Lika is a mountain plateau in southwestern Croatia, bounded by mountains. It is a karst area of lush, untouched nature, rich in forests and water, dotted with fertile fields and rivers.
Lika has a long and rich history, its oldest known inhabitants were the Illyrian tribe Japods. Gospić and Otočac are two bigger towns in the region. You will be amazed by Lika's natural beauties and its national parks. "Plitvice Lakes" is the most famous national park in the Lika region.
Lika is also the birthplace of the fascinating inventor Nikola Tesla. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and anyone who wants to explore lesser-known landscapes... Enjoy Lika and the magical game of water and karst.
Lika is worth a visit and is within reach if you spend your summer on Krk.
From Krk, you will reach Lika on the picturesque Adriatic highway to Senj, then drive to the Vratnik pass (605 m), and there you are on this beautiful plateau with so much to offer and stories to tell.
When traveling from Zagreb to the Adriatic coast, Lika serves as the connection between continental and Adriatic Croatia. This makes Lika a perfect route when traveling from Zagreb to the Adriatic.
The modern A1 motorway passes through Lika. if you have some extra time, we recommend taking the toll-free state road D1, also known as the Lika national highway.
This scenic route will provide you with breathtaking views of mountain landscapes and some of Croatia’s most famous tourist attractions.
Whether coming from the Adriatic coast or Zagreb, you can visit Rastoke, where you will find beautiful waterfalls and mills on your route through Lika. Plitvice Lakes National Park is another highlight of this journey, offering world-famous scenery that will leave you in awe.
Finally, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Memorial Centre “Nikola Tesla” in Smiljan, Lika – the birthplace of one of history’s greatest inventors. With so much to see and do along this route, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to take the Lika national highway when traveling.
With its diverse landscape, Lika offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking & cycling is one of the most popular activities in Lika, with routes available almost all over Lika.
Bikers can take advantage of mountain bike trails that wind through the countryside. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to catch trout and other freshwater fish in the rivers and lakes throughout Lika.
The area also has plenty of cultural attractions to explore. Visitors can visit local museums and galleries or participate in traditional festivals and events held throughout the year.
For those looking for an adrenaline rush, there are several adventure parks with zip lines and other thrilling activities. No matter what type of experience you’re looking for, Lika has something for everyone!
Here we bring you some attractions & activities you should not miss in Lika:
Lika is a paradise for nature lovers, as it is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse protected areas in Croatia. Almost 60% of Lika's surface area is part of the NATURA 2000 ecological network, making it an ideal spot for green tourism.
Lika in Croatia is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular natural attractions in Lika & Croatia.
Velebit Nature Park is another great option for nature lovers with its diverse landscapes ranging from rocky peaks to dense forests.
For those looking for a more active experience, Paklenica National Park offers hiking trails and rock climbing routes as well as stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. In Lika`s national parks, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in Croatia. Spanning almost ten kilometers, the park is situated between Mala Kapela and Lička Plješivica, in the direction of Dalmatia. It is one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe and was established in 1949 due to its unique landscape and biodiversity.
The park consists of 16 interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests and meadows, and diverse wildlife. The lakes are separated by travertine barriers which form due to the buildup of calcium carbonate from the flowing water.
This creates an ever-changing landscape with new paths forming over time. Visitors can explore this magical place on foot or by boat, taking in the breathtaking views. Numerous hiking trails lead to hidden caves, waterfalls and other scenic spots throughout the park.
With its abundance of flora and fauna, Plitvice Lakes National Park is truly a sight to behold! Plitvice Lakes has been awarded UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage status since 1979.
Due to its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, it's no wonder that Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations.
At 2,200 km2, Velebit Mountain is Croatia’s biggest protected area.
The highest peak in Velebit Nature Park is Sveto Brdo, which stands at an impressive 1,757 meters above sea level. This mountain serves as a natural boundary between land and sea, and its unique combination of Mediterranean, continental and mountain climates makes it exceptionally biodiverse.
Within Velebit Mountain, there are several locations with special forms of protection: National parks Northern Velebit & Paklenica, Nature park Velebit, Cerovečke caves and Zavratnica bay. With its abundance of protected areas, the mountain range Velebit offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience nature at its finest.
Northern Velebit (Sjeverni Velebit) National Park is a protected area located in the northern part of the Velebit mountain range in Croatia.
Established in 1999, it covers an area of 109 km2 and contains some of the highest peaks in the region, including Veliki Zavižan (1,611 m), Gromovača (1,539 m) and Vratarski kuk (1,577 m). The park is home to various flora and fauna species, many of which are endemic to this region.
The park also includes areas under special protection, such as the Botanical Garden “Josip Kozarac” and the Nature Reserve “Velebitski Kukovi”. In addition to its natural beauty, Northern Velebit National Park offers visitors a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, camping and bird watching.
There are also several educational programs available for those interested in learning more about the park's ecology and history. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Northern Velebit National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers looking to explore Croatia's wild side.
Velebit Nature Park is a stunning mountain range located in Croatia. The park covers an area of over 1,000 square kilometers and is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Croatia.
The park has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unique biodiversity and its importance as a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals. It also contains numerous caves, waterfalls, and other geological features that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bike, taking in breathtaking views from its many peaks and valleys. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and other outdoor activities. Velebit Nature Park is truly a paradise for those who love nature and want to experience all that Croatia has to offer.
Paklenica National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in Croatia, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, spectacular canyons, deep gorges, and lush vegetation. The park covers an area of 95 square kilometers and is home to various wildlife, including golden eagles and griffon vultures.
The most popular part of Paklenica National Park is its incredible hiking trails. These trails range from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone.
There are also plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, mountaineering, and even caving. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding mountains.
With its stunning landscapes and abundance of activities, Paklenica National Park is a must-see destination for any nature lover!
The traditional Lika specialties will tantalize your taste buds. Among the Lika delicacies, the following should be singled out:
Lika is known for its delicious traditional cuisine. Surrounded by untouched nature, restaurants in this area can get fresh food from the surrounding nature. Locally grown vegetables and freshly caught trout are some of the Lika's delicacies that will surely delight you.
Traditional recipes are often combined with modern techniques. From hearty stews and soups to light salads and grilled dishes, the Lika menu has something for everyone.
Therefore, it is not surprising why people come to Lika for their gastronomic adventures.
We hope that you are now inspired to visit Lika.
Take a look at activities and attractions for your one-day trip to Lika.
If you would like to explore Lika at your own pace and enjoy the carefully selected Lika highlights, we invite you to join the 4-days self-guided Tesla-inspired journey through Lika.
Find out more about picturesque destinations in Lika region below and start exploring this unique part of Croatia.
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