The most impressive Croatia waterfalls
Unveiling Croatia’s waterfall wonders!
While Croatia is renowned for its stunning islands, gorgeous beaches and delectable cuisine, there is something more you should add to your Croatian to-do list. The country is also home to the most breathtaking waterfalls in Europe.
So, are you ready to discover why Croatia's waterfalls and nature are just as captivating as its famed islands and culinary delights? Keep on reading to find out useful information about the country’s finest waterfalls and start planning your trip.
Tip: some of the best waterfalls in the country are located in Croatia's national parks. Find out all about the must-see parks in Croatia on our dedicated post!
The most scenic walk at the Plitvice Lakes National Park
The 7 most impressive waterfalls in Croatia
Are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of Croatia's natural wonders? As the country's abundant rivers carve through limestone mountain ranges, they unveil breathtaking gorges and cascading waterfalls that stand among Europe's most captivating.
From the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes to the enchanting Krka National Park, the 7 best waterfalls in Croatia are:
1. The Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap), Plitvice Lakes National Park
Located close to the popular summer destination Zadar (1.5 hours by car), you simply can’t visit Croatia without making a trip to the Great Waterfall. Also known as Veliki Slap, this is Croatia's highest waterfall (78 m) and can be found in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, noted by UNESCO for its “outstanding natural beauty”.
In total, there are 16 inter-connected lakes and over 90 waterfalls. One of those is the Great Waterfall, located near the very edge of the Lower Lakes section, which is more dramatic and mind-blowing than the Upper Lakes.
The Plitvice Lakes have 3 entrances. You should head to Entrance 1 at the northern edge of the park if you want to start with the Lower Lakes. The best route to take from here is Route C (8 km), which includes both the Upper and Lower Lakes. If you are short on time, you can take Route A (3.5 km) instead, covering only the Lower Lakes canyon and the Veliki Slap.
Useful info: the Plitvice Lakes National Park isn’t just for summer. It can be visited all year round as the different seasons see the park take on different hues. No matter when you choose to visit, we highly recommend arriving here right at opening time (07:00 or 08:00) to avoid the crowds.
The breathtaking beauty of the Great Waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park
2. Mrežnica River Waterfalls
Less than 2 hours away from the town of Rijeka, the river Mrežnica is a popular day trip for those coming to Croatia for the summer holidays. With transparent green waters, lush greenery and pristine landscapes, this is one of Croatia's most beautiful and remarkable natural streams.
On its 63 km course, the Mrežnica river forms close to 90 waterfalls. It is particularly popular among water-sports lovers and adrenaline enthusiasts, with plenty of activities to choose from, including white water rafting and kayaking. You can also take a refreshing swim or snorkel in its underwater wonders or simply stroll around and admire the spectacular scenery.
If you decide to stay here overnight, there is a variety of accommodation options, but most are wooden cabins located just a few meters away from the river. Sounds like paradise? Yap, that’s right.
Beautiful panoramic view of the Mrežnica river in spring
3. Zrmanja waterfalls
Not far away from the town of Zadar, the 70-km long Zrmanja river features 12 adventurous cascades, perfectly clear warm water and a spectacular canyon with magnificent waterfalls.
Certain sections of the river are perfect for extreme sports. In fact, Zrmanja is considered one of the best places to do river rafting in Croatia. When the water level drops in the late summer and fall, visitors can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing. A good starting point for a canoe trip is the village of Kastel Zegarski.
The river also has another side, however, where you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday. One of the most perfect places for a family outing here is Jankovića buk, the last waterfall on the river Zrmanja. This is a famous picnic and swimming location, and is surrounded with ruins of old mills. Nearby, you can also find a number of restaurants offering local dishes.
4. Skradinski Buk, Krka National Park
Skradinski Buk is the largest and most picturesque waterfall on the beautiful Krka River within the Krka National Park and is today one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Located near the town of Skradin, it is one of Croatia’s most well-known sights, with many travelers visiting from nearby Split.
It’s actually a group of 17 waterfalls cascading over 800 m into a turquoise-blue lake. We highly recommend walking the Skradinski Buk trail (around 2 km) to marvel at the enchanting waterfalls from every angle and at the vibrant fish swimming upstream. The route is fairly straightforward, making it ideal for all types of travelers.
It’s also worth visiting Skradinski Buk’s watermills, which have been restored and now function as a museum and visitor center, to learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Wondering how to get here? From Skradin, you can take a ferry to the park. The boat ride between Skradin and Krka National Park takes around 25 minutes and it operates between April and October. Also, keep in mind that the entry fee to the park is included in the ferry-ticket cost.
Useful info: swimming has been banned by the Krka National Park management to protect the environment and ecosystems in and around the waterfall. There are, however, a few designated spots where you are allowed to go swimming. These are Stinice, Remetic and Pisak.
The Skradinski Buk falls, one of the best known natural beauties of Croatia
5. Roški Waterfall, Krka National Park
Located about 30 km away from Skradinski Buk, Roški is another favorite in Krka National Park. Even though it’s a little more remotely located, it is still very accessible. You can reach the area by car or through an 8.5 km long trail, but we recommend opting for the boat ride instead. The boat departs at the Lozovac entrance and includes a break on Visovac Island with its monastery and church.
The Roški Waterfall, which is made up of 12 linked cascades, is approximately 650 m long and 25 m high. Make sure to walk around the so-called necklace cascades and take a few shots from the wooden bridges overlooking the waterfalls. We also advise you to visit the Ozidena cave, a prehistoric cave linked to the waterfall by 517 wooden steps.
On the left bank of Roski Slap, a number of charming watermills can be seen, some of which have been renovated and put back to use, while others have been transformed into restaurants, perfect spots for a lunch break. Alternatively, you can head to the village of Skradin, just outside the park entrance, and try the famous Skradin risotto and Skradin torta.
Tip: try and visit the Skradinski Buk and Roški waterfalls on the same day if you can, so you don’t repay the price of admission.
6. Gubavica Waterfall, Cetina River
Before embarking on your coast-hopping holiday from Split, it’s worth visiting the magnificent Gubavica Waterfall (48 m) in the Cetina River. Around 1 hour southeast of Split, Velika Gubavica is formed in the 200 m deep canyon of the karst plateau of Zadvarje.
Popular activities for day trippers here include rafting, kayaking, cliff jumping, rock climbing, and hiking. To experience this Croatia waterfall from a unique and spine-tingling perspective, we recommend doing these activities with a local guide.
Keep in mind that the waterfall is particularly impressive in the rainy season since water flows through the canyon. Make sure to go prepared with swimwear, beach shoes and towels. We also recommend bringing water and snacks with you, even though you’ll find a handful of restaurants and convenience stores at a short walk from Gubavica.
Tip: you can see the waterfall from a distance from the lookout point, which is easily accessible by car.
View of the impressive Cetina canyon and the Velika Gubavica waterfall
7. Sopot Waterfall, Istria
Although the majority of Croatia's most impressive waterfalls are located in the country's central mountain range, cascades can also be found elsewhere. The Sopot Waterfall, for example, is located in Floricici in the heart of the Istria peninsula.
This impressive waterfall plunges down a 30-m tall cliff into a turquoise blue lake. However, this is not a year-round phenomenon, as this waterfall dries out during dry summer months, when there is no rain. For this reason, we recommend visiting this waterfall during the autumn or spring seasons.
For the best view, head down to the bottom of the waterfall. You’re allowed to swim here, but if it’s dry, you can go on a hike or attend a wine tasting in the nearby Gračišće village.
The Istrian waterfall of Sopot and its stunning turquoise blue lake
So, which waterfall in Croatia has captivated you the most? Check our Map of ferries to explore all available ferry routes to the nearest destinations and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper!
Tip: after your adventure to discover the top waterfalls in Croatia, are you also interested in discovering the country’s top islands? If the answer is yes, then check out our blog on the top islands to visit in Croatia.
