Great Family Holiday Activities In Plitvice, Croatia

Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe’s most prized destinations for affordable luxury and beauty, and it’s easy to see why at Plitvice. This stunning national park offers some of the best views in Croatia, resorts to cater to all tastes, and some incredible activities and excursions. Read on for some highlights…

On Land

Plitvice National Park covers an area of almost 300km2, giving visitors a huge amount of ground to cover. The landscape would be enough of an attraction on its own, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and abundance of streams and waterfalls – but the best way to see it is to get out into it for some activities. Hiking is best for free-form exploration, and allows you to traverse the landscape at your own pace and as far as you feel – perfect for drinking in the sights and sounds of Croatia. Resorts also offer bicycle hire, with options from mountain to road bikes. Finally, consider booking a riding trip to see the park on horseback – a fantastic experience, especially for young ones who may not have had the chance to ride a horse before.

Underground

As a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, it’s hardly surprising that Plitvice has more than its open hills and beautiful flora to offer. In addition to its incredible biodiversity, impossible to ignore in the cacophony of animal cries and birdsong, the park also has some stunning, unusual rock formations. The mountains that surround the area give it a unique climate, and its network of caves helps create the area’s waterfalls. Guests are welcome to go underground and explore, and there’s a staggering variety of features to check out, including twisting tunnels and perilous pits. Make sure to take a guide with you, though, as caving unsupervised can be dangerous.

On Water

We’ve already mentioned waterfalls, and if you’re familiar with the area you might be aware of another name for the national park: Plitvice Lakes. Two main waterways, White River and Black River, meet at the park’s south end, flowing north and pooling in lakes along the way. At the far end of the park, the River Plitvica flows in and over a striking waterfall. Those with an adventurous spirit can take advantage of the wild and rugged features of the landscape and try out white-water rafting – just get ready to get soaked and buffeted by the currents! It’s all in good fun, but perhaps a little extreme for families with younger children. For a quieter experience on the water, consider following the Korana River through the village of Korana, where locals jump, swim, and dive in the crystal-clear water.

All this is just a taste of what’s on offer at one of the most beautiful places in all of Croatia. Resorts are understandably keen to serve the area, and many nearby hotels offer guided excursions and equipment hire. Hotel Degenia in particular takes advantage of the car-free roads in the region and offers bike hire, while nearby Hotel Jezero also makes the park its main selling point. If you want a fun, active family holiday, look no further!

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury Croatia resorts, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.