Hotels near Plitvice Lakes

Croatia's most famous natural wonder, Plitvice Lakes National Park, lies within day-trip reach of Zadar and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sixteen terraced turquoise lakes are linked by a spectacular cascade of waterfalls, set amid dense forest.

A network of wooden boardwalks and footpaths lets you walk right across and beside the water, past the great Veliki Slap waterfall and countless smaller cascades, with an electric boat and shuttle linking the upper and lower lakes. The colours of the mineral-rich water shift from emerald to azure through the day.

Pro Tip: It is about two hours from Zadar by car or bus, so start early. Book park entry in advance for summer visits, wear good walking shoes, and allow four to six hours on the trails.