Croatia's best national parks

Mother Nature is well preserved and protected in Croatia, which is blessed with the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and a large swath of the Dinatic Alps.

Whether you're a photographer looking to capture cascading waterfalls, a family in need of an easy-to-access green space or simply a traveller looking for a forest in which to get lost, these are Croatia's best national parks.

Krka National Park is best park to visit from Split 

One of the most beautiful destinations is the Krka National Park, which is named after the Krka River. Europe's largest travertine waterfall is one of 16 cascades in the park and it's one of seven that most people come to see.

The Roki Slap cascade is equally remarkable. Taking a dip in Krka's see-through pools as the waterfalls crash in the distance and the sun shines on the water is an experience not to be missed.

The Serbian Orthodox Krka Monastery is located in the middle of the Krka River and is well known throughout Croatia. Guided tours of the building's long history and intricate architecture can be found in the summer and fall.

If you have your own transportation, you can take a tour of the entire park from ibenik. Wine tasting in the ibenik area with a trip to the falls is a popular option.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the best park for seeing waterfalls

The first national park in Croatia was located in the center of the country and is still the largest today.

More than 90 waterfalls and a swirling network of pools are part of the amazing lake system of Plitvice.

The park is home to a wide range of plant, flower and tree species and has crystal-clear waters. You can take a guided tour of the park from Zagreb.

Mljet National Park is the best park to visit from Dubrovnik

A third of Mljet Island is car-free and is located off the coast of Dubrovnik in the Adriatic Sea. The islet of Sveta Melita is home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery that rises from the small islet of Veliko.

The park has cycle paths and walking routes, such as the Pomena Trail, which is a five-hour hike along the northernmost edge of the park. A stop for seafood at excellent restaurants like Konoba Soleta and family-run inns such as Tkon Apartments Maestral feels even more rewarding for most people.

Brijuni National Park is the best park for island hopping

Brijuni National Park is best explored by boat or ferry. There are over 200 dinosaur footprints found at Cape Vrbanj and Cape Ploce on the island of Veliki Brijun, which is also home to a safari park with zebras, elephants, peacocks and more.

Park tickets can be purchased at the National Park office in Faana. Admission includes a tour with a seasoned guide, a train ride around the island, a boat ride from Fazana to Veliki Brujin, and a visit to the park's famous 1600-year-old olive tree.

The article was first published about eight hours ago.