Category: Nature of Croatia

The Tourist Dilemma: Krka or Plitvice?

Posted on by Igor Kocelj

Visitors of Split, Croatia are often faced with a dilemma: Which day tour to pick: Krka Waterfalls or Plitvice Lakes? As a Tour guide I get that question a lot. Getting both tours may not always be possible. Either you have just one day available, or you have other issues. Here are some hints to help you make the choice between visiting two Croatian national parks: Krka and the Plitvice Lakes:
Krka is closer to Split, requires less walking and may be accesible even to people in wheelchairs. Visiting Plitvice Lakes requires a certain level of physical fitness and more time.
Both Krka and Plivice Lakes national parks are stunningly beautiful. However, there is a reason why the UNESCO awarded Plitvice Lakes the title of a World Heritage of Nature site.
If possible, take both tours. If not, come back next year, and do the other one.

Is It Safe To Swim In The Adriatic Sea In Croatia?

Posted on by Igor Kocelj

Yes, swimming in the Adriatic Sea in Croatia is regarded as generally safe as long as you take some precautions:
Always gradually enter into the water
Before jumping, make sure it’s deep enough
Many Croatian beaches are rocky or concrete. Some areas can be very slippery
If they’re not rocky, they are made up of pebbles. If you’re unstable, you can twist an ankle. Or worse, be ridiculed.
Waves can be exciting, but treacherous
Sea urchins lurk among the rocks
Swimming too far away from the coastline or outside of the designated beach limits can be highly risky because of water scooters and speed boats
If you fall asleep on a floating air mattress, you will need to get a ferry back from Italy. Or swim back.

Do-It-Yourself Truly Croatian Souvenirs From Croatia

Posted on by Igor Kocelj

Are you looking for something to take back from Croatia? Something cheap, original, authentic, and truly Croatian? Here’s a list of DIY Croatian souvenirs:make your own Adriatic Sea salt
find coloured glass pebbles
search for small driftwood sculptures
pick pieces of Croatian limestone

Is Croatia Warm All Year Around?

Posted on by Igor Kocelj

NO. Temperatures across Croatia go down as winter approaches.
Winter temperatures in parts of Croatia away from the Adriatic Sea often get below freezing point, with occasional snowfall.
Winters by the Adriatic Sea are much milder, but the perception of cold may still be intense. Snow is uncommon, though.

Are There Snakes In Croatia?

Posted on by Igor Kocelj

There are around 16 species of snakes in Croatia. Most are totally harmless. Except for the 3. Yikes. But take heart, Croatians are known to be brutal to snakes.
Expect to see the snakes at national parks, in the bush, and especially in the mountains. Or just look away.
If you’re bitten by a viper, take a deep breath, relax, observe the wound and… cry for HELP!

Why Are Plitvice Lakes Really So Turquoise?

Posted on by Igor Kocelj

Fine floating particles absorb and scatter sunlight in ways that can give water a striking blue-green, or turquoise, colour.
These particles, which come into existence by means of a fascinating natural process, consist of minerals and algae.
In a well coordinated play of nature, the deposits of these particles eventually form barriers, or dams, creating lakes and waterfalls
The lakes and waterfalls actually perpetuate the creation of the fine particles, amplifying the entire process.