National park in Dalmatia – Šibenik
Krka
- Best time to go
- Apr, May, June, Sept, Oct
- Part of
- Dalmatia – Šibenik
Krka National Park follows the Krka river as it cuts through a limestone canyon on its way to the sea near Šibenik.
Like Plitvice, its waterfalls are built from travertine, and the best known, Skradinski buk, is a wide stairway of cascades with wooden paths and old stone watermills around it. Further upstream the river widens into lakes, with the Franciscan monastery on the islet of Visovac and the quieter falls of Roški slap. It is an easy day out from Šibenik or Split and busiest at midday in summer.
Things to do
Don't miss in Krka
- Walk the circular boardwalk around Skradinski buk, the park's largest and most visited waterfall.
- Take the park boat from Skradin up the river to Skradinski buk instead of driving in.
- Join a boat trip to the islet of Visovac and its Franciscan monastery in the middle of the river.
- Drive upstream to Roški slap, a quieter waterfall with a row of small cascades known locally as the necklaces.
- Visit the Orthodox Krka Monastery, tucked into a bend of the canyon.
- See the remains of Burnum, a Roman military camp on the edge of the canyon.
- Arrive early or late in the day in July and August to enjoy the paths without the tour groups.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Skradin
staying right at the river with the boat to Skradinski buk on your doorstep, in a small, quiet town with good konobas
Šibenik
combining the park with an old town, a cathedral and the coast, about 20 minutes away
Lozovac and nearby villages
drivers who want to be first at the Lozovac entrance in the morning
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Krka
Day trips to Krka run from Split, Šibenik, Zadar, Trogir and Vodice, often with a stop in Šibenik or Primošten. Boat trips inside the park link Skradinski buk with Visovac and Roški slap. Swimming at Skradinski buk is no longer allowed, so do not plan the day around a swim there.
A car is the easiest way to see more than Skradinski buk, since the upstream sights are spread out. Without one, join a tour or take a bus to Šibenik or Skradin. In Skradin you can rent a bike, and boats along the river are run by the park itself.
Getting there
How to get to Krka
Krka lies just inland from Šibenik, about 20 minutes by car from the town and about an hour from Split or Zadar; leave the A1 motorway at the Šibenik exit. There are two main ways in. From Lozovac, a car park sits above Skradinski buk and a shuttle or path takes you down to the falls. From Skradin, a small riverside town, the park's boat runs up the river to Skradinski buk, which makes a lovely start to the day. Other entrances further upstream, such as Roški slap and Burnum, are quieter and best reached by car. Check opening hours, ticket prices and any visitor limits on the park's official website before you go, as they change with the season.