Krka National Park (Croatian: Nacionalni park Krka) is one of the most enchanting day trips you can take during a holiday around Trogir and Split. The famous Krka waterfalls, the timber boardwalks strung above the cascades and the emerald-green river together create a landscape that stays with you long after you leave. As hosts of apartments in nearby Marina, we’re often asked how to plan this day well, so we’ve gathered the most useful, reliable information about visiting the park in one place.
The Krka waterfalls and the highlights not to miss
The heart of the park is Skradinski Buk — a sprawling series of cascades ringed by a network of wooden walkways and footpaths. This is where the water tumbles down one rock terrace after another, and the view is among the most photographed in all of Dalmatia. Venture further into the park and you’ll reach Roški slap, another beautiful waterfall that is calmer and far less crowded. It’s also well worth setting aside time for Visovac island and its Franciscan monastery, sitting picturesquely in the middle of the Krka river. These are the places that give the park its character: nature, history and a stillness far removed from the bustle of the coast.
Swimming, tickets and things worth knowing
The rules on swimming in Krka National Park are adjusted from season to season, so don’t assume you’ll be able to step into the water by the falls — check the current rules before you set off on the park’s official website. Either way, be ready for plenty of walking: comfortable shoes, a hat and water are essentials. Tickets for Krka National Park can be bought online or at the ticket offices by the entrances, and in high season it’s well worth getting them in advance to avoid the queues. Prices and opening hours change through the year, so it’s best to verify those details directly with the park just before your visit too.
Getting to Krka National Park
The park lies along the Krka river, in the area around Šibenik, and the two most popular entrances are Skradin and Lozovac. In season, park boats run from Skradin and carry you down towards Skradinski Buk — a spectacular way to begin your visit. The Lozovac entrance, on the other hand, is convenient for those travelling by car, with a large car park and onward transport into the park. From our base in Marina the drive takes up a good part of the morning, so treat Krka as a full-day trip — it isn’t a stop-off along the way, but a proper day of its own in your holiday plans.
How long to set aside for Krka
Exploring Skradinski Buk and its boardwalks at a relaxed pace takes a few hours, and if you want to add a boat ride, Roški slap and Visovac island, then set aside the whole day without hesitation. Heading out early in the morning is the best way to escape the biggest crowds and the midday heat. Bear in mind that the park is larger than it looks on the map, and getting from one point to another takes time — which is why it’s better not to combine Krka with other major attractions on the same day. From experience, here’s a tip we share with our guests: it’s at its most beautiful just after opening, when the boardwalks are still empty and the water in the early light looks genuinely emerald.
Krka or Plitvice — which park to choose
This is one of the questions our guests ask most often. Plitvice Lakes lie much further inland and involve a very long drive from the coast, so from around Trogir they’re better suited to a separate, longer expedition. Krka National Park is closer and far easier to reach as a day trip from the sea, and it offers something Plitvice traditionally doesn’t to the same degree — a close-up encounter with the cascades from the level of the wooden walkways, and the atmosphere of a Mediterranean river. If you have a single day for a national park during your stay in Dalmatia, Krka is the more convenient and practical choice.
Where to stay — a good base for the trip
Krka is easiest to explore from a comfortable base close to the coast, one you can set off from rested in the morning. Our White Cascades apartments in Marina are 4 apartments, each with its own pool, set about 700 m from the beach and close to Trogir, with Split airport around 20 minutes away. You book directly with the owner, which makes it easy to ask for driving directions and plan your trip to the park. After a full day among the waterfalls, it’s a real pleasure to come back to your own pool and unwind by the sea in the evening.
Krka National Park — frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Krka National Park?
The swimming rules are adjusted from season to season, so check the latest information on the park’s official website before you travel — don’t assume that bathing is permitted by the waterfalls.
How much time should you allow for Krka National Park?
It’s best to plan for a full day. Skradinski Buk alone is a few hours of walking along the boardwalks, while a boat ride, Roški slap and Visovac island will fill the rest of the day.
How do you get to Krka National Park?
The main entrances are Skradin and Lozovac in the area around Šibenik. In season, park boats run from Skradin, while Lozovac offers convenient access for those arriving by car.
Where can you buy tickets for Krka National Park?
Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket offices by the entrances. In high season it’s worth doing this in advance, and checking prices and hours directly before your visit.
Krka or Plitvice — which to choose from the coast?
From around Trogir, Krka National Park is closer and easier to reach as a day trip, whereas Plitvice Lakes lie much further away and call for a separate, longer expedition.
