Enchanting lakes and waterfalls in the green heart of Croatia
The extraordinary beauty of the lakes and waterfalls surrounded by a dense
forest, teeming with flora and fauna, makes the Plitvice Lakes National Park
one of the must-see destinations in Croatia. In addition to being the largest
and oldest national park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes have been on the UNESCO
list of natural heritage since 1979. The tufa process, which creates lakes and
waterfalls through its growth, makes the outstanding universal value of the
Plitvice Lakes National Park. The Park nurtures the local culture and tradition
of the Lika destination through gastronomy and numerous events all the year
round.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Culture & Local Life
The Park strives to preserve local tradition through the gastronomic offer in its
restaurants, which use locally sourced ingredients, as well as through selling
local products such as cheese, brandy, honey, and souvenirs. During the year,
the Park engages local cultural and artistic societies in various events, which
convey to visitors a piece of the tradition of Lika Destination through song,
dance, and presentations of local customs. On the outskirts of the Park are
examples of traditional architecture that belong to the protected cultural
landscape and a water mill that preserves the craft of grinding grain.
Sustainability
Considering that almost 60% of the area of Lika is protected, the goal is to preserve the natural heritage as protected natural sites and develop tourism exclusively according to the model of sustainable development.
Through the regional quality system of food, beverages and souvenirs – Lika Quality, we want to encourage a larger volume of local production and consumption and local producers are involved in tourism development. In this way, we strive to preserve jobs of the local population and encourage family farms.
Health & Safety
Members of the Lika Destination Cluster were trained on how to behave when receiving guests, renting accommodations and providing services. They were given instructions on how to clean the premises and how to allow guests to be as safe as possible in the facility where they stay. There are disinfectants at the entrance of catering facilities, the staff wears protective face masks. Each guest must have their temperature measured before entering the facility, the total number of guests is limited, tables are set at the prescribed distance, the rooms are regularly ventilated and card payment is recommended everywhere.
At attractions such as national parks where visitors come in groups, circular tours have been created so that the groups do not meet each other.
Good Practice Story
Lika Destination is the ecological core of Croatia that, beside its unique natural beauty, has just as unique cuisine, using products that are made and grown within this ecological oasis. The goal is to preserve the natural heritage as protected natural sites and develop tourism in Lika exclusively according to the model of sustainable development.
The products of local producers are promoted under a common brand – Lika Quality and are included in the tourist offer. By networking all members within the destination, we are working on the integrated management of the destination to make the guest as satisfied as possible.
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Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
The flora of the Park includes over 1450 species, while 259 species of
vertebrates have been identified so far, of which three large European
carnivores stand out: bear, wolf, and lynx. A walk through the Park is an
essential activity for those who decide to visit this green destination in the
heart of Croatia. In addition to 8 tour programs with about 22 km of trails in the
lake zone, there are 4 hiking trails within the area. Wooden rowing boats can
be rented on Kozjak Lake, while in winter, in the nearby village of Mukinje,
visitors can enjoy skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. In the vicinity of the
Park, there are numerous natural attractions and facilities for an active
Sustainability
“Being a national park under the protection of UNESCO and located within the
Ecological Network NATURA 2000, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is
progressing towards improving existing, and developing new sustainable
practices. Through revenue from tourism, nature protection is financed, jobs
are provided, and better living conditions for the locals. Park is a very
influential entity in the region and an example to others in ecosystem
preservation. Sustainability is approached by green procurement, the “”zero
waste”” business strategy, the purchase of green energy, the use of
biodegradable packaging, the introduction of electric vehicles, strengthening
cooperation with the local community, and other responsible practices.”
Plitvice Lakes National Park is well connected with the rest of Croatia by the
national roads D429 and D52, and numerous bus lines that connect the
interior of Croatia with its coast. If you arrive by car, there are parking lots for
visitors at the main entrances to the Park, as well as in front of the hotels and
catering facilities of the Park. Inside the Park, there are 22 km of walking trails
and 37 km of hiking trails. In the visitor system, tourists can use panoramic
vehicles and electric boats as a part of the programs. Cycling is not allowed in
the lake area, but the website of the Park offers an application with a network
of cycling paths ideal for exploring the surroundings outside the Park`s
borders.
The gastronomic offer of the Plitvice Lakes National Park includes local
products from numerous farms in its surroundings. A visit to the Lika
Destination, where the national park is located, is not complete without tasting
local specialties such as unique Lika soup, grilled lamb and veal, grilled trout,
vegetable orzo, potatoes from Lika with onions and bacon, plum strudel and
cake made from fresh local cheese “”basa””. In the shops and souvenir shops
of the Park, visitors can buy homemade brandy, honey, jams, and other
homemade food products.
By getting to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, you will have the opportunity to
see the highest waterfall in the Republic of Croatia, 87 meters high from the
top to the river Korana. The Big waterfall is one of the must-see sights which
offers a unique experience of nature.
Lička Kuća Restaurant is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the
ambiance of a traditional Lika house and the flavors of Lika gastronomy. This
restaurant, located at Entrance 1 to the national park, offers dishes made from
local ingredients prepared according to traditional recipes and their modern
versions.
In the vicinity of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, there are numerous natural
attractions such as two more national parks, Paklenica and North Velebit,
Velebit Nature Park, Barać Caves, Cerovac Caves, and Grabovača Cave
Park. In addition to the memorial center in Smiljan, the birthplace of one of the
world’s greatest inventors, Nikola Tesla, there is also the old Drežnik town from
the 12th century, the House of Velebit – a modern visitor center that reveals
the secrets of the Velebit mountain, and the Sanctuary for young bears in the
village of Kuterevo. The surrounding area offers cycling, horse riding, zipline,
and numerous other outdoor activities. There is something for everyone, for
sure!
The charm of the old times Only a few minutes walk from the highest waterfall
in Croatia is situated the traditional restaurant Lička kuća, decorated like an
ethno museum. Whether you want to taste the flavors of Lika cuisine or just to
take a walk through the ambiance of an old Lika house, this restaurant is an
interesting place to visit.
Congress offer within the Park The beautiful nature of the Park can be enjoyed
by business guests who have at their disposal 224 accommodation units, a
large congress hall with 220 seats, and 4 meeting rooms with top audio-visual
equipment. With the Park close at hand, a gastronomic offer that uses locally
sourced ingredients, and wellness facilities such as whirlpool, saunas, and
massages, Hotel Jezero is a unique place for a combination of business and
leisure.
Revival of cultural heritage Every year the Plitvice Lakes National Park
organizes several events in which traditional Lika songs and dances are
presented. In addition to cultural and artistic societies, guests that are
announced in advance have the opportunity to see the traditional craft of flour
milling in the Špoljarić water mill in the nearby village of Korana and to buy
local products in the souvenir shops and stores of the Park.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is open to visitors throughout the year. From the
first spring flowers, the lush green forest in summer, and the colors of autumn
up to the magical winter idyll, the Park is a wonderful experience in every
season. In winter, the Upper Lakes are closed due to safety reasons for
visitors in snow and ice conditions. The best tip we can give is to allow yourself
to enjoy the beauty and the sounds of the lakes with your own eyes and ears,
at least for a moment, without modern technology.
Ecolabel Accommodation
Hotels in the Plitvice Lakes National Park are certified Friends of Nature and Green Energy because the park uses electricity from renewable sources and remnants of food are disposed of in a sustainable way. Plitvice Lakes National Park has been working for several years on the introduction of biodegradable packaging with the aim of eliminating plastics from its business.
Lika destination offers diverse accommodation, in addition to classic hotels, you can also sleep in luxury tree houses or hobbit houses in the camp. Some campsites are Eco Camp certified. More information about accommodation in Lika destination can be found here.
Taste Lika Quality Products
Lika Destination has a large percentage of protected areas, which means that almost all foods produced in the destination are organic because they are grown in pure ecological nature. In order to further confirm their organic production, most producers in the Lika Quality system are entered in the register of organic producers.
More information about local producers from Lika whose products bear the Lika Quality label can be found here.
Stay 7 days in Lika Destination
Lika Destination has designed the project Stay 7 days in Lika which covers visit in the wider region of Lika and the Velebit coastline. Each trip includes the Plitvice Lakes National Park due to its exceptional nature value. Enjoy these trips with a group or individually and experience the protected natural areas, cultural heritage, adventure and educational activities.
Check out the Adventure Lika Destination or Natural Beauty and Tastes of Lika Destination.
Volunteer Work
The Lika Quality system includes producers who allow visitors to participate in the fruit harvest on their farms. Some of the private holiday home renters allow guests to pick fruits from the garden themselves and use them to prepare meals.
Various associations organize cleaning actions of parks or food drives collecting food as public events in which all visitors can also participate.
Hike & Bike
Lika has many hiking and biking trails. It is recommended to download the Cyclolika mobile application where most of the bike paths in the destination can be found. Every tourist board in Lika or attraction, such as national parks, and other protected areas have detailed descriptions of bicycle, hiking and mountaineering trails on their websites and on their premises you can get maps and other promotional and useful materials.
There are several mountaineering and cycling associations that have licensed guides that you can contact for guidance or for detailed information. Most trails, whether cycling, hiking or mountaineering, are marked with signs or markings and are safe to use with the necessary equipment for this activity. Bicycle rental is possible.
Nature park
Within the Lika region you can find the biggest nature park of the whole country, Velebit Mountain.
This mountain area has two national parks – Northern Velebit and Paklenica (South Velebit). Velebit Mountain is part of the huge Dinaric Alps and the most popular hiking destination in the country. It’s a natural border between the Adriatic Sea and Lika’s hinterland.
The most popular hiking trail is the Premužić Trail that spans through the entire Northern Velebit National Park to Baške Oštarije in Central Velebit.
This 57 km trail offers amazing scenery with a great view of the Adriatic Sea, islands and beyond from the nearby peaks.
This area offers also an increasing number of cycling paths. You can ride it along well-maintained roads or more demanding “wild” paths, country roads, forest trails, alone or in organized tours with guides.
In the picturesque fishing village of Veli Losinj in the south of the island, lies the Blue World – Institute for Marine Research and Protection. It is no coincidence that this center is located on Lošinj, given that its waters are home to 200 bottlenose dolphins that always delight residents and visitors to the island. Sometimes the dolphins visit Lošinj and greet excursion boats and other vessels. But to make sure you can really see them, the Institute has organized a Dolphin Watching Tour. On a small boat in the company of a skipper you go to the open sea in search of dolphins for a maximum of 3 hours. If you do not see them, you have the opportunity to go for free once again. Not only will you learn a lot about these wonderful creatures, but you will also have the opportunity to see how should you behave around them. This experience is definitely not to be missed during your green holiday in Mali Lošinj.
The idea to create this kind of festival originated from the desire for preservation, revitalization, and tourist valorization of the maritime heritage. We do this through the revival and presentation of the historical and cultural heritage of Lošinj maritime affairs, which lived its golden age from 1853 to 1884. During the Festival, all interested will get an insight into the rich maritime heritage of Lošinj, through regattas, folklore performances, concerts, maritime evenings where old crafts are presented, the gastronomic delicacies of the island of Lošinj, education, and lectures. On our tourist and marketing campaigns, we promote Lošinj as a destination of ‘revived maritime history’ hitherto unknown to the general public.
The best way to enjoy a green holiday in Mali Lošinj is by walking, cycling, or hiking. The Promenades and Footpaths brochure, available in tourist offices, agencies, etc., has maps of 250 km of trails covering all of Lošinj and a small part of Cres, with accurate walking times. Televrin, at 588 m high, is the highest peak of the 10 km long Osoršćica mountain ridge and provides spectacular views of the coast and forests. It can be reached by several walking trails and by a challenging cycling trail starting at the Preko Mosta campsite in the village of Osor. There is also a coastal path from Mali Lošinj to Čikat, passing through Čikat Forest Park.
The Museum of Apoxyomenos is a unique archaeological and architectural cultural institution in our region and it is entirely dedicated to only one exhibit – the bronze statue of a young athlete, the Apoxyomenos. The statue was discovered in 1997 by a Belgian tourist at the depth of 45 m. In 1999, it was taken out of the sea where it spent nearly two millennia. The Museum of Apoxyomenos and its exhibition represent the spatial materialisation of the ceremony of passing through various rooms and halls on the way to the sculpture. The architecturally shaped body of the new museum has been inserted into a space defined by the exterior walls and the roof of the existing Kvarner Palace. The Museum was opened in April 2016 and it is open all year round.
CERTIFICATION
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, achieved the Silver Green Destinations Award in 2023.
Carlos Bernardes |Mayor of Torres Vedras
“Torres Vedras does not have any doubts that it has to make its way towards a sustainable future. For example, we initiated a program of small vegetable gardens in schools; decided to join the Paris “Pact for Impact”; and developed the Santa Cruz Declaration on Climate Change.”
Lika Destination was submitted Good Practice Story’s. It was about the creation of a regional quality system for local productions in Lika helped foster sustainability. Read the full story here.
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