Are you planning a trip to Plitvice Lakes? If you haven’t already, you absolutely must. It is impossible to visit all the attractions of the park in one day. That is why it is worth planning a multi-day visit, which can also be used to discover the hidden gems of Lika.
Plitvice was created by the karst landscape of Lika and the constant flow of the Korana River, which over the millennia shaped the 16 lakes and over 90 waterfalls of this unique natural wonder. Plitvice offers a special experience at any time of the year.
They are our largest, oldest and most visited national park. This unique piece of wilderness was also recognized by the UNESCO organization, which included Plitvice among the 250 world natural monuments.
However, Plitvice is not the only place worth visiting in Lika and its surroundings. That’s why we present three wonderful locations near Plitvice for every taste.
Ethnic houses in the village of Plitvice
Resort Ethno Houses in the village of Plitvice offers something special for lovers of tradition who at the same time do not want to give up the most modern luxury. From the outside, these “ethno houses” look like traditional Lika houses, which complements the atmosphere already provided by the untouched nature of the area.
However, Ethno Houses is far from an ordinary village. The experience is close to that of the world’s most luxurious ski resorts, artfully combining traditional construction with modern comfort. Ethnic houses are thus built exclusively from stone and wood and equipped with hand-made wooden furniture.
This unique resort is located in the heart of the national park, in the immediate vicinity of the large waterfall and the boat dock on Lake Kozjak. Therefore, it is ideal for guests who want to immediately relax in a Finnish sauna or hot tub after exploring the beautiful nature of Plitvice.
Hotel Gacka
This hotel by the Gacka river proves that Lika is truly an undiscovered gem. Perhaps the most beautiful combination of nature, tradition and culture. The hotel is built in a rustic style, complemented by a classic garden that completes the experience.
The Gacka River is the symbol of this area, tamed by a stone embankment. Just a few steps further, however, the visitor finds himself in wild nature and the river itself flows wildly and undisturbed.
Guests of the hotel and restaurant appreciate the spacious rooms, excellent food and excellent service. All at very affordable prices. This is proof that Lika still has a mountain of unrealized potential. If you want fresh river fish in Lika, definitely visit this place.
Lukovo beach
Of course, the tourist overview of Croatia would not be complete without the sea, beaches and summer experiences. Lukovo u Senje beach is only an hour’s drive from Plitvice Lakes.
This beach perfectly shows how much diversity Croatia offers in a relatively small space. Visitors can thus easily enjoy the true summer atmosphere while swimming in the crystal clear sea at the foot of Velebit on the same day, and when they get tired of the heat, head inland for fresh forest air.
If you are a lover of luxury and cannot be separated from the sea for long, or you prefer villas by the sea to camping and cabins in the forest, there is an option for you. The villas are located in the immediate vicinity of the sea with a private beach in the relatively unvisited destination of Lukovo Šugorje. Therefore, it is not surprising that the owners of this villa call it “your private part of the Adriatic”.
The three villas are luxuriously furnished, have their own pools and offer a panoramic view of the untouched nature of this almost untouched part of the Adriatic. The experience is completed by the architecture of the villas, both modern and perfectly adapted to the natural environment.