Waterfalls are a beautiful creation of nature and the Balkans sure have plenty of them. While I was in Split last year in September, I was very fortunate to join Adriatic 4 You on two waterfall tours –Krka and Plitvice. Each one as amazing as the other.

\

Our wonderful guide Darijo explaining the map and the plan for the day to our group

Krka National Park

 

Krka National Park is located in Central Dalmatia, just a few kilometres north east of Šibenik. The national park is one of seven parks in Croatia, formed in 1985 to protect the Krka River and today it is a major tourist destination.

The National Park covers an area of just over 142 square km and includes two thirds of the river itself. With magnificent waterfalls, including the famous Skradinski Buk falls; lowest of the three sets of waterfalls formed along the Krka river, crystal clear waters, a natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other, you can see why people all over the world come to see the beauty of Krka.

In the bus Darijo explained how these waterfalls formed and how Krka would not be as magnificent as it is today, if not for karst (limestone destruction by water and wind). Over thousands of years the limestone rock formed into a series of gorges and waterfalls by the water left in the calcium compounds that are deposited on aquatic plants, hardening it into a rock and forming terraces. Where the water flows slowly, it forms an island. Where it flows faster, it forms a waterfall, just like at Plitvice lakes. This is why the park is UNESCO protected.

When we reached the water, we had lunch at the restaurant followed by free time for a swim. I had my camera and GoPro 4 in my bag to take care of, so I explored around taking photos. I sat on a rock for a good 10 minutes, in awe of the grand beauty.

The water mills 

 

Along the course of the river are about 30 water mills, and several washing holes and columns. They show a traditional old way of life that existed until the early 20th century when modern technology took its place. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the water mills were important for the Adriatic coast, as wheat was milled here for several towns.

After we finished at the waterfalls, before heading to Šibenik , we stopped at Skradinski buk (one of the main waterfalls),  where you can find the largest and well preserved structures – the Gornja kuća (Upper House). It features an upstairs kitchen, water mills, and milling wheels on the ground floor, and gives people a good look into the country’s past and how the people once lived and worked. There is also a small cave where where cloths and blankets were made. A strong stream of water would hit the top of the beam and turn two wooden hammers, hitting the material and softening it. This column also had several washing holes where products were washed and softened.

After Krka, we got onto the bus and headed to nearby town of Šibenik. Stay tuned for Part 2 which is all about the gorgeous little town.

Book the tour!

Adriatic4you are specialised in organizing unique and unforgettable vacation. In addition to their exceptional one day tours, they are experts in transfers, rental services and finding quality accommodation for you. They are located in the Old Town of Split, right inside Diocletian Palace.

The Split To Krka & Sibenik tour operates everyday, leaving Split 8.40am and returning at 6pm and costs 440 Kuna (60 €). 

Each guest is picked up at agreed location. A one hour walk through the national park, you will have a licenced guide to show you the waterfalls, tell you the history and take you to the ethno village and oldest hydro-electric power plant of AC in Europe. After that follows free time for swimming, lunch and exploration of the park until departure time in the afternoon. In Šibenik accompanied by a licenced guide, you walk through the Old Town and visit the famous Cathedral of St. James protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

I can honestly say this was an amazing day. From first contact, to the meeting at the agency and the tours, these guys were professional, knowledgeable and easy going. Darjio made the 2 hour bus ride enjoyable, telling us all about the history of Split, and Sibenik and the gorgeous waterfalls. If you are in Split, Croatia BOOK with them, you will have an amazing experience…especially if you get Darijo as your guide!

PRICE: per person from Trogir 410 KN/56 Euro
per person from Split 440 KN/60 Euro

INCLUDED: Entry tickets to the NP Krka and to the st. James Cathedral in Šibenik, transportation and guide

Additional: LUNCH – 100 Kuna/ 13 Euro
(fish or meat menu – soup, main meal from the grill, salad, 1 drink)

 

**I experienced the Krka Waterfalls tour as a guest of Adriatic4you, however my opinion is my own as always!