Attractions
Nature
Plitvice Lakes
Our one-day arrangement for Plitvice Lakes provides you with the opportunity to enjoy one of Croatia’s most impressive natural wonders within a compact timeframe. Starting early in the morning, you will travel comfortably by bus to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Expert guides will lead you through the lower lakes, where you will experience spectacular cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. Walking on wooden bridges allows you to have a close connection with nature and provides an opportunity for capturing enchanting scenes through photography.
Afterward, we will take a peaceful boat ride on Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in Plitvice Lakes, providing a serene atmosphere to reflect on the impressions of the lower lakes. Following the boat ride, lunch will be served in a traditional restaurant, offering you a chance to relax and refresh before having free time for exploration or relaxation by the lake’s shore.
After the lunch break, we will once again cross the lakes, taking a short ride to the so-called “Ring,” the most romantic part of the upper lakes. We continue our journey, ascending through the beautiful landscape to the highest point of the lakes, followed by a panoramic train ride.
After the train ride, you will have the opportunity to savour the panoramic view of the lower lakes while marking unforgettable moments.
This experience is not just about exploring the natural beauty but also deeply connecting with nature and its harmony. As the day comes to an end, you will return with beautiful memories and enriched by the experience of Plitvice Lakes. Our arrangement allows you to capture the essence of this extraordinary natural wonder in a single day, making it a perfect excursion for all nature and travel enthusiasts.
Velebit Nature Park
The Velebit Nature Park covers an area of 2,200 km2, stretching from the Vratnik Pass in the northwest to the Zrmanja Canyon in the southeast. It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the west and the inland regions of Gacko, Lika, and Gračac fields to the east. This is the largest protected area in Croatia and home to two national parks, “Paklenica” and “Northern Velebit.” Velebit has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978.
Geologically, the majority of the Park consists of sedimentary rocks, limestones, dolomites, and breccias, with a rich variety of karst formations, ranging from small rocky outcrops and sinkholes to large cliffs and caves. The park is a habitat for a wealth of endemic flora and fauna, including the Velebit degenia.
The cultural history of this area is evident through numerous monuments, religious structures, old dwellings, and mountain villages. Educational trails like Terezijana and the “Kudin Most” path reveal the rich cultural heritage. The park also offers stunning Adriatic coves like Zavratnica and Cerovačke Caves, which are one of the most important speleological sites in Croatia, bearing traces of ancient life and cave bears.
The Velebit Nature Park represents a unique blend of natural and cultural heritage, making it an ideal place for exploration and the preservation of the riches of this extraordinary area.
Northern Velebit National Park
Northern Velebit National Park, located in the northern part of this massif, is recognized as a magical oasis that bridges two different worlds. This mountain is abundant in ecological diversity, offering visitors an experience that ranges from high peaks to coastal areas.
Established in 1999, Northern Velebit National Park is the youngest national park in Croatia and encompasses various protected areas. These include strict reserves like Hajdučki and Rožanski Kukovi, the renowned Visibaba Reserve with endemic plants, and the Zavižan-Balinovac-Zavižanska Kosa Reserve with a botanical garden.
This national park plays a crucial role in preserving natural values and provides a peaceful habitat for many animals and plants adapted to the specific Velebit climate. For visitors, it represents an oasis of relaxation and an escape from the busy life in a pristine environment.
Northern Velebit offers refreshment for the mind and soul, providing an opportunity for rest and a connection with nature. Visitors can feel safe and relaxed here, far from everyday stress and worries. Northern Velebit National Park is a precious resource for nature conservation and offers a tranquil getaway for those seeking a small oasis of peace and serenity.
Plješevica
Plješevica is a mountain located within the Northern Velebit National Park, which is situated in the northern part of this massif. This area is recognized as a magical oasis that bridges two different worlds, offering a wide range of ecological diversity and providing visitors with an experience that ranges from high peaks to coastal areas.
Northern Velebit National Park, established in 1999, is the youngest national park in Croatia and encompasses various protected areas. These include strict reserves like Hajdučki and Rožanski Kukovi, the renowned Visibaba Reserve with endemic plants, and the Zavižan-Balinovac-Zavižanska Kosa Reserve with a botanical garden.
This national park plays a crucial role in preserving natural values and provides a peaceful habitat for many animals and plants adapted to the specific Velebit climate. For visitors, it represents an oasis of relaxation and an escape from the busy life in a pristine environment.
Northern Velebit offers refreshment for the mind and soul, providing an opportunity for rest and a connection with nature. Visitors can feel safe and relaxed here, far from everyday stress and worries. Northern Velebit National Park is a precious resource for nature conservation and offers a tranquil getaway for those seeking a small oasis of peace and serenity.
Cave Park Grabovača
Cave Park Grabovača, located in Croatia, is an extraordinary area that leaves visitors in awe with its underground beauty. This park features a series of spectacular caves that reveal incredible formations and underground light displays. Particularly noteworthy is the “Samograd” cave, known for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
Visitors can explore the interior of the caves with the guidance of expert guides who provide information about the geological and biological wonders of this area. The cave park also offers surface trails and viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the surrounding nature.
The preserved natural richness of the park encompasses a diversity of plant and animal life, including rare species. Grabovača represents a unique place where the underground nature blends with the surface nature.
Cave Park Grabovača offers visitors the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world underground, where natural formations have been shaping for centuries, and where light and shadows create magical scenes.
Barać Caves
Barać Caves are fascinating natural caves located in the heart of Lika, Croatia. This speleological wonder consists of a system of four caves – the Lower, Upper, Bear’s, and New Cave. The Lower Cave, the largest among them, impresses visitors with its spacious halls and the abundance of stalactites and stalagmites. The Upper Cave, though smaller, is equally spectacular, featuring interesting geological formations and a rich paleontological history.
These caves are open to the public and offer a fascinating insight into the underground world. Visitors can embark on guided tours through the mazes of the caves, exploring their magical formations and learning about the geological processes that shaped them. Particularly attractive is the Bear’s Cave, which is named after the findings of cave bears from the Ice Age.
In addition to the speleological wonders, Baraćeve Caves also offer a beautiful natural environment. They are surrounded by forests and pristine nature, creating a picturesque setting for visitors. During the visit, you can experience the unique atmosphere of the underground world and admire the beauty of the caves that have been shaped drop by drop over thousands of years. Baraćeve Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and adventurers in the heart of Lika.
Cerovo Caves
Cerovo Caves are a speleological complex located in the heart of Lika, Croatia, comprising three main caves: Lower, Middle, and Upper Cerovačka Cave. The Lower Cave is the longest and most visited, rich with stalactites and stalagmites, and it features an underground stream. The Middle Cerovačka Cave is situated above the Lower Cave and also offers unique formations. The Upper Cerovačka Cave is the highest and provides a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Visiting these caves allows for the exploration of a fascinating underground world, with guides providing information about the formations and the history of the caves. They are also an archaeological site with prehistoric human remains. Cerovačke Caves attract nature enthusiasts and speleologists, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Lika.
Culture
Smiljan
Smiljan is a small, picturesque village located near the city of Gospić in Croatia. Known for its historical and cultural significance, Smiljan is the birthplace of the famous inventor Nikola Tesla. Visitors can explore the Nikola Tesla Museum, located in his birth house, where exhibits about his life, work, and inventions are on display.
The village is also surrounded by beautiful nature and green landscapes, creating a peaceful and relaxing environment. Smiljan is an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, connect with nature, and explore Croatia’s cultural heritage. A visit to Smiljan provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the genius of Nikola Tesla and explore his legacy in an idyllic setting.
The Museum of Lika in Gospić
The Museum of Lika in Gospić is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of the Lika region. This museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history and tradition of Lika through various exhibitions and artifacts.
The museum is divided into several sections that deal with different aspects of Lika’s past, including archaeological findings, ethnographic exhibits, art collections, and more. Visitors can see objects that bear witness to the lives of people in times gone by, as well as artifacts that showcase the cultural diversity and identity of Lika.
One of the special parts of the museum is dedicated to the Lika-born genius and scientist, Nikola Tesla. He was born in the village of Smiljan, not far from Gospić. The museum also has an exhibition dedicated to Tesla’s life and work.
The Museum of Lika provides an educational experience about the rich cultural and natural heritage of Lika, making it an important part of the cultural scene in this region.
The Museum of Gacka
The Museum of Gacka consists of six sections representing various museum collections. Four sections are located on the ground floor of the building and include the Archaeological, Memorial (dedicated to Stojan Aralica), Art, and Historical collections. The Archaeological collection displays objects from different historical periods, while the Memorial collection dedicated to Stojan Aralica contains his artworks and personal items. The Art collection showcases works by various authors from the 20th century, while the Historical collection focuses on items from the Homeland War.
The fifth section, located in the basement, is dedicated to the Ethnographic collection, which depicts the traditional life and customs of Gacka from the first half of the 20th century. The Cultural-Historical collection of the Museum of Gacka, which comprises the sixth section, includes items of social, historical, artistic, and scientific significance. Part of this collection is displayed on the upper floor of the building as the exhibition “Heritage in Disappearance: Island Brewery.” Through its permanent exhibition, the Museum of Gacka provides a comprehensive insight into the history, culture, and art of this region.
The Speleon Educational Centre
The Speleon Educational Centre, located just a 20-minute drive from Plitvice Lakes National Park, unveils the spectacular underground beauty and rich history hidden within Baraćeve špilje (Barać Caves). Situated nearby, Speleon is a centre of underground heritage, a unique destination that offers a deep insight into the world of caves.
Speleon is a journey through the centuries, providing visitors with a glimpse into history from the Middle Ages to the Pleistocene era. In addition to cave formations, the centre stands out with interactive elements, including hyper-realistic replicas of extinct animal species and a sensory chamber that recreates cave conditions. It incorporates modern technology, such as scale models, LCD screens, and animations.
For families, there’s a free speleo obstacle course inspired by speleology and the Ice Age. The centre also provides free parking, a café bar, a souvenir shop, and a speleo library. Visitors will discover the animals that inhabited the area some 70,000 years ago, including cave lions, woolly rhinoceroses, and hyenas. They can also experience the challenges that speleologists overcome.
Speleon, the Centre of Underground Heritage, offers a fascinating and educational experience for all generations, providing insights into the mysterious world of caves and their role in history and ecology.
GASTRONOMY
Lika Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Lika is rich, primarily in calories. Traditionally, Lika is a cold region. In the past, long, cold, and snow-rich winters shaped much of the life of the inhabitants of this area. These extended winters also influenced the food and drink, becoming an integral part of life.
When it comes to cuisine, there are several key components that define the approach to food in Lika. Traditionally, Lika is more focused on livestock than agriculture, and this is reflected in its cuisine. It’s characterized by the abundance of dairy products, a variety of meat dishes, and the famous Lika potatoes. Alongside these products, there are a few typical desserts and always-present salads made from fresh or pickled garden vegetables.
Notable meat dishes include:
Grilled meats (lamb, pork, and veal)
Various types of steamed meats
“Peka” (most commonly with veal)
There are also well-known cooked dishes, typically prepared following traditional recipes, involving long cooking times with vegetables and the ever-present potatoes.
Lika’s cured meat products include standard items like prosciutto, various sausages (each household having its own secret recipe), dried pork, neck, ribs, and, of course, the essential bacon. Traditionally, the bacon was completely white (called “bikeša”), and in the past, the people of Lika used to boast about whose bacon had less meat and, of course, was thicker.
There are various dishes in which potatoes play the leading role, but one is universal and widespread in Lika – “police.” Potatoes are halved and baked in the oven. Some even add bacon to it.
And then there are dairy products, with Lika once being abundant in milk. Each household had milk, and due to its perishable nature, products that could last longer were made from it. These included “skorup” (milk fat), cottage cheese (“škripavac”), sour milk, “basa,” and hard Lika cheese. All these products have relatively simple production processes and typically have a mild to moderately milky flavor.
True Lika desserts include baked pancakes with “basa” and roll cake, which is often filled with “basa” or plum jam.
The traditional alcoholic beverage of Lika is “rakija,” a fruit brandy that is generally quite strong. The alcohol content in Lika rakija typically exceeds 45%, and it’s not uncommon to find some with over 50% alcohol content. The stronger the rakija, the purer it is. Rakija can be made from various fruits, but “šljivovica” (plum rakija) is typical for Lika.