If you love nature, the visit to Nature park Vransko lake is a must while visiting this part of Croatia.
The largest lake in Croatia, Vransko Lake, easily found between two cities, Zadar and Šibenik, has been declared a Nature Park because of its rare natural habitats, fresh water springs and biodiversity, and its surroundings.
The lake is 30,02km², and there is 57 km² inside Park limits. The most important chracteristic is its special Ornithological reserve which has been included in the list of Important Bird Areas in Europe.
There are 256 recorded bird species, of which 102 nest in the park area. Four bird species that nest here are considered endangered on the European level and seven on national level. For some of these birds Vransko Lake is the only nesting area in the entire Mediterranean part of Croatia. The park area is also an important resting and feeding place for a whole range of endangered European species. More than 100 000 waterbirds come here to spend the winter.
Early morning or late evening before the sunset is the best time and you’re most likely to see the birds, so get your comfortable shoes and go for an educational walk on the ornithological trail „Birds of Vransko Lake“ which starts at Crkvina info centre. Do not forget to climb the birdwatching tower, too.
If you need some extra activities, there are possibilities for cycling, ove 50 kilometers of bike routes going all around the Vransko Lake. Kayaking is great, too, kayaks can be rented at a very reasonable price. There is an Adventure Park, also, where you can test your skils while walking on wooden mushrooms, hanging bridges, nets, zipline, and many more.
There are few areas in the world where you can simultaneously explore three very different environments and landscapes: the sea coast and the rich archipelago behind it, the Mediterranean swamp with its unique landscape and ecosystem, and just behind the hill, the rural idyll of the villages in Ravni kotari.
After the exausting day, be sure to visit Maskovica Han, a heritage hotel, restaurant, museum and a souvenir and wine shop and be a part of medieval history of this place. You will love it!