Split Croatia Waterfalls and Rivers – Everything You Need To Know

Plitvice is the most famous national park in Croatia, drawing visitors from around the world. Enriched with beautiful continental nature, it’s home to diverse flora and fauna, including Croatia’s largest waterfall, “the Great Waterfall.” The park’s creation through erosion, along with its unique karst landscape, forming cascading waterfalls and stunning lakes, earned it UNESCO protection.

Having visited the park a few times, I can attest that it’s truly a natural wonder. However, be cautious as it gets very crowded, especially in the summer. To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting during spring or fall. Winter is also a great option if you enjoy snow. There are various trail options around the park, and your visit duration depends on the trail you choose. It can last 2 to 3 hours or even extend to two days. Note that boat tickets are included in the entrance price.

While not in Split, Slapovi Kravice is definitely worth a visit. I once went there with my wife, and it was off-season, so it was pretty deserted. However, since then, Slapovi Kravice has gained popularity. Some of my friends who visited during the summer were amazed by its beauty. If you are planning to visit Kravice, make sure to explore Mostar as well if you have the time. Mostar is a famous and beautiful city renowned for its rich culture, history, and amazing food.

Just an hour away from Split lies a hidden gem called Selo Grab, named after the Grab River. It’s a picturesque place where you can enjoy streams in beautiful nature. If you can’t get enough of nature, there’s also the spring of the Rijeka Ruda nearby that you can explore. If you plan this visit, be sure to include Trilj, a beautiful small town on the banks of the River Cetina known for its riverside restaurants and rolling hills where you can take a picture on a haystack. For history buffs, just nearby is the City of Sinj, famous for its museum “Alkar” and the fortress “Kamičak.”

For those who want to enjoy peaceful nature along the most picturesque riverbank in Damlacija, make sure to visit the Žrnovnica River, just a 20-minute drive from Split. It’s famous for the “Antoničin Mlin restaurant,” and the fact that Game of Thrones was filmed here makes it a must-visit for all those who wish to enjoy good food in a relaxing environment. Trust me, it is worth it.

The Canyon of the Zrmanja River is a part of the Velebit National Park, known for being featured in the movie “Winnetou.” It’s a beautiful place to visit, located near the city of Zadar. If you’re into exploring stunning waterfalls and trying out rafting in this iconic canyon, a visit to Zrmanja is a must. While you’re there, be sure to explore the charming city of Zadar, famous for its Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.

Famous for its spring in the mountain Mosor, rich history, and the fact that it provides fresh water to Split, Solin, and surrounding areas, the Jadro River is a nice place to visit for nature lovers. Alongside the river, you can explore various localities, including its famous Spring and the excursion location “Jadro – the spring of life.” Head to Klis Field to walk along the banks of the Jadro River, and while you’re there, visit the renowned Klis Fortress, a filming location for Game of Thrones. In the city of Solin, where Jadro flows into the sea, a popular activity is feeding the ducks and swans.

Jadro is famous for its history. In Roman times, aqueducts were built to bring fresh water from the river to the city. It’s also known as the “Jordan of Croatia” because, during the Christianization of Croatia, many monasteries were built near Jadro. If you enjoy history and ruins, a must-visit is the Salona ruins.

If you’re passing by the city of Knin, be sure to visit the Krnčić Waterfall on the Krčić River. The waterfall is 22 meters high and can be up to 30 meters wide. What makes this waterfall unique is that it pours into the spring of the Krka River. When you visit the Krčić Waterfall, there’s a 15 km-long trail for walking or cycling. And of course, don’t forget to explore Knin and its famous fortress.

The largest river in Dalmatia is the Cetina, making it the most interesting. From its world-famous spring to numerous fun activities and its mouth in the beautiful city of Omiš—there’s a lot to explore. Let’s begin with its spring, known as the “Eye of the World.” It’s 120 meters deep, a stunning and breathtaking spring that displays various colors. Many influencers visit to capture the perfect picture, but only a rare few dare to swim in it, as the temperature doesn’t go above 19°C during the hottest days.

For those with an adventurous spirit, Cetina offers a variety of activities such as rafting, ziplining, paintball, picnicking, and even hiking races. There are also two beautiful waterfalls near Zadvarje, the Great and Small Gubavica, with the Great one being 49 meters high. At its mouth lies the city of Omiš, a favorite summer vacation spot for many tourists, not just renowned for its beaches but also its rich history.

I almost forgot to mention that swimming in Cetina is a famous activity, especially on the first of May when many people kick off their summer by taking a refreshing swim there.