Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most visited national parks, along with Plitvice Lakes. If you’re one of the many people wanting to visit this NP, in this blog post you’ll find an answer to every possible question you might have – from how to reach the park and where to stay, to what to eat, do, and see at the park. Continue reading if you’re interested!
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WHERE IS KRKA NATIONAL PARK?
Krka National Park is located in the southern part of Croatia, near the city of Šibenik. It is named after the Krka River which it encompasses. This gorgeous park attracts visitors with its numerous waterfalls, lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. If you like nature and waterfalls, this is definitely a national park you’ll want to visit.
Read more >>> A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Read more >>> BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NATIONAL PARK KRKA?
Krka National Park is gorgeous throughout the year and you’ll find it beautiful no matter when you come. The best time to visit Krka National Park depends on what you hope to experience during your visit, so here’s what you can expect in each season:
The most popular time to visit is during the late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October). During these times, the weather is generally pleasant with mild temperatures, fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season, and the waterfalls are typically flowing well due to rainfall earlier in the year.
Summer (July and August) is also a popular time to visit due to the warmer weather, but it can be quite crowded with tourists. Additionally, during the summer months, there might be periods of drought, which could result in lower water levels in the waterfalls. The tickets are also the most expensive during the summer, going all the way up to 40 euros per ticket.
Winter (December to February) can be a less crowded time to visit, but some facilities within the park might have limited hours or be closed during this season. However, if you enjoy quieter surroundings and don’t mind cooler temperatures, winter can still offer a unique experience in the park.
We visited the park in spring, at the end of March, and while the weather was pleasant, it was very cloudy and gloomy. Still, we had a great time exploring the park and did so for only 7 euros per person!
HOW TO REACH KRKA WATERFALLS?
If you’re in Dalmatia, it will be really easy to reach this NP, as it’s fairly close to many bigger cities in Dalmatia. You can reach Krka National Park from Split, Zadar, and Šibenik by various means of transportation.
Here’s how you can get there from each city:
FROM SPLIT
The easiest way to get to Krka National Park from Split is by car. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and the highways in Croatia are excellent. There’s free parking at the Lozovac entrance so that’s something you don’t have to worry about.
If you don’t have a car or don’t drive, you can just take the bus. Several bus companies operate routes between Split and Skradin, which is the closest town to the entrance of Krka National Park. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Skradin, you can take a boat to the park’s entrance.
You can also buy a guided tour and transfer if you want to relax and not worry about anything. There’s lots of tours from Split offered on Get Your Guide, I’m leaving them below so check them out!
FROM ZADAR
The drive from Zadar to Krka National Park takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, so it’s the best and quickest option. Again, use the great highways and the free parking. If you need a bus, there are bus services available from Zadar to Skradin. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Skradin, you continue to the park by boat.
FROM ŠIBENIK
If you’re already in Šibenik, the town closest to NP Krka, you can reach Krka National Park by car in about 30 to 40 minutes (Skradin entrance) or 20 minutes (Lozovac entrance). However, you can also take a bus from Šibenik to Skradin, which takes around 30 minutes. From Skradin, you can take a boat to the park.
WHERE TO STAY WHILE VISITING KRKA NATIONAL PARK?
If Krka is just one of the amazing spots in your itinerary, you’ll probably need a place to stay somewhere nearby. There are lots of great towns around, so here are some of the best options to choose from:
SKRADIN
Skradin is the closest town to the entrance of Krka National Park, and it offers a range of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. If you stay in Skradin you’ll have easy access to the park, as well as many dining options and other amenities.
ŠIBENIK
Šibenik is a larger city located near Krka National Park, only a few kilometers away. As it’s bigger, this town offers a wider selection of accommodations including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. While it’s not as close as Skradin, you can still reach Lozovac entrance in around 20 minutes by car.
VILLAGES NEAR KRKA NATIONAL PARK
There are several small villages surrounding National Park Krka where you can find charming guesthouses and agritourism accommodations. These villages offer a more tranquil and authentic experience, so you can fully immerse yourself in the gorgeous nature around the national park. You can’t reach these villages by bus so choose this option only if you have a car or private transfer.
SPLIT OR ZADAR
If you prefer to stay in a larger city with more restaurants, cafes, and nightlife options, you can also stay in Split or Zadar and take a day trip to Krka National Park. It will be a bit of a longer drive than Skradin or Šibenik, but nothing overly complicated.
WHICH ENTRANCE TO KRKA NATIONAL PARK IS THE BEST?
There are several entrances you can choose from while visiting Krka National Park. The best entrance greatly depends on how much time and energy you’re willing to spend there.
POPULAR ENTRANCES
The two most popular entrances to the park are Skradin and Lozovac entrances.
Skradin is the main entrance to Krka National Park and from this entrance you’ll reach the national park by boat. Once you reach the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall, you can leave the boat and do the trails around the waterfalls. This entrance is convenient if you’re staying in Skradin or somewhere nearby.
The Lozovac entrance is located inland, near the town of Lozovac, and provides access to the park by road. From this entrance, you’ll be brought to the park by a free shuttle bus, and then you can walk down a series of trails and stairs to reach the Skradinski Buk waterfall and other viewpoints within the park. This entrance is the best if you’re arriving by car or bus.
We always use the Lozovac entrance as it offers huge parking (which was free when we visited) and they drive you fairly close to the Skradinski Buk!
ADDITIONAL ENTRANCES
If you feel like exploring Krka National Park in great detail, there are other entrances you can choose further away from the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall.
The Roski Slap entrance is located on the northern side of the park and provides access to the Roski Slap waterfall and surrounding areas. This entrance is less crowded than Skradin and Lozovac and offers a more secluded and natural experience. You can explore hiking trails, viewpoints, and historical sites in this part of the park.
The Krka Monastery entrance is located near the Visovac Monastery on the southern side of the park. This entrance provides access to the Visovac Island and monastery, as well as boat tours of the surrounding area. It’s a great option if you’re interested in cultural and historical attractions.
Be careful when you’re buying entrance tickets if you’re entering at Roski Slap or Krka Monastery. There are 2 different ticket options which allow you to see different attractions. You can buy cheaper tickets for only Roski Slap and the Krka Monastery, or you can buy the more expensive one which includes all land sites. Only with the “all land sites” ticket can you see Roski Slap and the Monastery, as well as Skradinski Buk!
WHERE TO BUY TICKETS TO KRKA NATIONAL PARK?
You can purchase tickets to Krka National Park online or at the park entrances. If you prefer buying online, you can purchase the tickets through the official website of the park. You can select the date of your visit and choose from various ticket options, including single-entry tickets, family tickets, and group tickets. This option is preferrable if you’re visiting during the summer season to avoid crowds and long lines.
Tickets are also available for purchase at the entrances to Krka National Park. There are ticket offices located at the main entrances, such as Skradin and Lozovac. You can buy tickets in person upon arrival at the park, but prepare for queues during peak tourist seasons.
CAN YOU SWIM AT KRKA NATIONAL PARK?
Although swimming was possible only a few years ago, in recent years swimming is prohibited in order to preserve the protected waters and nature. Unfortunately, there’s no need to bring your swimsuit to Krka anymore.
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED TO EXPLORE KRKA NATIONAL PARK?
The amount of time needed to explore Krka National Park can vary depending on your interests, physical abilities, and the specific areas of the park you wish to visit.
If you’re planning to visit the main waterfall, Skradinski Buk, and explore its surrounding trails and viewpoints, you’ll likely need at least 2-3 hours. This includes walking along the wooden boardwalks, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery. You can also stop for lunch or have a picnic, which will add an additional hour to your visit.
If you’re interested in taking a boat tour of the park, such as the tour to Visovac Island or Roski Slap waterfall, you should allocate additional time for the boat ride and exploring the attractions at each stop. Boat tours typically last around 1-2 hours, depending on the itinerary.
Krka National Park also offers several hiking and nature trails that lead to viewpoints, historical sites, and lesser-known waterfalls. If you plan to explore these trails, you may need an additional 1-3 hours, depending on the length and difficulty of the hike.
All in all, in order to explore the park completely, you’ll need a full day. On the other hand, if you’re short on time and only wish to explore the surroundings of Skradinski Buk waterfall, you can see the park in around 3-4 hours.
WHAT AMENITIES DOES KRKA NATIONAL PARK OFFER?
Krka National Park offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and other facilities to enhance your experience. Here’s what you’ll find at Krka National Park:
Restaurants and Cafes
There are several restaurants and cafes located within Krka National Park where you can enjoy meals, snacks, and refreshments. You can find dining options near the main entrance areas, as well as at popular sites such as Skradinski Buk waterfall and Roski Slap.
Picnic Areas
The park has many designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy meals outdoors surrounded by nature. These areas typically include tables, benches, and trash bins. Bringing a picnic lunch is a popular option if you don’t want to spend money on lunch at the park.
Visitor Centers
Krka National Park has several visitor centers located at key entrance points, including Skradin, Lozovac, and Roski Slap. These centers offer information about the park’s attractions, maps, exhibits, and guided tours. They also have restroom facilities and gift shops where you can purchase souvenirs and snacks.
Boat Tours
The park offers boat tours that take visitors to various attractions within the park, such as Visovac Island, Roski Slap waterfall, and the Krka Monastery. These boat tours typically depart from Skradin and other designated areas within the park.
Educational Programs
Krka National Park organizes educational programs and guided tours led by park rangers. These programs cover topics such as biodiversity, cultural heritage, and conservation efforts within the park. They are suitable for visitors of all ages and provide valuable insights into the park’s natural and cultural significance.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ATTRACTIONS AT KRKA NATIONAL PARK?
Krka National Park is known for its natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Here are some of the key attractions you shouldn’t miss when visiting the park:
Skradinski Buk Waterfall
Skradinski Buk is the largest and most famous waterfall in Krka National Park. It consists of a series of cascades that plunge into a turquoise pool below. You can walk along wooden boardwalks and trails to various viewpoints and enjoy in the incredible view of the magnificent waterfall.
Roski Slap Waterfall
Roski Slap is another impressive waterfall located within Krka National Park. It is situated in a scenic canyon and surrounded by lush vegetation. You can access the waterfall via hiking trails (a lot of hiking) or by a boat tour and enjoy panoramic views from several viewpoints along the way.
Visovac Island and Monastery
Visovac Island is a small, picturesque island located in the middle of the Krka River. It is home to the Visovac Monastery, a historic Franciscan monastery dating back to the 15th century. You can take a boat tour to the island and explore the monastery, as well as enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Krka Monastery
The Krka Monastery, also known as the Archangel Michael Monastery, is situated near the Roški Slap waterfall. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Croatia, dating back to the 14th century. You can explore the monastery complex, which includes a church, museum, and gardens.
Manojlovac Waterfall
Manojlovac is the highest waterfall in Krka National Park, with a height of approximately 59 meters (194 feet). It is located on the Krka River, upstream from the main waterfall area. While it is less accessible than Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap, you can admire the waterfall from designated viewpoints along the hiking trails.
