Krka National Park
Krka National Park is probably the most famous natural sight in Croatia. The park lies within Šibenik-Knin County, and covers a large, unaltered area of the prettiest sections of the jade green Krka River, and the lower course of the Čikola River. Including the submerged part of the river at the mouth, the Krka River is 72.5 kilometers long. It springs in the foothills of the Dinara mountain range. With its seven waterfalls and a total drop in altitude of 242 meters, the Krka is a natural phenomenon.
Hike the wooden boardwalk first
Your captain will drop the anchor near Šibenik, from where you will be brought to shore by tender, where your private driver is waiting for you to start your adventure. To get a feel for the park, hike the wooden boardwalk first. The trail only takes about an hour to complete and loops past a small village with a working blacksmith which illustrates what life was like here pre-Industrial Revolution. The beautiful pathway winds past shaded ponds and lush foliage towards the lookout points of Skradinski Buk.
If you are an avid hiker and feel up to it, there are some more hiking trails leading up to the upper parts of the park, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over the area. Your guide will know exactly where to go to meet your expectations. Mention the series of religious monuments and the five medieval fortresses, they are a sight to behold!
The Krka falls
After all this walking and climbing, it is time to cool off and take a dip in the water! Formed like a series of terraces, the Krka and Čikola Rivers spill over seventeen travertine steps into deep pools before flowing into the next set, creating Skradinski Buk which towers 45 meters high. The Krka falls are so strong they helped power the world’s second oldest hydro-electric plant, yet the lake below them is so tranquil that you can swim right underneath. What an unforgettable experience to swim under the Krka waterfalls and to have fun with your friends and family in the emerald pools while surrounded by lush forest.
Your chief stewardess has packed all your favorite bites and drinks and while you are in the water, a picnic with a view of the falls as backdrop, has been set up for you to enjoy. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures to capture this special moment!
Island of Visovac
After lunch, a private boat will take you over to the small island of Visovac, which was settled by Franciscan monks and has a monastery with a library and preserved artifacts. Visovac island lies in the middle of Visovac lake and is home to what may be the world’s most stunningly located monastery. The austere walls and towering bell tower are protected by a circle of cypresses that point to the sky like swords. Beyond the tiny island you will find the trout-filled waters of the lake which, in turn, is protected by high karstic cliffs. The effect is simply magical. The religious use of Visovac island began at the turn of the 15th century when it was used as a hermitage. Franciscan monks soon arrived, building a church in 1576. From the 16th to 19th centuries, the monastery gathered a rich collection of paintings and folk costumes.
Don’t miss the rare illustrated copy of Aesop’s fables which was printed in 1487. It is one of only three in the world. The monastery treasures are exhibited in a small museum and outside you can visit a lovely flower garden, taken care of by the ten monks in residence. If you would like to attend mass here, make sure to visit on a Sunday. Mass will start at 11 am and your guide will make sure you will be there on time!
Time to soak up some history
The tour will also take you to see the breathtaking Roški Slap waterfalls which is made up of twelve separate falls flowing over 450 meters. At the lower part of Roški Slap, there is a hiking trail around the cascaded waterfalls. Additionally, there is a short walk to an Ethno village from where the main waterfall can be seen. Have an espresso at the coffee bar here and pick up some local souvenirs at the shop, before visiting the traditional water mill and workshops. The hiking trail will lead you to the Oziđana cave where you will learn the history of this cave and if you are up to it, you can take a peek inside. Once you have visited the cave, don’t forget to stop at the viewpoint just below, from there you will have a stunning view of the waterfalls.
Dinner at the oldest restaurant in Skradin
You will slowly make your way back to your driver, taking in the serene emerald pools, wooden pathways, gushing waterfalls that burst out of craggy rocks, and turquoise water so clear you can see the fish swimming through it. The mesmerizing scenes of Krka National Park will surely be all you can talk about during your short drive back to the yacht, where you will be welcomed by your crew with cold towels and even colder drinks! Relax onboard and get ready at your own pace for dinner in town.
Your chief stewardess has made a reservation for you at restaurant Zlatne Skoljke. Opened in the year 1974, it is the oldest restaurant in Skradin and will surprise you with their carefully selected specialties of the highest quality. The rich gastronomic offer includes daily fish specialties, seafood, lobster, shrimp, meat dishes and the famous dessert, Skradin cake. Sommelier Marija Petrovic will gladly recommend the perfect wine to pair your dishes, choosing from their fine collection from renowned Croatian wine producers, as well as from all over the world. The excellent service in the beautiful, warm and inviting interior will complete your dinner experience after your already unforgettable day in the park. Time for another picture!
