Forests of Croatia. Amazing nature of Croatia
Motovun Forest is a nature reserve located in the east of the Istrian peninsula, between the cities of Motovun and Optral. In 1963, the forest received the status of a reserve. This decision was made by the Institute for Nature Protection.
Geographically, the forest is spread over 275 hectares. The reserve is located in the valley of the Mirn River, and the forest has become famous for the types of white and black truffles that grow there.
In the Mediterranean, this reserve remained the last floodplain forest, untouched by man. On the whole earth you will find only two such areas: forests near the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria and oak forests on the border of Albania and Montenegro. Previously, they could be found in the valleys of rivers such as the Neretva and Roa, but in our time they are agricultural land.
In the past, when the territory of the Motovun forest belonged to Venice, strict rules were observed here, according to which the forest was protected. But then the territory was transferred to the administration of imperial Austria, and forests began to be cut down for shipbuilding, trees were cut down for building material and used for other purposes. Drainage channels located in the region also influenced the land transformation.
In the last 50 years, the Motovun forest has changed its appearance significantly, and the beautiful elms, oaks and ash trees of this area are now on the verge of extinction.
Geographical position of Croatia
Croatia is located in the south of central Europe, has common borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 kilometers, with Slovenia 670 kilometers, with Hungary 329 kilometers, with Serbia 241 kilometers and Montenegro 25 kilometers. Coast Adriatic Sea stretches for 1777 kilometers, and the entire length of the coastline, together with the islands, is 4058 kilometers. The geographical coordinates of Croatia are 45°8′30″ N. 16°13′45″ E
extreme geographical points territory of Croatia: eastern 45°12′ N. sh. 19°27′ in. (G) (O), western 45°29′ N. sh. 13°30′ in. (G) (O), southern 42°23′ n. sh. 16°21′ in. (G) (O), northern 46°33′ N sh. 16°22′ in. d. (G) (O).
In the southeast, Croatia interrupts its coastline with the exit of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Adriatic coast with the city of Neum.
Geography of Croatia
Territory of the country 56 594 square kilometers, this is the 127 result in the world. AT geographically Croatia can be divided into Adriatic coast, the Dinaric Highlands and the Middle Danube Plain, 53.54% of the territory of Croatia are valleys below 200 meters above sea level, most of them are located in the north in the Middle Danube Lowland. The highest points of Croatia are located on the territory of the Dinaric Highlands, which is located southeast of the Alps from the mountains of Cicaria and Učka in the west in Istria and to the mountains of Žumberak in the northeast. Mount Dinara is the highest mountain in Croatia and has a height of 1831 meters, in addition, the mountains Snezhnik, Svilaja, Risnjak, Kapela, Velika, Pleshivitsa, Velebit and Biokovo have a height of over one and a half kilometers. Speleologists will be interested in the bonfire massif of the Dinaric Highlands with countless caves, fifty of which are over 250 meters long, and three caves are over one kilometer long, including Kita-Gacheshina Cave, 20 kilometers long.
The Middle Danube lowland stretches from the north of Croatia to the territory of Hungary, highest points are mountain ranges Medvednica 1035 meters and Ivanshchitsa 1059 meters in the north of the country's capital.
The Adriatic coast is the most tasty morsel for tourists, in addition, the large islands of Krk, Korcula and Cres are of interest, the high island of Brac, 780 meters high, is picturesque. Most of the coasts of Croatia are indented with castor relief, traces of volcanoes can be found on the islands of Brusnik, Jabuka, Vis and in the vicinity of the city of Komiža.
62% of the territory of Croatia belongs to the Black Sea basin. The largest rivers of the country are Kupa 296 kilometers, Mura, Drava 505 kilometers, Sava 562 kilometers, Danube 188 kilometers, the Neretva River 20 kilometers and Cetina 101 kilometers belong to the Adriatic Sea basin.
Most large lake in Croatia, Vranskoe with an area of 30.7 square kilometers in northern Dalmatia, on the Drava River, there is the Dubravskoe Reservoir, on the Cetina River, Peruchanskoe. However, tourists are interested in small but picturesque Plitvice Lakes, which are connected by waterfalls, but separated by natural dams, you can swim near the waterfalls, all lakes have their own unique color.
Nature of Croatia
In terms of biodiversity, Croatia is the richest country in Europe, forests occupy 47% of the country's territory, Croatia has 444 protected natural areas, which is 8.5% total area. including 8 national parks, 11 natural parks and 2 reserves, the most popular natural Park- these are the Plitvice Lakes, which are also an object world heritage UNESCO, tourists are also interested in the natural park Velebit.
Half of Croatia lives on only 26.8% of the country's territory, for example, in Zagreb, which occupies 6.6% of the territory, more than a quarter of the total population of Croatia lives.
Earthquakes in Croatia are a frequent occurrence, especially on the resort Adriatic coast, foreign tourists should know this so as not to be scared in vain, once a decade quite strong earthquakes are observed in Croatia.
Croatia is a state of the Balkan region, located in the southeast of Europe. The area of the country is approximately 56.5 thousand km2, its water area occupies almost 33.2 thousand km2.
Croatia is located in the southeastern part of Europe, in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. Its area is more than 56 thousand square kilometers, and the population is about 4.5 million inhabitants. The geography of Croatia is very diverse, as its territory consists of two main parts: continental and Adriatic.
The weather conditions on the continent are characterized by hot summers, long autumns and springs, and not too frosty winters. And on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the Mediterranean reigns.
A characteristic feature of this area is a large number of islands along the coastline. In total there are more than a thousand of them, but only 47 are inhabited. The largest islands are Cres and Krk, and the smallest are the tops of rocks protruding from the surface of the water.
Croatian coast - ecologically clean region
The geographical position of the country determines its division into two parts: continental and Adriatic. The first one is in the pool. major river Sava, the second - along the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
The region has a large number of places where the tourist season lasts from May to October. More than a hundred Croatian resorts are annually awarded the Blue Flag, because the water off the coast is so clear that it can be seen 50 meters deep. In addition, it is very easy to swim in it, since the salinity of the Adriatic Sea is twice as high as that of the Black Sea. Tourists rest here on pebble, sand or concrete artificial beaches.
By land, the state borders with Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro, and by sea - also with Italy. An interesting feature geography of Croatia is a 20-kilometer seaside stretch that belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina and therefore cuts the Croatian coast into two parts.
We know that the Republic of Dubrovnik, which existed in the Middle Ages, transferred this small part of the land Ottoman Empire to protect themselves from incursions from the Venetian Republic. Now in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina the city of Neum is located.
Picturesque lakes and mountains of the country
Geographically, Croatia consists of several regions and is divided into Slavonia, Posavian Croatia, Istria, the Adriatic coast, Lika, Gorski Kotar and islands. Each of them has unique natural features.
There are many lakes in Croatia: they are in Slavonia, and in Dalmatia, and on the Dalmatian Islands. Some of them are natural monuments, such as the Plitvice Lakes. Also well known to tourists are the Bachinsky Lakes and the Vransky Lake, located on the island of Cres.
The mountainous geography of Croatia includes the Velebit, Medvednica and Papuk massifs. And the largest mountain range country, the Dinaric Highlands, got its name from mountain top Dinara with a height of 1831 m. These are relatively ancient limestone mountains, which are distinguished by a diverse relief.
There are many caves here, as well as broad-leaved forests, which are inhabited not only by chamois and roe deer, but also by wolves and bears. Not far from here, in the province of Gorski Kotar, Alpine nature intersects with Adriatic and continental. Here is located national park Risnjak, after visiting which tourists take away with them a lot of souvenirs.
The small country of Croatia is considered one of the most beautiful countries Europe. Due to the unique location of the country, its nature is extremely diverse: there is a sea coast, and plains, and mountains. Almost 10% of the country's territory is occupied by protected natural areas. And if you are looking for a place where you can spend an unforgettable holiday in the bosom of a magnificent and very friendly nature, then Croatia is just what you need.
1. Krka National Park
Krka National Park is a real gem of Croatia's natural treasure. On its vast territory (more than 100 sq. km.) an amazing variety of flora and fauna is collected. There are more than 800 species of plants in the park, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The park is located in the valley of the Krka River, and on its territory there are seven most beautiful waterfalls. The largest of them - Skradinski buk - has a height of as much as 46 meters. In close proximity to famous waterfall there is an ethnographic museum, where, among other exhibits, you can look at amazing water mills.
Another must-see tourist attraction is the tiny island of Visovac, which hosts a Franciscan monastery founded in the 14th century.
2. Lima Canal
The incredibly beautiful Lim Canal is also called the Lim Fjord. It is a narrow bay that goes far inland. The channel reaches almost to the center of the Istrian peninsula, and its length is almost 10 km. Hundred-meter mountains, which rise on both sides of the Lim Canal, give the whole landscape a special picturesqueness. Nature in this fabulous place is especially strictly protected: it is forbidden to move on any vehicle with a gasoline engine, you can not fish and scuba dive. Several marine farms operate in the Lim Canal, where they breed oysters and mussels, as well as several types of fish. There are also restaurants right on the shore of the bay, where tourists can try all these freshest and purest delicacies.
3. Valley of the Neretva River
The Neretva is one of the largest and picturesque rivers Croatia (however, Croatia accounts for only 22 km of its length, the remaining 208 km lie on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina). In addition, it is also one of the cleanest rivers in Europe - its water (especially in the upper reaches) can still be drunk without any fear, and the land in its valley is particularly fertile. At the source of the Neretva, the water is distinguished not only by its special purity, but also by its especially low temperature, which even in the midst of the summer heat does not exceed 7-8 degrees.
The best time to visit the Neretva is the summer months, when the nature here is especially beautiful. The most popular activities for tourists here are hiking and cycling, picnics and a variety of water sports.
4. Mljet Island
The width of this is amazing beautiful island is only 3 km, and in length it stretches for 37 km. Most of its area is covered with dense, picturesque forest. Among tourists, the island of Mljet is famous for its beautiful bays and wonderful beaches. The entire perimeter of the island is covered by a special road that allows you to admire the beauty of the local nature.
In the middle of the reserved forest there are two beautiful lakes- Great (Big) and Little (Small). big lake has its own island, which is called the island of St. Mary. This island is home to an ancient Benedictine monastery founded in the 12th century.
The climate of the island is particularly mild - average temperature July is 25 degrees, and the average January is 9 degrees - which makes it perfect place for tourist walks all year round.
5. Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a real gem of the richest nature in Croatia. For thousands of years, the waters of the Koran River have built real dams here, which have formed into a whole cascade of incredible beautiful waterfalls and lakes. The map of waterfalls here literally changes every year, as limestone dams grow here at an incredible rate.
To preserve the natural balance, numerous visitors to the park are prohibited from swimming in the lakes, making fires, having picnics, and even taking pets with them for a walk. All transport operating in the park runs exclusively on electricity. But such severe restrictions do not in the least reduce the annual flow of tourists to the national park, because the beauty of the local landscapes is so stunning that it more than pays for the inability to sit by the fire. The nature here is so beautiful that even the very thought of making a fire seems sacrilege to anyone who sees it.
6. Paklenica National Park
the beauty national park Paklenica is also literally breathtaking. Here are the incredibly picturesque canyons of the Mala and Velika Paklenica rivers, as well as many karst caves. The sheer cliffs of the canyons always attract a lot of climbers. The length of the Velika Paklenica canyon is 14 km, and its width varies from 800 m to only 50 m. The height of the almost sheer walls exceeds 700 m. The width of the Mala Paklenica canyon in places is only 10 m.
Paklenica Park is the largest park Southern Europe where you can go mountain climbing and at the same time water sports sports. Today, more than 360 well-equipped tourist routes varying degrees of complexity. The climbing season starts in spring and ends in late autumn.
7. Kornati Archipelago
Most of this archipelago, located in the Adriatic Sea, is occupied by a national park. It includes 89 islands and its total coastline exceeds 238 km. The islands of the archipelago are located so close to each other that the straits between them turn into a real rock labyrinth. There are no human settlements on these islands, but plant and animal world, both terrestrial and underwater, is extremely rich and varied. Many bizarre corals, fish and pearl shells live on local reefs. On several islands of the archipelago there are ruins of ancient Illyrian settlements, and on the island of Kornat stands the ancient fortress of Tureta, built in the 6th century.
8. City of Trsteno
The city of Trsteno is located on the southern border of Croatia and looks more like an extraordinary beautiful village. Here is a unique arboretum, which was founded in 1492 by the owner of the villa Guchetich-Gozze. Today, the arboretum belongs to the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and everyone is allowed in here. In the park you can see a lot of huge trees, whose age is calculated for centuries, and incredibly beautiful alleys immersed in flowers lead to a picturesque cliff with a wonderful view of the sea.
The central part of this small town, whose population is only about 10,000 people, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This part of the city is located on a tiny island between the mainland and big island Ciovo. The beauty of this place is so great that the city receives most of its income from the tourist business. In the old town, you can see an amazing mixture of architecture from different eras, from Romanesque to Baroque, the ruins of powerful medieval fortress walls and the picturesque Kamerlengo fortress dating back to the 15th century.
10. Zrmanja River
This amazing beautiful river flowing along the bottom deep canyon which she paved in the soft limestone. In some places, the depth of this canyon reaches 250 m. The Zrmanja is a typical karst river, and sometimes it goes completely underground.
There are a lot of picturesque rapids on the river and small waterfalls(the height of the largest of them is 15 m), which makes it attractive not only for connoisseurs of magnificent landscapes, but also for lovers of extreme sports. Rafting is practiced here from spring to autumn, and kayaking and canoeing from July to August.
The nature of Croatia is very diverse. Here, within a radius of one hundred kilometers, you can see the sea, rocky terrain, wooded mountains and fertile fields. This is the place where the Mediterranean, the Alps and Pannonia meet.
Croatia has combined the characteristic features of each of these areas into a harmonious whole, distinguished by its unique beauty.
Tourist Croatia is divided into Istria, Kvarner, Dalmatia and the continental part. Among its attractions, a special place belongs to the islands, which, along with the characteristic features of the region to which they belong, have their own specific features.
Closest to Western Europe, Istria is the most developed Croatian tourist region. These are the cities of Umag, Porec, Rabac, Vrsar, Rovinj, Pula. Istria harmoniously combines ancient amphitheaters and triumphal arches, medieval basilicas and frescoes, old stone towns and modern tourist complexes with a rich shopping assortment and life that meets all the needs of a demanding European resident.
The road to the south leads to the Kvarner Riviera, the symbol of which is Opatija. This city, which attracts with the spirit of antiquity, emanating from places winter holiday European aristocracy of the last century, visited by tourists all year round. Modern life, however, deprived the streets of Opatija of some of the romance of bygone eras, but enriched them with shops with excellent service at the European level.
Traveling along the Croatian coast leads further south. Each of the cities, Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Primoshten, Makarska, Brela, has something special, unique, and all together - common and fertile: sandy beaches, surrounded by pine forests, cozy hotels and an unforgettable vacation.
You can get rid of the hustle and bustle of the city, get in touch with nature, enjoy good fish, wine and deserted beaches on such islands as Krk, Losinj, Brac, Hvar, Vis. After all, Croatia owns 1278 km of the coast of the Adriatic Sea, along which there are 1185 islands and islets.
The continental part of Croatia is interesting for those who prefer the sea thermal springs, for those who are more attracted to ancient castles in a new radiance, green expanses and the freshness of the continental climate. Or just for those who want to create for themselves a complete impression of this diverse country.
Among the continental cities, each of which could tell something different, Zagreb has a special place. Political, diplomatic, cultural, economic and shopping center state, Zagreb has a long history spanning nine centuries. The squares, monuments and streets of the ancient and romantic Upper Town, the life of the business world and the modern residential quarters of the new part of the city - all this is the reason why the city is popular among both business people and tourists.
Ecology
Croatia is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in Europe, there are seven national parks on its territory, three of which are in the mountainous region (Rysnjak, Paklenica and Plitvice Lakes), and four are on the sea coast (Kornati, Mljet, Brioni, Krka) . The Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia is visible to a depth of 56 meters. UNESCO regularly assigns Blue Flags to Croatia for the ecological cleanliness of the coast.
