Croatia is home to several historical cities and scenic natural attractions. The country welcomes every year more than 19 million visitors who flock to Croatia to witness the marvelous nature and picturesque towns there. The country’s capital Zagreb boasts many restaurants, museums, galleries, and shopping malls. Moreover, people enjoy pebble beaches, where they can practice some water sports, including scuba diving, windsurfing, and water skiing.

Additionally, the country is home to the iconic Dubrovnik Old Town Walls, the marvelous Plitvice Lakes National Park, and other unique attractions. However, swimming is banned in the Plitvice Lakes, and this is why people head to a much better alternative destination in Croatia where they can enjoy several activities, including swimming.

UPDATE: 2022/07/31 09:07 EST BY GABRIEL KIRELLOS

Additional Ways To Experience Krka National Park

Krka National Park in Croatia offers a handful of unique activities to its visitors. This article was updated to include an explanation about each of the park's five different entrances that provide visitors with stunning and charming attractions.

Related: You're Not Allowed To Swim In Plitvice Lakes, But Here's What You Can Explore

This Park Is A Perfect Place To Swim In Croatia

Croatia is home to a beautiful location where people can swim and enjoy their day performing unusual and unique activities. This place is Krka National Park, known for its waterfalls, and magical river. The most important feature at Krka is that people can dive in the crystal clear waters there, unlike in the Plitvice Lakes, where swimming is banned. In addition to its great waters, Krka National Park has a wide variety of flora and fauna and is home to various cultural sights.

Moreover, the park is much less crowded than the competing Plitvice. The park is known for its multiple waterfalls, including the beloved Sradinski Buk. It has 17 cascades of various sizes flowing into an emerald pool where people can enjoy the best swim inside. Another smaller and quieter waterfall at Krka National Park is the Roški Slap. It is worth noting that the park is a protected area and boasts rich wildlife, including 20 species of fish. Additionally, endangered European mammals, such as wildcats, wolves, and otters, live in Krka National Park. Also, there are several bike and hiking trails and educational centers in the park.

  • Location: Krka National Park is located 50 miles to the south of Zadar. It is also 6 miles inland from Šibenik.

Krka National Park Is More Than Just Marvelous Nature

In addition to the marvelous nature at Krka National Park, the latter also has a rich cultural side. For instance, the park is home to the tiny island of Visovac, located at the center of the Krka River. Visovac has an 18th-century Franciscan Monastery. There is also the Krka Monastery which is centuries old, and a series of 19th-century watermills. On the northern side of Krka National Park, Roman military remains are preserved at a site known as Burnum.

Related: Visitors Can't Swim In Plitvice Lakes, But The Surrounding National Park Is Just As Breathtaking

How To Plan A Day At Krka National Park

Krka National Park is small, and people can witness the main attractions there in just one day. This is why visitors are recommended to buy a one-day pass to the park. However, those who wish to explore everything the park offers will have to buy the multiple entrance ticket, which allows one to access the park for seven days and from three different entrances. It is recommended to take the official brochure of Krka National Park and look at the ten different itineraries that include boating, driving, hiking, and biking to the various attractions in the park.

  • When to go: People can visit Krka National Park in Croatia all year round because the temperatures in the country are mild, even during the winter season. However, to enjoy the park when less crowded, the best months to visit are April, May, September, and October. The park’s visitors reach their peaks in July and August.
  • Recommended: The best time to swim at Krka National Park is during the summer when the weather is hot. People are advised to buy discounted tickets instead of regular ones. Those are offered for 145 kunas instead of 200 kunas for regular access. This is equivalent to $21.75 and $30, respectively. However, discounted tickets are offered after 4 PM.

Where To Stay When Visiting Krka National Park

At the mouth of the Krka River on the Adriatic lies Šibenik, the closest city to Krka National Park. Skradin is also a nearby town with charming narrow streets. At the foot of Mount Promina, farther inland on the other side of Krka National Park, is the hill town of Drniš. All of those towns boast a large number of hotels and guest houses.

  • Recommended in Šibenik: People are advised to stay at the luxury boutique hotel D-Resort Šibenik, located south of the town’s center. The hotel boasts two restaurants overlooking the marina filled with yachts.
  • Cost in Šibenik: A night for two adults in a Superior Double Room at D-Resort Šibenik costs $160.
  • Recommended in Skradin: People are advised to stay at the cozy Hotel Skradinski Buk, located in a historic building in Skradin. The hotel boasts spectacular views of the town’s church and the hills beyond. Moreover, the hotel has a restaurant that serves Dalmatian cuisine and grilled seafood and fish.
  • Cost in Skradin: A night for two adults in a One-Bedroom Apartment at Hotel Skradinski Buk costs $76.

Krka National Park Has 5 Entrances, And Here's What Each Offers

Although most visitors arrive at the Skradin or the Lozovac entrances to Krka National Park, the latter has five entrances, and each of these has something to offer visitors.

Lozovac Entrance

This one boasts free large parking for visitors and is the main park entrance via road. Those who haven't purchased tickets online will find an information and ticket booth at the Lozovac Entrance. Additionally, people arriving at the park between April and November will have the chance to use the park shuttles that take them from the entrance to the Skradinski Buk waterfall. However, those with more time on their hands will be happy to take the 0.54-mile hike of the gravel trail down to the waterfall. People must keep in mind that park shuttles don't operate during the winter months. They can still drive their cars down to the lot near the waterfall.

Skradin Entrance

This one is also a popular entrance to the park and has an official Krka parking lot. However, it is not as large as the one at the Lozovac Entrance. People who didn't buy their tickets online can do so at the ticket office at the Skradin Entrance. Skradinski Buk can be reached by boat from this entrance, and the cost of both ways of this ride is included in the entrance fee. It is possible to take this ride between April and mid-November when the boats are operating. From the Skradin Bridge to Skradinski Buk, people can take the hiking/biking trail that is a little over 2 miles each way.

Roški Slap Entrance

This entrance can be reached from Drnis, Skradin, and Knin by road. A parking is available, and it's easy to find a spot since not many people arrive at that entrance. Additionally, a ticket office is available where people can get boat tickets for Visovac Island and for the Krka Monastery.

Burnum Entrance

The archeological site high above the river can be visited year-round through the Burnum Entrance. This site can only be reached by road, and there's a parking available at the entrance.

Krka Monastery Entrance

This iconic monastery can be reached by boat, but there's also road access available year-round. Visitors will reach the parking after following the signs from Kistanje and descending to the monastery via the winding road.

Next: There's More To See In Croatia Than Just Plitvice Lakes, And These Places Are Just As Beautiful