Krka National Park: waterfalls near Split and Šibenik

Krka is the waterfall park you can fold into a coast holiday. Where Plitvice sits two hours inland, Krka's cascades are barely 15 km from Šibenik and an easy half-day from Split — a river canyon of travertine falls, pools and a monastery on an island in the middle of it.

What to see

The star is Skradinski buk, a wide staircase of falls tumbling into a broad pool, ringed by boardwalks and old watermills. Upriver, Roški slap spreads across the canyon, and between them the islet of Visovac holds a Franciscan monastery reached by boat. Further up sit the Krka Orthodox monastery and the tall Manojlovac falls.

Getting in

Two main entrances. From Skradin on the coast you can take a park boat up the river to Skradinski buk — the prettiest approach. From Lozovac, a park bus drops you above the falls. Both are signposted off the main road; day trips run from Šibenik, Split and Zadar.

Best time to go

Spring and autumn are ideal — strong water flow, mild air and far thinner crowds. July and August are hot and busy; arrive at opening time. Spring also brings the fullest, most thunderous falls.

Swimming at Skradinski buk is no longer permitted (the rule changed in recent years to protect the travertine). Plan to walk and photograph rather than bathe, and always confirm the current rules at the entrance.

Make Šibenik or Split your base — see our boutique hotels in Šibenik and in Split, or the wider national parks overview.