Waterfalls in Croatia

I love a good waterfall. I’ve been fortunate to visit some of the world’s best waterfalls including Iguazu Falls, Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls.

My family have indulged my love of waterfalls by visiting falls with me in Iceland, Madeira, New Zealand and Australia.

I just can’t get enough of them. So when we discovered that Croatia is packed with waterfalls it was the right country for me to visit.

Waterfalls in Croatia

Croatia is known for its rugged mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, dramatic Adriatic Coastline, historic sites and crystal clear seas. But waterfalls rarely make the list and yet the country has some of the most idyllic waterfalls I’ve ever seen.

You can find many of these waterfalls in Croatian National Parks making them easily accessible to visitors.

This is my pick of the best and most accessible Croatian waterfalls. 

Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park

This national park in northern Croatia is Croatia’s most visited national park. It is known for its 16 mineral rich, turquoise lakes and dense forest setting but it is also home to over 90 waterfalls.

Veliki Slap

Veliki Slap (which literally means large waterfall) is Croatia’s highest waterfall. It measures 250 feet / 76 metres high.

It can be found in the Lower Lakes section of the park; just follow the signs off the wooden boardwalk or spot the queue.

This Croatian waterfall is best visited early in the day or just before the park closes as it gets very busy with visitors.

We visited Veliki Slap just before 8pm on a hot August evening and we had the waterfall all to ourselves.

Sastavci

The wide Sastavci waterfall is near Veliki Slap in the Lower Lakes. It measures 80 feet /25 metres high. You cannot access the bottom of this beautiful, cascading falls so it can only be viewed from the boardwalk above or from Entrance 1.

Mali Buk 

This thundering thin waterfall is in the Upper Lakes section. It takes around half an hour to reach from the boat dock but the effort to get there is worth it. 

Pevalekovi Falls

This was my favourite Plitvice waterfall and lies in a quiet section of the Upper Lakes.

It’s not particularly high (50 feet / 15 metres) or wide but its idyllic tree lined setting gives it a beauty not to be missed! This waterfall looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.

The waterfalls tumbles gracefully into a crystal clear pool which is a good place for kids to spot crayfish. 

Note that swimming is not allowed at any of the waterfalls or pools in Plitvice Lakes National Park. 

Read my essential guide to visiting Plitvice Lakes here. 

How to get to Plitvice Lakes

Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes will take around two hours depending on traffic. You will need to pay a toll on the A1 motorway.

You can also catch a bus from Zagreb bus station which will take approximately 2 1/2 hours to reach Plitvice.

Driving to Plitvice Lakes from Split takes between 2-3 hours.

It is an easy and scenic route to drive.  Alternatively, you can catch a from Split to Plitvice but as the buses take 4 – 5 hours each way you will need to stay overnight near Plitvice.

Zadar to Plitvice is a short two hour drive or you can take a public bus which also takes two hours.

Dubrovnik to Plitvice is not possible in one day as a one way drive takes around 5 hours. You can also travel to Plitvice from Dubrovnik by a series of public buses via Omis.

Alternatively, travel by boat from Dubrovnik to Split from where you can catch a bus, drive or join a tour.

Waterfalls in Krka National Park

If you are looking for waterfalls in Croatia you can swim in, then head to Krka National Park near Sibenik.

Skradinski Buk

This waterfall is the main reason tourists flock to Krka. It consists of 12 different waterfalls cascading down the Krka River.

The falls are range from 200 to 400 feet wide (60 – 120 metres) with a height difference of 147 feet / 45 metres. These falls are powerful but the pool beneath them is calm to swim in. The swimming area is popular and can get very busy in peak season. 

From the Skradin entrance, a small ferry brings visitors near the base of the falls. The boat ride is scenic, take 20 minutes and is included in the entrance fee to Krka National Park. 

Alternatively, you walk to the base of Skradinski Buk following well signposted trails. The walk will take about 30 – 60 minutes. 

Roski Waterfall 

Roski Waterfall in Krka is less visited than Skradinski Buk.

You can get to the base of the falls by a boat trip from Skradinski Buk. Alternatively, drive to Roski Slap from the Skradin entrance and follow one of the trails from the car park.

You cannot get close to the falls by walking but you can enjoy a swim in the river. 

How to get to Krka National Park

Krka National Park is easily accessible from nearby popular tourist locations.

Zadar to Krka National Park is 1 ¼ hours by car; as it is so close, tourists sometimes ask how to get to Zadar waterfalls! 

Sibenik to Krka is an even shorter journey with a drive time of 33 minutes, depending on traffic. 

Split to Krka National Park takes longer and is approximately 1 ¼ hours away.

There are lots of full and half day tours to Krka offered at each of these locations. You can also self drive or take a public bus.

Waterfalls in Croatia in Istria

Gologoricki Dol

The Gologoricki Dol Waterfalls lie 5 kilometres from the small town of Cerovlje.

This pretty waterfall can be reached by coach, on horseback, or on foot from Cerovlje.

Gologricki Dol isn’t huge or particularly impressive but it is idyllic and a lovely swimming spot. It’s worth a stop if you are passing by. 

Sopot Waterfall

Sopot Waterfall near Pican is a photographers dream.

It’s a stunning single drop waterfall plunging 25 metres/ 100 feet into a turquoise pool. The falls can be viewed from above or at the base of the falls. Beware that the trail down to the falls is difficult and very steep.

Look out for marine fossils that in the rocks around the falls. Check water levels before visiting as the falls have been know to dry up in very hot summers.

Zarecki Krov

Zarecki Krov is a pretty, 10 metre / 32 foot high waterfall just 4 kilometres from Pazin.

It’s not a spectacular waterfall but it is in a beautiful setting. The falls tumble over a rocky crag popular with rock jumpers. The crag is the roof of a cave regularly used by rock climbers.

If you are looking for a waterfall in Croatia you can swim in, the Zarecki Krov is a good choice. 

Kotli Waterfall

This pretty waterfall and series of limestone pools near Pula is surrounded by nature and is popular with hikers.

The water has high clay content so although you can swim in it, it may not very enticing! Again, check water levels before visiting.

Have you visited waterfalls in Croatia that are not on my list? Let me know so I can visit them!