfect pairing to mix an itinerary with city exploring in Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Zagreb, and enjoy the great outdoors with the best of both worlds." — Harlan deBell & Kara Bebell, The Travel Siblings. The park's defining features are its 16 interconnected terraced lakes and numerous waterfalls, with many active options for exploring the scenery (hikes, horseback rides, bike/ATV tours) and easy combinations with Croatian city itineraries." - Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She edits stories with a focus on outdoor and adventure travel, as well as Canada, Northern Europe, and the Southeastern U.S. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Discover historical cities, beautiful coastline, and unique culinary experiences along the Adriatic Sea."
"Croatia’s oldest and biggest national park, Plitvice is a four-season playground known for its pristine forests, stunning waterfalls, and dozens of turquoise lakes. To see it all, trek along the wooden pathways that twist through bright-green vegetation and past water rushing down limestone and dolomite rock. Along the way, keep an eye out for the park’s signature blue butterflies and the trout that populate the shallow waters. Though you’re unlikely to encounter them, protected species like brown bears, gray wolves, and Eurasian lynx also roam the forests around Plitvice. If you need more than one day to explore, overnight at one of the many nearby lodgings such as Bear’s Log, with cozy wooden interiors, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and terraces overlooking the verdant landscape."
"I found Plitvice to be one of Europe's most spectacular natural wonders: imagine Niagara Falls diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon. It's a lush valley of 16 terraced lakes, laced together by waterfalls and miles of pleasant plank walks. Countless cascades and water that's both strangely clear and full of vibrant colors make the park a misty natural wonderland, and it's blessedly compact — you can enjoy the best of its scenery in just a few hours." - RICKSTEVES