Things to Do in Croatia: Parks and Rivers

October 20, 2026

Croatia’s best-known activities sit in two national parks, along the rivers behind the Dalmatian coast and out on the islands. Prices below are in euros, which Croatia has used since 2023, and park fees change with the season, so check the official pages before you go.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Sixteen stepped lakes are crossed on boardwalks, with eight numbered programmes from A to K2 lasting about 2 to 8 hours. Programme A is 2 to 3 hours over 3.5 km, programme H is 4 to 6 hours over 8.9 km, and K1 and K2 take 6 to 8 hours. The electric boat and panoramic vehicle are included in the ticket for the programme you choose.

Adults pay EUR 40 from 1 June to 30 September until 16:00 (15:00 in September), then EUR 25. The price is EUR 23 in April, May and October and EUR 10 from November to March. Children aged 7 to 18 pay EUR 15, EUR 6 or EUR 4 by season, and under-7s are free. Book an entry time slot online at np-plitvicka-jezera.hr .

Swimming, cycling, camping and leaving the paths are banned. Rowing boats can be hired on Lake Kozjak for EUR 15 an hour. Croatia declared itself mine-free in early 2026, but the park lies in Lika-Senj county, so stay on marked paths.

Krka National Park

The ticket includes the boat from Skradin to the Skradinski Buk boardwalks and the bus from Lozovac, and both run only from 1 April to 31 October. Adults pay EUR 40 from June to September (EUR 30 after 15:00), EUR 20 in April, May and October and EUR 7 from November to March. Children and students pay EUR 15, EUR 12 or EUR 4. Extra boat trips run to Visovac island (2 hours, EUR 15) and on to Roški slap (4 hours, EUR 20).

Swimming is allowed only at specially marked spots, never at the main falls. Fishing, diving, camping and drones are banned. Details are on the Krka park site .

Rivers: Cetina and Zrmanja

The Cetina near Omiš is the main rafting river. One operator lists EUR 40 for adults and EUR 25 for children aged 4 to 12, with departures at 08:30 and 13:30 from 1 April to 1 October and 3 to 4 hours of paddling. Other operators start around EUR 38.

The Zrmanja, reached from Kaštel Žegarski, is about 14 km of canyon. Kayaks suit the low water of summer and rafts the high water of spring. Groups need at least 4 people, children under 7 are not allowed, and prices run from about EUR 55 to EUR 76 per adult. Compare options on GetYourGuide .

Sea and wind

The Blue World Institute runs dolphin-watching speedboats from Lošinj, for up to 12 people and up to 3 hours, in June to August. A repeat trip is free if no dolphins appear. See visitlosinj.hr for the current price.

At Bol on Brač, the afternoon maestral blows from April to October, and beginners should stay near the shore. Zlatni Rat is a pebble spit, so wear water shoes against sea urchins. The bura wind can stop ferries and close roads, so read the marine forecast at meteo.hr .

Dubrovnik anchors

The City Walls cost about EUR 40 for adults in peak season, and Fort Lovrijenac is included. The cable car costs EUR 30 return and is closed from January to March and in December. Lokrum costs EUR 30 including the boat. See lokrum.hr and the cable car timetable .

Rules worth knowing

Croatia is in Schengen, so there are no routine checks on the Slovenian or Hungarian borders. The EU Entry/Exit System now applies at the outer border. Outdoor fires and barbecues are illegal from 1 June to 31 October outside designated areas, and wildfires should be reported on 112.