Ecotourism in Croatia: nature parks & low-impact travel

Croatia's greatest asset is its nature — clear seas, forested islands and a string of protected parks. Travelling in a way that keeps them that way isn't hard, and it usually makes for a better trip anyway.

The parks

Eight national parks and a dozen nature parks protect the best of it: the waterfalls of Krka and Plitvice, the bare beauty of the Kornati, and the wildlife of Biokovo and Velebit. See the national parks overview.

Travel lightly

The simplest moves matter most: use the excellent ferries and buses instead of a car where you can, carry a refillable bottle (tap water is excellent), take a reef-safe approach to sunscreen, and stick to marked trails in the parks.

Stay closer to the land

Choose smaller, locally run places over big resorts, and stays that grow or source their own food — see our rural & farm stays. Eating seasonal, local food in a konoba is low-impact and delicious.

Respect the wild bits

Croatia still has bears, wolves, dolphins and griffon vultures (see Cres & Lošinj). Keep your distance, take your litter, and leave the coves as clear as you found them.