Back to Nature in Croatia: Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park

Opatija, often called the 'Nice of Croatia,' stands out from other Croatian cities. On one side, there's the wild Učka mountain range; on the other, the picturesque Adriatic Sea, with lush Mediterranean gardens, grand hotels, and restored villas in between.

The spa town, with its abundance of historicist architecture, will captivate you with its unique charm and the warmth of its locals. The Austrian influence is evident everywhere, as many of the town's striking buildings hail from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The town's defining features also include many gardens and parks. In the Angiolina Park, an award-winning space, you can walk along picturesque paths and learn about the town's history. Over 150 plant species flourish in this well-maintained green heart of the city.

Naturally, there are also numerous leisure activities in and around Opatija, including stand-up paddling, horseback riding, and diving. Opatija is also an ideal starting point to explore the nearby islands of Krk and Cres. And if you've always wanted to visit Venice, you can take a day trip from Opatija by ferry.

However, the real highlight is the Učka Nature Park with its rugged cliffs. The highest peak of the massif is the Vojak, standing at 4,600 feet. From here, you have a magnificent view of the Kvarner Bay, Istria, and, with some luck in good weather, even the Italian coast.

If you need more adventure, you can go climbing in the Vela Draga gorge or explore part of the approximately 110-mile mountain biking trail. The views are spectacular here as well.

UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, backdrop for Karl May films, most-visited tourist attractions in Croatia - all these describe the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Some consider the country's largest national park the most beautiful sight in Europe. If you're in Opatija, it's well worth considering a day trip here.

Along 16 cascading lakes, connected by smaller and larger waterfalls, you can walk through this almost fairy-tale-like limestone gorge on paved paths and wooden walkways right by the water's edge.

The entire national park is home to about 1,500 plant species and more than 150 bird species. A true paradise for nature lovers.

This is also reflected in visitor numbers. Each year, over 1.3 million tourists visit the spectacular karst landscape of central Croatia. If you've planned ahead (the tickets can also be purchased online), you can take your time at the entrance and let the first wave of visitors pass. The crowds disperse relatively quickly, and with a little luck, you might even have the most prominent viewpoints all to yourself.

If the large crowds of tourists deter you, you don't have to forgo a visit. The trails are particularly beautiful in the national park, leading above the lakes through barely touched primeval forests. As many visitors only take a short tour over the wooden walkways, you'll encounter significantly fewer people further up.

Among all the park's beauty, it's hard to pick highlights, but definitely worth seeing is Croatia's highest waterfall at 256 feet; the Veliki Slap in the lowland lakes area. It's best accessed from Entrance 1 ('Rastovaca').

To have the place mostly to yourself, it's advisable to start as early as possible at the southern Entrance 2 ('Hladovina'). It's noticeably quieter there, especially in the morning, since many day tourists from Croatia's larger cities arrive only around noon. Of course, the off-season (fall through spring) generally sees fewer visitors than summer. The national park is open year-round.

Amadria Park hotels in Opatija offer a range of accommodations, including the five-star Hotel Milenij with elegant rooms and suites and Opatija's most popular terrace, belonging to the legendary Caffe Wagner.

At the Boutique Hotel Sveti Jakov (five stars), from its terrace, you can overlook the Sveti Jakov Park and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with local and sustainable dishes. You'll be accommodated in one of 26 elegantly furnished rooms.

The Hotel Royal (four stars) draws inspiration from Opatija's villas. Its flagship features include modern design and premium materials. From here, you can directly overlook the waterfront promenade and take a romantic stroll in the French garden in front of the hotel.