| If the Dalmatian coast provides one of the most | | | | caves and crags. The paths literally lead right up to the |
| spectacular sailing adventure destinations, Plitvice | | | | middle of the waterfalls, where you'll get great views |
| Lakes National Park offers one of Europe's best | | | | of the travertine formations. Climb through the slippery |
| outdoor adventure travel, back-to-nature experiences. | | | | caves to the top of the Plitvice plateau for stunning |
| Located inland near the Bosnian border and about a | | | | vistas of the forested lakes. |
| 2-hr. drive south of Zagreb, this Croatian jewel is a | | | | The park offers several hiking routes: For those limited |
| richly vegetated and visually elaborate canvas of 16 | | | | on time, the shortest one runs through the park within |
| lakes, waterfalls, streams, caves, springs and brilliantly | | | | 90 minutes. For enthusiasts wanting to experience |
| colored water. | | | | nature at its best, the longest and most spectacular |
| Driving on the old road between Zagreb and Zadar, a | | | | trail takes 6-8 hrs. Be sure to take the boat ride along |
| dense mixture of Alpine-Mediterranean landscape | | | | Lake Kozjak, the park's largest lake, connecting the |
| takes over. As the sound of rushing water obliterates | | | | Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, the lower part of the |
| every other noise, you know you've arrived at Plitvice | | | | Upper Lakes being the most striking area of the park. |
| Lakes. The park, a lush 8 km square, heavily forested | | | | After a full day of wandering through the mist, stop at |
| plateau and valley features beech, spruce and fir trees | | | | one of the wooden strukli (strudel) stalls at the park |
| and is home to rare wildlife, such as the European | | | | entrance for a slice of apple, cheese or berry strudel, |
| brown bear, wolves, eagles, owls, lynx, wild cats and | | | | or enjoy great grilled trout at the Licka Kuca |
| capercailzies. More than 70 bird species breed here as | | | | restaurant. If you want to spend a few days in this |
| well. The breathtaking turquoise, azure, gray and blue | | | | Garden of Eden, there are hotels within the park limits, |
| crystal-clear waters of the 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja | | | | and affordable local villas and apartments for rent in |
| Jezera) and four Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) are | | | | the nearby vicinity. To get to know the locals, lodging in |
| strung together by cascading waterfalls created | | | | a local Sobe (room for rent) is most affordable and |
| through sedimentation of travertine, a particular type of | | | | highly recommended. This area was involved in the |
| limestone, and miles of pleasant walks. | | | | beginnings of the Bosnian war and finding out about |
| Put on your hiking shoes to get up close to the park's | | | | the region's history from a local resident is a priceless |
| breathtaking beauty: A system of wood-planked | | | | education! Sobes are everywhere and are easily |
| walkways, stairways and dirt trails lead you along the | | | | found - all you need to do is drive up to one. |
| lakes, past the cascades, natural barriers, pools, springs, | | | | |