Dalmatia

Krka

Plan a trip to Krka National Park. Discover the best entrances, where to park, nearby accommodation in Skradin or Lozovac, and how to get there by car.

Best months: May to September
Sea temperature in August: 24-26°C (Adriatic Sea at nearby Šibenik)
Nearest airport: Split Airport (55 km to Lozovac)

Explore Guides Where to stay in Krka

Krka National Park Skradinski Buk waterfall

Main beach type

Pebble river beaches (swimming banned at main falls)

Krka National Park spans 109 square kilometers along the Krka River in central Dalmatia, known for its vast network of travertine waterfalls. It appeals to nature tourists, hikers, and road-trippers exploring the Croatian coast. Unlike Plitvice Lakes, Krka is navigable by boat and sits much closer to the sea, making it a common day trip or overnight stop from Split or Zadar.

The park is open year-round, but services and boat connections peak from June to September. Spring and autumn offer high water levels at the falls and lower entrance fees. Visitors typically stay in the riverside town of Skradin, the hilltop village of Lozovac, or the nearby coastal city of Šibenik to access the park early in the morning before crowds arrive.

At a glance

Best months: May to September
Sea temperature in August: 24-26°C (Adriatic Sea at nearby Šibenik)
Nearest airport: Split Airport (55 km to Lozovac)
Main beach type: Pebble river beaches (swimming banned at main falls)
Price level: Park entry is expensive in summer; hotels are average
Walkability: Skradin old town is compact and highly walkable

Where to stay in Krka

Skradin

A historic riverside town serving as the primary boat gateway to Skradinski Buk. It offers restaurants, marinas, and direct boat connections into the park.

Best for:: Park access via boat and waterfront dining
Parking:: Paid municipal and private lots at the town entrance
Beach:: Plaža Skradin (pebble river beach right in town)

Lozovac

A practical area on the plateau above the river at the main road entrance. From here, visitors can walk down a trail or take a shuttle bus to the main waterfalls.

Best for:: Drivers and direct hiking access to the falls
Parking:: Huge free parking lot directly at the park entrance
Beach:: 15 km to Šibenik coastal beaches

Šibenik

A coastal city located just 15 kilometers from Krka. It provides a wider range of hotels, dining, and Adriatic Sea beaches while keeping the park within a short drive.

Best for:: Combining city sightseeing and coastal access
Parking:: Paid public lots and garages on the city edge
Beach:: Banj Beach (pebble, 10 mins walk from centre)

Getting to Krka

Munich

By car: 750 km, 8-9 hours via A8, A10, and Croatian A1; requires Austrian/Slovenian vignettes and Croatian tolls

Other options: Direct flights to Split, then bus or rental car

Vienna

By car: 640 km, 6.5-7.5 hours via A2 and Croatian A1; requires Austrian/Slovenian vignettes and Croatian tolls

Other options: Direct flights to Split, then airport shuttle and bus

Budapest

By car: 645 km, 6-7 hours via M7 and Croatian A4/A1; requires Hungarian vignette and Croatian tolls

Other options: Train or FlixBus to Split/Šibenik, then local bus

Ljubljana

By car: 365 km, 4 hours via A1 and Croatian A1; requires Slovenian vignette and Croatian tolls

Other options: Direct bus to Šibenik, then local connection to Skradin

Prague

By car: 970 km, 10-11 hours via Linz, Graz, and Maribor; requires Austrian/Slovenian vignettes and Croatian tolls

Other options: Direct flights to Split (Smartwings/Croatia Airlines)

Kraków

By car: 1050 km, 11-12 hours via Slovakia and Hungary to Croatian A1; requires Slovak/Hungarian vignettes and Croatian tolls

Other options: Direct flights to Split from Kraków or Katowice

When to go

July and August are the hottest months with daily highs around 30-33°C, bringing the largest crowds and highest park entrance fees (historically up to €40). From May to June and September to October, temperatures range from 20-25°C, crowds thin out significantly, and entrance tickets are cheaper. The winter months from November to March see park fees drop dramatically, but boat excursions do not operate and several hospitality businesses in Skradin close. The water flow at the main waterfalls is typically most powerful in early spring following the snowmelt.

Krka guides

Krka FAQ

Is Krka worth visiting?

Yes, Krka offers extensive waterfall networks and historical sites like Visovac Island. It is highly recommended if you want an alternative to Plitvice Lakes that includes boat rides and easier coastal access.

How many days do I need?

One full day is enough for the main waterfalls, boat trips, and viewpoints. Two days allow for visiting the quieter, northern parts of the park like Roški Slap and the Burnum amphitheatre.

What is the best beach?

Plaža Skradin is the most accessible river beach near the park entrance, as swimming at Skradinski Buk is banned to protect the ecosystem. For sea swimming, Banj Beach in Šibenik is 15 kilometers away.

Do I need a car?

A car is not strictly necessary for the main Skradinski Buk area if you stay in Skradin or take a local bus from Šibenik. However, a car is required to efficiently visit the park's northern sections.

Where should I park?

Lozovac has a large, free parking lot right at the park entrance. Skradin has multiple paid municipal and private parking lots, which fill up very quickly during the summer months.

Is it good for families?

Yes, the park is very family-friendly with well-maintained boardwalks, educational exhibits, and boat rides. Strollers can be used on the main wooden paths, though there are some steps near the base of the waterfalls.