Rivers and waterfalls are not the first images to come to mind when Croatia is discussed. Most people dream of exploring the ancient Venetian cities, dramatic islands and Roman ruins of the Dalmatian Coast. But located just a few hours drive from Split, near the amazing but underrated old city of Sibenikk, is a true natural wonder, Krka National Park. Take a break from century old monuments to explore the thousand year old monuments of nature.
Main waterfall, Skradinski buk
The Kraka river flows through a limestone gorge and at points spreads throughout an expansive forest. The area is made up of karst environments, which form when carbon dioxide dissolves with water on carbonate rock (limestone). Over a period of thousands of years this ongoing process has created unique geomorphological features on the surface of the rocks through which the Krka river flows. What? Basically, its a biochemical process that is constantly evolving and segmenting the river into an amazing array of pools, waterfalls and caves. Even more basic, it’s Awesome, Beautiful and one of the reasons I traveled to Croatia in the first place. I saw pictures of the waterfalls last year and became captivated with their beauty and number. My wife would say obsessed…but she’s not writing this article. Since you’re looking at the pretty pictures you’re probably not reading this anyway 
Another section of the river
Flowing through the trees
Not tired of the beauty yet?
The main falls, Skradinski buk, are located just near the entrance of the park after you arrive by a beautiful boat ride. The walking path takes about 2 hours to complete and covers around 2 miles. You can stop doing the math in your head, trust me it really does take this long. You’ll find yourself stopping constantly to take pictures, marvel at the beauty, and if you arrive late, fighting your way through the crowds. There are other areas to visit in the park but all require you to shell out more Dinars and hop on another boat. These include a quite Franciscan Monastery with various small animals in the upper part of the river that is actually a lake, and further up another series of waterfalls called Roski slap. We found the first set of waterfalls to be enough, but it’s up to you.
A thousand little waterfalls
A view from above
Don't forget you can swim just under the main waterfall
Your gate way to Krka National Park is the wonderful little town of Skradin. This small town is where the ferry boat departs for the national park and is a great place to spend a night or two. With small hotels, a marina for sailors making their way down the Croatian coastline, and a small beach on the river it’s a perfect place to relax and soak in the rural atmosphere while being able to meet a fresh load of travelers each night.
Ferry to Krka National Park from Srkadin
Get there early before the crowds show up
If You Go
A beautiful sun set in Skradin's Marina
Kraka is best in the summer when you can swim in the cool waters and breath in the fresh forest air. Just arrive early in the morning as the main viewing and swimming areas become crowded fast.
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Todd could you recommend a nice but reasonable hotel in Skradin? We’re going to Croatia the end of August. I’m wondering how hard it will be to get hotels if we don’t book ahead. I’d like to be as flexible as possible with our holiday. We’ll be there for two weeks and want to see as much of the country as possible. Your pictures are very beautiful and this is a definite must see!
Todd,
Thanks for introducing me to a beautiful place that I had no idea existed. It looks amazing. I haven’t been to Croatia yet (except for a train journey through Yugoslavia a long time ago) but this is going on my to do list.
Jason
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Looks like heaven on earth. Wish I was there!
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I’d never thought of this country for waterfalls Todd. Thanks for opening our eyes. I kind of get on waterfalls as it’s simply nature at it’s best. Inspires me to blog on the Blue Nile waterfalls at Lake Tana, Ethiopia .I’ll sort that out shortly.
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Thanks Jim. There are there places like this in Croatia as well. Looking forward to your Ethiopia post.
Krka National Park have a lot of things to offer that best thing about it is the Waterfalls. This has a wide numbers of little waterfalls that are fascinating and simply breathtaking. Thanks a lot for sharing. I am looking forward to have a visit to that place. Great job. More power.
Absolutely stunning!! I drove through Croatia last spring and LOVED it, but I didn’t see this.
Now I simply have to go back. 
Hi Krista,
I feel the same way. We plan to go back and explore the Northern part of the country…when it gets warmer
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Hi there,
To tell you all I knew about Crotia was Goran Ivansevick the Wimbledon champion whole game and spirit i always admired. I did not know Crotia can be that much beautiful too. Thanks because you made me add one more in my dream destination.
Ah, waterfalls. Some of the most beautiful images natures gives up and how I love to photograph them. I’d heard of another park in Croatia with stunning waterfalls, but this one was new to me. Put it on my list!
Barbara Weibel´s recent [type] ..Seeing Georgetown- One Cautious Step After Another
Thanks Barbara. Yes, Plitvice is supposed to be amazing as well, but Krka is nice an close to the coast and relatively unknown. But I’ll have to get back to Croatia and explore the northern section including Plitvice.
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Wow, those pics sure are absolute krkas (sorry!) And now I have yet another amazing place to visit in the Balkans, damn you Todd!
Jools Stone´s recent [type] ..Unsung Railway Heroes Part 2
I’ll be putting up more places to visit to complicate your plans Jools
Thanks for the nice words.
Wow! Those waterfalls look really amazing. Great pics!
Thanks Norbert.
I remember reading a while back that it’s now the time to go to Croatia before everyone is there. With attractions like this I can see why, it’s truly beautiful.
Actually it might be past the time, as everywhere is crowded and prices are higher now. Although, if you hit the coast in September there are fewer people. Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia are now the up and coming places. I wish I could say Kosovo as well, but it will probably be in the next round of undiscovered placed
Great photos Todd! Thought Plitvice was the only beautiful place like this in Croatia!
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Yup, there is another. I still need to visit Plitvice.
Oh how I love waterfalls!!! Just gorgeous!
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Thanks Andi.
Wow!! These pictures are amazing! I had to laugh when I read “you’re looking at the pretty pictures so you’re probably not reading this anyway.” They are mesmorizing!!
Croatia is definitely on my list!
Hey Kelly, thanks. Yeah, the danger of putting nice pictures in is that no one reads what you write
Looks like a wonderful place. I’ve been to Croatia many many years ago, when ex-Jugoslavia was still in place. I loved the region, but unfortunately missed Krka National Park.
That would be a good reason to go back!
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Hi Simon, wow, I would have loved to see what Croatia was like back in Yugolslav days. Recently I have been staying at a lot of hotels that Tito liked. Very beautiful.