Where is Krka National Park

Named after the Krka River, Krka National Park is located in the lush region of Sibenik-Knin County in central Dalmatia, just a few kilometres northeast of Sibenik.

Krka has become a must-see destination for travellers to Croatia, not just for its sheer natural beauty, but also for its convenient position around an hour’s drive away from the popular summer hotspots of Split and Zadar.

A brief introduction of Krka National Park

Proclaimed as a national park in 1985 due to its stunning natural features, Krka National Park has become one of Croatia’s best-visited national parks ever since, with nearly 1 million annual visitors.

Situated along the Krka River, the park covers nearly 109 square kilometres, where you’ll find 7 impressive waterfalls, several scenic lakes, medieval fortresses, and plenty of adventurous hiking trails. Also, Krka is known for being the first-ever hydroelectric power station in Europe.

On top of that, Krka is home to several distinctive ecosystems, which provide the perfect conditions for rich and interesting biodiversity in flora and fauna, among which are more than 850 types of plants, over 200 species of birds, as well as 18 species of fish and bats.

Krka National Park Entrance Fee 2024

At the moment of writing, the entrance fee to Krka National Park depends on two key factors; the time of year, and whether you travel solo or as part of a larger group.

During the high season, a solo adult ticket will cost 300 HRK (€40,-), while a child ticket comes at just 115 HRK (€15,-) per person.

In winter, the entrance fee gets as low as 52 HRK (€7,-) per person.

• Krka National Park Entrance Fee: 300 HRK (€40,-)
• Solely Roski Slap Waterfall: 150 HRK (€20,-)

Tickets can be bought at all five entrances, but it’s most common to do so at the Lozovac and Skradin entrances, especially if you’re heading for Skradinski Buk.

Additionally, you can also buy your tickets online at the official Krka website.

For those looking to visit as part of a guided tour, the Krka National Park entrance fee is often already included in the price. However, to avoid extra costs, make sure you read the tour description thoroughly.

Skradisnki Buk Waterfall

Often referred to as the Krka waterfall, Skradinski Buk is without question the most popular stop for anyone travelling to Krka National Park.

Situated just a short walk from both the Skradin and Lozovac entrances, the Skradinski Buk is an extensive waterfall series with 17 cascades scattered over a total length of 800 metres.

At the base of the final, and most impressive waterfall is a large natural pool, which I’m pretty sure you’ve seen loads of times while scrolling through your Instagram feed.

Though it was first possible to take a refreshing dive here, the park decided it is no longer allowed since the beginning of 2021.

As the main attraction of Krka, I highly advise making Skradinski Buk your first stop in the park. Not only does the number of visitors increase significantly throughout the day, but it’s also way easier to photograph in the gentle morning light.

Visovac Island

Without question, my favourite place in Krka National Park is at the viewpoint next to the monument of Croatian King Petar Svacic, as it provides the most stunning views of Visovac Island and its lush surroundings.

Nestled in the heart of Visovac Lake is the incredibly scenic Visovac Island, a tiny island that is home to a Franciscan monastery that dates back as far as 1445.

Although I believe that Visovac Island is best seen from the viewpoint, it is also possible to visit by joining a boat excursion from Skradinski Buk.

The Franciscan monastery itself is open to visitors and houses an interesting archaeological collection, as well as one of three rare illustrated copies of Aesop’s fables.

Roski Slap

Despite that its appearance looks rather disappointing at first glance, Roski Slap is actually quite an awesome point of interest, especially if you look beyond its main waterfall.

At Roski Slap, the Krka River runs through a 450-metre-wide gorge, where the river flows via loads of smaller cascades and dense vegetation before gushing into the scenic Visovac Lake.

Ogrlice – Krka’s necklace, as the locals like to name it, is home to an easy hiking route, while the shore at the 15-metre high main waterfall provides the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing.

Ozidana Pecina Cave Viewpoint

To truly admire the beauty of Roski Slap, climb to the viewpoint of the Ozidana Pecina Cave, as its amazing views display both the magnificence and complexity of this series of cascades.

It isn’t until you see it from above that you realize why Roski Slap was given the name ‘Krka’s Necklace’.

The Ozidana Pecina Cave itself is a 59-metre deep tunnel-shaped cave, where you see many traces of Neolithic human settlements, including the remains of ceramic dishes, stone artefacts and human bones.

Although it’s possible to enter the cave, I believe you won’t miss anything special if you decide to skip it.

How to explore Krka National Park | Solo or with a tour

Without question, the best way to explore Krka National Park is by renting a car and driving through the park.

Not only are the park’s best waterfalls quite far apart from each other, but you also have the flexibility to move throughout the park at your own pace.

However, if you’re not planning to rent a car,  joining a guided tour is a great alternative option. Not only is it one of the most popular ways to explore Krka National Park, but also surprisingly convenient.

Given Krka National Park is one of the absolute highlights of Croatia, there’s no shortage of tour operators offering plenty of excellent tours from Split, Trogir and Zadar.

Most of these tours take in the park’s highlights, including the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall, Roski Slap and Visovac Island. Plus, you also have some free time within the park.

If you’re keen on joining a guided tour, it is worth noting that it’s smart to book your preferred tour in advance, especially during the high season.

My Krka National Park tour recommendations

For those keen to book a guided tour of Krka National Park upfront, make sure you have a look at the options listed down below.

One thing worth mentioning is that the recommended tours do not include the Krka entrance fee.

+ Full-day Krka NP & Sibenik Tour From Split or Trogir | I visited Krka National Park as part of this excellent full-day tour from Split and had a wonderful time exploring the incredible waterfalls, without having to stress about an itinerary or transportation. Throw in the fact that you also have a short stop in Sibenik, and you’ll understand why this tour has earned a rating of 4.7 stars.

Krka Waterfalls Day Tour From Split | This full-day guided tour of Krka National Park from Split includes transportation, an English-speaking guide and a boat ride – plus it allows you to have some free time in the park.

Krka National Park Day + Primosten Tour From Split | Explore the stunningly beautiful Krka National Park by joining this full-day guided tour from Split. It also includes a boat ride, some free time within the park and a stop in Primosten. For those who haven’t yet booked their entrance tickets, it is possible to add on a skip-the-line ticket too.

The best time of year to visit Krka National Park

Croatia, like most countries in the south of Europe, is most popular during summertime.

As a result, Krka National Park is teeming with both foreign and local tourists during the peak summer months of July and August.

However, if you opt for a trip during the off-season months of May, June, September and October, the park will be far less crowded – which makes exploration significantly more fun.

Additionally, the park is extremely beautiful during the winter months, when layers of snow often transform the park into a winter wonderland.

The best time of day to visit Krka National Park

During summertime, the Krka National Park is open daily from 08:00 till 20:00. However, to avoid long queues, there’s a maximum number of visitors that are allowed in the park at once.

For that reason, the best time to explore the Krka National Park is right after the doors open, especially if you’re visiting between May and September.

For those visiting in the off-season months of October to April, it is good to note that the park opens one hour later. For up-to-date opening hours, see the official Krka National Park website.

How to get to Krka National Park

By car | As with most highlights in Croatia, the best way to visit Krka National Park is by car.

Not only is it easier to reach the various waterfalls dotted throughout the park, but it also grants more freedom to visit at your own pace.

If you’re keen to rent a car in Croatia, Rentalcars.com is easily your safest bet, as they offer additional insurance, a wide range of cars to choose from, as well as excellent overall service.

While all five entrances provide free parking facilities, I highly advise parking at the Lozovac entrance, where you’ll find most of the available parking spaces.

Join a guided tour | Another easy way to get to Krka National Park is by joining a guided tour, as many tour operators offer excellent options from Split, Trogir and Zadar.

Most Krka National Park tours involve stops at the park’s absolute highlights, including Skradinski Buk, Roski Slap, and Visovac Island, as well as a visit to the coastal town of Sibenik.

I visited Krka National Park as part of this guided tour, and had a wonderful time, without having to stress about any itinerary or transportation.

It is worth mentioning that the Krka National Park is one of the best-visited tourist attractions in Croatia, meaning if you’re keen to join a tour, it’s better to book the one you prefer in advance.

By bus | If joining a guided tour or renting a car isn’t for you, it’s also possible to catch a bus in the direction of Skradin, a small town where you’ll find Krka’s popular main entrance.

If you’re looking to visit Krka by bus, I noticed that Flixbus was the most reliable. Not only does Flixbus provide comfortable, airconditioned busses, but they also run to Skradin from the major cities in Croatia, including Split, Zadar, Trogir, Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

For up-to-date information, availability and online tickets, visit the official Flixbus website.

Where to stay in Zadar

Zadar is perfectly situated next to the Adriatic, as well as appealing to those interested in culture, making it a favourite destination among tourists and backpackers alike.

I recommend staying in Zadar old town, where you can find a huge selection of accommodations, including family-run guesthouses, Airbnb’s, budget-friendly hostels, as well as luxurious hotels for those looking for a bit of extra comfort.

Apartments & Rooms Mareta | Encircled by all the best things to see and do in Zadar, Apartments & Rooms Mareta offers a comfy luxurious apartment, without breaking the bank. On top of that, it is spacious and well-designed, as well as equipped with a kitchen, air conditioning and a seating area with a flat-screen.

Scallop Regent Rooms | Situated in the heart of Zadar Old Town, just a short walk from the action, Scallop Regent provides spacious rooms, air conditioning and a pleasant private bathroom, all at an excellent quality-price ratio. Perfect for those looking for some extra comfort.

Boutique Hostel Forum | This is where I stayed during my time in Zadar, and it was an excellent experience, at only €17 a night. Boutique Hostel Forum has comfortable and spacious shared rooms, and a large common area, and is without a doubt one of the best hostels I ever spent the night. Additionally, it is located next to Zadar’s charming Roman Forum.

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Zadar, Croatia.

2. Walk the incredible Roman Forum

Though you most likely already know, the delicate architecture is one of the key ingredients for the splendour that defines Zadar Old Town, with the imposing ruins of the Roman Forum at the heart of it all.

Situated in the epicentre of Zadar Old Town, the Roman Forum dominates the horizon, and walking around it feels as though you accidentally boarded a flight heading for Italy, yet this is far from the truth.

But is easy to see why, if you consider the fact that ancient Zadar was once part of the prosperous Roman empire that ruled in Zadar from 48BC till the end of the 5th century.

While this period in time is now long gone, the Roman forum reminds travellers and locals, that this was one of the most influential chapters in Zadar’s rich history.

Adjacent to the forum, you’ll notice the medieval St Donat church, a cylindrical-shaped church that was built on the remnants of a Roman construction at the beginning of the 9th century.

4. Walk around Zadar Old Town

Like most old towns in Croatia, Zadar has no shortage of fascinating architecture, dotted throughout the streets of Zadar’s attractive historic centre.

A walk around Zadar Old Town is the perfect activity for those that are keen to uncover Zadar’s time-worn architecture but of course also for travellers looking to enjoy a relaxing late-afternoon walk.

Zadar Old Town has the perfect size to uncover in a few hours, and walking around it is, partly thanks to that, one of the most rewarding things to do in Zadar.

Here are a few highlights where I highly recommend stopping by:

St Anastasia cathedral | Built at the end of the 12th century, the St Anastasia cathedral – also known as the Zadar Cathedral – is considered one of Zadar’s most fascinating buildings. Charmed by its intriguing facade in typical Romanesque architecture style, the cathedral is a must-see in the old town.

The Land Gate | Zadar’s charming old town is encircled by fortified walls, and as a result, the city is only entered via a handful of ancient gates. The best-known of these gates is the ornate Land Gate, which was once the main gate to the city. At present, the Land Gate is easily the most picturesque gate to gain entrance to Zadar Old Town.

Five wells square | During the 16th century, Zadar survived many Turkish attacks, partly due to its innovative system that supplied citizens with water. And though the five wells are no longer in use, the historic Trg Pet Bunara square has become a popular place for locals and travellers alike.

5. Sample local craft beer at Deja Brew

During the car journey from the Netherlands to Croatia, my friends Sander and Maaike told me that Croatian people are pretty serious when it comes to craft beer, and after visiting Deja Brew it is easy to understand why.

Situated in the time-worn streets of Zadar old town is Deja Brew, a classy ‘hipster-ish’ pub that serves a wide variety of local, national and international craft beers, as well as hand-crafted cocktails and excellent whiskeys.

After my day trip to Plitvice National Park, I decided to drop by, and once seated I sampled a bottle of Zagreb’s very own Grif craft beer, a light refreshing single hop Pale Ale, that was rewarded with a World Beer Award in 2020.

And I must say, it was a welcoming refreshment after an adventurous day under the sizzling Mediterranean sun.

The unique and local-oriented setting, the cosy atmosphere and the excellent selection of top-notch craft beers make Deja Brew a great place to sit down after an active day of exploring.

So, if you’re keen to have a friendly chat with travellers and locals alike, while enjoying a few late-night drinks, make sure to visit Deja Brew at least once during your time in Zadar.

For those wanting to start the day off right, Deja Brew doubles as a cafe and serves excellent coffee during the day.

6. Take a ride with the boatmen of Zadar

For over 800 years, the boatmen of Zadar have been transferring passengers from the surrounding cities to Zadar Old Town, and at present, this tradition is fortunately still very much alive.

Passed on from father to son, the Barkajol Zadarski is by far one of the most authentic travel experiences in Zadar, and by taking part in it, you’ll be supporting a proud tradition.

Once you set foot in the small bright-coloured wooden skiff, a traditional boatsman will row you to the other side of the harbour, using only 2 oars and a large dose of friendliness.

Though the passage to the old town takes only 5 minutes, it is an excellent way to get a feel for the ‘real’ Zadar and its people.

On top of that, I think the boatmen of Zadar make quite a picturesque frame for the wall.

7. Spend a day relaxing at Bazen Kolovare

Nestled on the shoreline only just outside of Zadar Old Town is Bazen Kolovare, an urban outdoor swimming deck that is without a question one of my favourite places for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing in Zadar.

Teeming with both local youngsters and the elderly, Bazen Kolovar is considered a bit of a local-only secret, and by visiting you’ll have a great impression of a traditional Mediterranean summer day.

The complex houses a large natural swimming pool, a towering diving board for those after a quick adrenaline spike, as well as a cafe that serves refreshments and snacks.

So, if you’re keen to spend a day relaxing, yet still want to experience authentic local life, look no further, Bazen Kolovare is the place where you want to be during the long summer days.

Ooh, and Bazen Kolovare truly makes for a postcard-perfect setting.

8. Sample a burger at La Famiglia Zadar

The one thing that I struggle to resist since I started to eat more plant-based food, is definitely a good, juicy beef burger.

So every once in a while, when I stumble upon an inviting place that specialises in creating innovatively composed burgers, I give in.

This was clearly also the case when I discovered La Famiglia in Zadar.

Once I checked their extensive menu, it became very clear that I was in the right place to consent to my occasional burger craving.

After some contemplation, I opted for the Big Boy, a double burger served with pickled red onions, fresh tomatoes, cheddar cheese, their signature sauce, and an iconic black bun.

It was impressively tasty.

Those keen for a lighter meal, be at ease – their menu is vegan-friendly – think pasta, risotto, salads, as well as a falafel burger, making it an excellent option for everyone.

The best time to visit Zadar

Zadar has no shortage of long summer days flooded with sun, and is, in my opinion, best visited during the shoulder months that run from April to June and from September to October.

The weather during these months is excellent for exploring Zadar and its surrounds, as well as spending time relaxing poolside or at the beach.

Additionally, you’ll experience significantly smaller crowds and slightly lower prices than during the summer months of July and August, making it a more enjoyable (and cheaper) trip.

My favourite day tours & activities in and around Zadar

If you’re keen to explore Zadar on an organized tour, here are some of my personal favourites.

How to get to Zadar, Croatia

FLIGHTS | HOW TO GET TO ZADAR

Zadar is considered an excellent summer getaway, and is easy to get to by plane, especially during the peak period that runs from June till September.

Flights to Zadar arrive and depart at Zadar Airport, roughly 20 minutes from the historic centre of Zadar Old Town.

For flights to Zadar, I would recommend Skyscanner. Their website is user-friendly, holds a large variety of airlines, and grants the possibility to find good rates.

From Zadar Airport, take a shuttle bus in the direction of the old town. More information here.

CAR | HOW TO GET TO ZADAR

Croatia’s attractive coastline makes it an excellent destination for a road trip, and if you’re keen to uncover the best places in the country, renting a car is clearly the best thing you could do.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Croatia, you’ll have all the freedom to visit Zadar – plus it’s remarkably easier to make day trips.

For car rental in Croatia, I would recommend checking out Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.

One word of warning, there are little parking spaces available in Zadar Old Town. For that reason, you’ll do wise to seek an apartment with private parking.

BUS | HOW TO GET TO ZADAR

Croatia has excellent roads and infrastructure and as a result, you’ll notice a wide array of bus travel options.

For the journey from Dubrovnik to Zadar, I’d decided to make use of Flixbus, and after this recent experience, it is safe to say that it is an excellent organization that is both comfortable and punctual.

If you’re keen to visit Zadar by bus, Flixbus will operate between all the major cities in Croatia, as well as a wide range of cities in the neighbouring countries.

In terms of tickets, I’d recommend booking online and in advance. For information on availability, travel departures and additional information, visit the Flixbus website.

Where is Split

Where to stay in Split

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and extremely popular among travellers, resulting in a wide array of excellent accommodations, suiting any budget and travel style.

City hall apart&rooms | A cosy apartment only a short walk away from the action, offering spacious rooms, great design, air-conditioning and comfortable beds. Perfect for those who prefer staying just outside the city (Split is famed for its lively nightlife).

Ciri Biri Bela Boutique Hostel | Situated in the heart of the city, Ciri Biri Bela is a welcoming hostel that offers comfortable shared rooms for an excellent price. The hostel is spacious, has air-conditioning, and is surrounded by a great selection of the best things to do in Split. They also have an excellent restaurant in-house, so make sure you add breakfast to your booking.

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Split.

6. Walk the pretty streets of Split Old Town

The old town (Dicoltians’s palace is obviously part of this) makes up Split’s most historic and picturesque area, and it’s where you’re likely to spend the majority of your time too.

Split Old Town, with its well-preserved Roman architecture and twisting laneways, is lively and abuzz, as well as home to a wide array of excellent cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Although I wouldn’t recommend using the map when you roam through the ‘picture-perfect’ streets of Split Old Town, there are two places that I want to bring to notice.

People’s Square | When wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, you’ll inevitably stumble upon the popular People’s Square, a large open square that is packed with cafes and restaurants.

Surrounded by Venetian and Renaissance architecture, including a towering Romanesque clock, the Venetian-Gothic Cambi Palace, and the Town Hall building, the square really is a beautiful place to admire.

All this makes People’s Square the perfect place for an afternoon of drinks and people-watching.

Though I wouldn’t recommend eating here, as most restaurants sell overpriced food – plus you’ll discover way better options when strolling through the adjacent streets.

Let Me Pass Street | I often write about my affection for walking the narrow streets of an undiscovered place, and it felt as though it all built up to this particular moment.

Situated on the left of the temple of Jupiter is the Let Me Pass Street, a narrow alleyway that is considered the smallest street in the world, allowing only one person to pass at a time.

Though it isn’t the most spectacular thing to do in Split, it’s certainly unique – plus it takes a little additional effort to visit.

8. Swim at Split’s incredible beaches

Split might be best known for its cultural and historical heritage, it is the picturesque stretches of beach that interests travellers during the sunny summer days.

And let’s be honest, what could be better than a lazy day on the vibrant Dalmatian coast, when your only worries are reading a good book, or taking a refreshing dip in the Adriatic.

Luckily, Split has some incredible beaches scattered along its coastline.

Some of the best Split beaches include:

Kasjuni Beach | In my opinion, the best beach in Split is Kasjuni Beach, a hidden gem that is located just beneath the pine tree-lined Marjan Hill.

This secluded beach is famed for its breathtaking scenery, and has the most crystal clear water – plus there is barely anyone to enjoy it, but you.

There’s also an excellent beach bar, changing rooms, showers, as well as sunbeds & umbrellas for hire, making it perfect for an afternoon of relaxing by the sea.

Where | Kasjuni Beach, Split

Bacvice Beach | Situated at only a 10-minute walk away from Split Old Town is Bacvice Beach, a small sandy bay that is extremely popular due to its convenient location close to town.

This stretch of beach was awarded a blue flag, symbolizing a clean beach with the most crystal clear water.

On top of that, Bacvice Beach is home to a handful of excellent bars, restaurants and pastry shops, meaning you don’t have to do a lot of effort grabbing a quick refreshment or bite.

Where | Bacvice Beach, Split

Weather in Split | The best time to visit Split, Croatia

Although Split has fine weather year-round, I believe the best time to visit the charming coastal town is during the shoulder seasons that run from April to June and from September to October.

During these months the weather is pleasant and the days are long and sunny. On top of that, you’ll notice smaller crowds, as well as slightly lower prices than during the peak months of July and August.

My favourite day tours & activities in and activities in Split

If you’re after an organized tour to discover Split and surrounds, here are some of my favourites.

How to get to Split

As a booming summer destination, Split is pretty straightforward to get to, as Split Airport (Resnik Airport) is serviced by the majority of European and international airlines.

Although it’s most common to fly to Split directly, there are plenty of other options, including busses, and ferries.

By plane | Flights to Split arrive and depart at Split Airport (Resnik Airport), about 40 minutes from the city.

During the peak season that runs from June to September, Split is serviced by the majority of European and international airlines.

For flights to Split, I would recommend Skyscanner. Their website is user-friendly, has a large variety of airlines, and offers the possibility of finding good rates.

Resnik Airport is located 25 kilometres west of Split and is serviced by bus company Promet Split.

From the airport, make sure you take bus line 37 in the direction of the Split main bus station. Tickets cost around 23 HRK (€3,-), and the bus leaves every 30 minutes, starting from 04:30.

By bus | During my trip through Croatia, I was pretty surprised by the amount of bus travel options available.

My favourite though was Flixbus, an excellent company that services all major cities in Croatia, as well as a great selection of cities in the neighbouring countries.

If you’re keen on visiting Split by bus, I’d recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during the peak months.

For booking tickets online, availability and travel departures & information, visit the Flixbus website.

By ferry | If you started your Croatia trip in Dubrovnik, and thereafter ended up on one of the beautiful islands, the best option to get to Split is by taking a ferry.

There are two ferry companies that operate between Split and the islands, Krilo for foot passengers only, and Jadrolinija for both car and foot passengers.

Both ferry operators offer excellent services and operate the area regularly throughout the day, while also being affordable, comfortable, and on time.

I would recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the active summer months – this can be done at the ticket booth in the harbour or online.