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Kayaking in Croatia: An Outdoor Enthusiast's Paradise

Written on : 21 January 2021
By : Laura Wendy Harders López
Kayaking in Croatia: An Outdoor Enthusiast's Paradise

Croatia's unparalleled landscapes with magnificent nature parks, idyllic islands, shimmering azure waters, and breezy rivers make it one of the best destinations in Europe for outdoor activities-- one of which is kayaking! 
 
All in all, this country offers bountiful, spectacular and almost untouched nature. Also, its waters are the purest in Europe according to the European Commission. Not to mention some of its beaches are considered among the most beautiful places in the world
 
So, you can imagine why Croatia is becoming one of the people's favourite places for kayaking. 
 
Come along, soak in Croatia's stunning coastal beauty, and feel the energy of this green haven of peace by adding this exciting outdoor activity to your itinerary list!
 
Here's a rundown of some of the best destinations in Croatia for practising river and sea kayaking.
 
 
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1) Four Rivers of Karlovac

If you're up for venturing on an exhilarating kayak experience, then the famous "four rivers" of Karlovac, are a must! These four rivers are composed by Mreznica, Korana, Kupa and Dobra, and concentrate in the region of Karlovac-- located 55km of southern Zagreb. These rivers give the chance to immerse yourself in all-encompassing nature while also savour a thrilling experience! 
The Dobra is a 104km-long river boasts a spectacular canyon and provides kayakers one of the best routes in Europe!
 
The Kupa river is the largest of the four-- flowing 300 km long and stems from a small lake in Risnjak National Park. So if you get the chance to explore the beauty of this river, you'll also be lucky to contemplate the natural wonders of one of Croatia's most beautiful National Parks
 
Though the shortest of the four is Mreznica, you'll be able to contemplate stunning natural features such as lakes and waterfalls, that will take your breath away. 

2) Cetina River

Ready for adventure? the Cetina River is an ideal spot for kayaking and is 1000km long-- offering enough sceneries as the eyes can reach. Book an excursion tour to explore this marvellous area for two or three hours and soak up its unique beauty while discovering its hidden gems. While paddling along its shimmering waters, you'll get the chance to encounter hidden villages along the way, and its exuberant flora and rich fauna of the Dalmatian hinterland will nothing but enamour you. This magnificent river originates from the Dinara Mountains near Vrlika and flows into the Adriatic sea near the coastal town of Omis, which is also well worth a visit. 
 

3) Elafiti Islands

This chain of gorgeous islands and islets situated in the northwesternmost part of Druvronik provides a plethora of spectacular kayak and rafting routes, giving you the chance to discover the bountiful and exuberant beauty of the Dalmatian Coast. These are the Elafiti Islands, whose name originates from the Greek language, meaning "the islands of the deer". These magnificent islands have served as home and birthplace for some of the most pre-eminent sailors and navigators in history. 
 
This archipelago conforms three islands: Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan.  
Kolocep is famous for its fruit orchards and rocky beaches. The waters surrounding this picturesque island are deep blue and crystal clear, with strands of turquoise. Here, you can also discover many hidden and secret coves and beautiful secluded solariums.

Moreover, Lopud is a picturesque island with no cars to be seen. The island also boasts 16th-century monasteries and churches peppered throughout its lush land. So, when you're done exploring by kayak, you can make a few stops and appreciate these magnificent churches!

From its three islands, Sipan is the biggest, and also represents the quintessential Dalmatian village. Its dense Mediterranean vegetation, crystal clear waters, tranquil summer nights make for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And what would make a trip here even more enjoyable is by exploring its stunning coastal beauty by kayak which will completely dazzle you.

4) Solta Island

4) Solta Island

Solta Island's tranquil turquoise sea, all-encompassing greenery with pine trees reflecting on the glistening waters, its numerous quaint coves, and 360º-paradise-scenery make it an ideal spot for kayaking. One tip we suggest you here is to set off from the beach of Maslinica and indulge in an utmost romantic adventure by discovering the nearby coves and savour one of the most beautiful sunsets you'll ever witness.
 

5) Kornati Islands

The Kornati Islands are the largest and most exuberant archipelago on the Adriatic Coast, boast 300 sunny days per year, unspoiled environment, rich wildlife and sea life, and beautiful quaint fisherman villages. This archipelago is by far one of the wildest and rugged in Croatia, and also have fascinating submarine ecosystems which will be great to discover by kayak! Explore its magical reefs, bays, and marvellous geomorphology. What's more, the majority of the Kornati Islands turned into national parks in 1980. 
 
When getting the chance to kayak here, you might also spot loggerhead sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins, swimming at the rhythm of the beautiful shimmering waves. Kayaking here gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the labyrinth of little islands from a different point of view, and paddle along cliffs and its hilly coastline.

Suggestions for your kayak trip

 

  • Take a wide hat for the sun with you
  • Wear water shoes, as the limestone of the islands, can be rather rough
  • It's best to rent a polyethene kayak, because of the sharp rocks
  • Don't forget to take a snorkel and mask with you to discover nature's most beautiful sealife
 
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