Take the call of Croatian Wild

Celebrate Croatia's Untamed Beauty on the European Day of Parks

 London, 14 April 2025 –  Croatia is calling, and it's wilder than you think. With the European Day of Parks approaching on the 24th May, there's no better time to discover the sheer abundance of nature Croatia has to offer. This small Mediterranean gem boasts a tapestry of protected landscapes, from mountainous backdrops and lush forests to sun-kissed coastlines, and remote islands, making it a haven for rare wildlife and eco-adventures.

Birdsong and Bike Trails in Nin

Swap the grey for a splash of gold on the sandy shores of the Nin Riviera – home to 50 km of beaches and 110 km of scenic cycling trails. A short hop from Zadar, just five stops on the London tube, metaphorically speaking, this is the heart of Croatian birdwatching. Nin hosts more than half of Croatia's bird species and is one of the few breeding grounds in Europe for the elusive black-winged stilt – an 'aristocratic bird' rare in the UK and listed as Amber by the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern.

Nearby, Vrana Lake Nature Park, Croatia's largest lake and an ornithological reserve, offers birdwatching within an hour's coastal drive. Come May, visitors will also find a touch of luxury with the opening of Hyatt Regency Zadar and Hilton Preko on Ugljan Island – stylish bases to pair nature with comfort.

Rail to the Wild: Gorski Kotar and Lika

For less than £10, travellers can hop aboard a Croatian Railways train from Zagreb and head straight into the wilderness of Gorski Kotar and Lika. Here lie 68% of Croatia's national parks, including the iconic Plitvice Lakes, a natural wonder of 16 cascading turquoise lakes.

This forested paradise is also home to one of Europe's largest populations of protected brown bears, along with elusive lynx and wolves, preserved through local conservation efforts. For those eager to immerse themselves, Cro Bear offers wildlife photography tours with overnight cabins inside the tranquil Risnjak National Park, a springtime experience like no other.

Vultures and Village Charm on Cres

On the island of Cres, adventure blends seamlessly with conservation. Medieval villages, remote campsites, and pebbled coves paint a picture of rustic elegance. But it's the skies that steal the show, Cres is a breeding ground for the griffon vulture, protected for almost 40 years. At the Beli Visitor and Rescue Centre, travellers can marvel at these majestic birds up close in their natural habitat. Complete the stay with a touch of style at Isolano, Croatia's first Autograph Collection hotel, where contemporary design meets wilderness charm.

Wildlife and Wellbeing on Lošinj

Just over 30 minutes' drive from Cres, the fragrant island of Lošinj is Croatia's answer to open-air aromatherapy. Drenched in pine forests and medicinal herbs, and boasting over 1,000 plant species, Lošinj is ideal for travellers seeking wellbeing in the wild. It's also home to the largest community of bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic. Sunset boat tours with local 'dolphin whisperers' offer unforgettable encounters, while the Blue World Institute's “Adopt a Dolphin” initiative lets you take a piece of the experience home.

Time to Go Wild

Whether it's the rare birds of Nin, the bears of Plitvice, or dolphins dancing off Lošinj, Croatia offers an accessible, exciting escape for UK travellers ready to reconnect with nature. With new hotel openings and easy flight connections, 2025 is the perfect time to take the plunge. Celebrate the wild side of Europe in Croatia

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PR contact: Ivana Shiell at IShiell@aviareps.com 

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