The Brijuni island group lies off the southwest coast of Istria in the vicinity of Pula and was once the meeting place of the jet set. As the only national park in Istria, Brijuni with its 14 islands covering an area of 736 square hectares presents a unique play of nature that brings together remarkable animal species and rich flora. The luxurious lifestyle of the Romans is still evident in the remains of the sumptuous villa with its baths, temple and private marina. It also used to be the summer residence of Marshal Tito. As the setting for sporting and high society events in more recent times, Brijuni continues today its success as a tourist heaven for the Elite.
A part of the Gorski Kotor region has been declared as the National Park Risnjak, in order to protect the forests, the natural environment and the ecological balance of the area. It stretches over an area of 64 sq km behind the city of Rijeka.
North Velebit is the youngest of the Croatian national parks, established in 1999. A large number of attractive sights are concentrated in this predominantly mountainous park - magnificent karsts forms, a unique botanical garden and the Lukina cave, one of the longest in the world. Due to its remoteness from the main roads, this area is mystic and primeval natural ambience.
The Plitvice National Park, an UNESCO listed natural treasure in the vicinity of Zagreb, has sixteen lakes of quiet and unique beauty interconnected with waterfalls; a peaceful refuge for luxuriant vegetation.North of the city of Zadar stretches the National Park Paklenica with a surface area of 96 sq km. This region is unusual because of its connection between the sea and the mountains and its richness in black pine forests, deep canyons, karsts formations and numerous caves and pits.
The Krka National Park with its 109 sq km along the Krka river offers the region an exceptional natural value. The national park stretches between the cities Zadar and Sibenik.
The Kornati archipelago occupies an area of about 220 sq km and comprises 89 islands, islets and reefs. The beauty and singularity of its nature and the incredibly rich submarine fauna and flora are considered to be the richest in the Adriatic Sea.
The Island of Mljet is one of the largest islands in south Dalmatia. The island displays scattered roman ruins, two interior lakes, as well as a Benedictine monastery on an interior islet. It has an interesting history related to the legend of Ulysses and St Paul.