Outdoor Croatia between the islands of Kvarner and the unspoilt nature of Lika

In just a few kilometres, one goes from the rugged coastline of the Adriatic to the mountainous areas of the hinterland, and this balance between sea and nature is one of Croatia's prides for lovers of outdoor activities and excursions, especially in this season, when temperatures are mild, the Mediterranean vegetation is in bloom and the risk of summer crowds is avoided. A must-see is the island of Cres (Cres), in the Kvarner Bay, characterised by its heterogeneous terrain and the presence of accessible bays and beaches on the western side, while the eastern side is marked by more rugged cliffs. In the interior of the island, which is criss-crossed by an extensive network of paths linking small towns such as Beli, Lubenice and Osor, Lake Vrana is an unexpected presence, surrounded by a natural environment that is still scarcely anthropised. Moving inland, the Lika region is probably the destination to put at the top of your travel preferences. Here, the landscape is dominated by plateaus, forests and mountainous relief, and some of the country's major national parks are to be found, including Plitvice Lakes, known for its system of basins connected by waterfalls and wooden footbridges, and Velebit Park, criss-crossed by hiking trails such as the Premužić Trail, which offers expansive views of the Adriatic. Croatia is also synonymous with cultural tourism thanks to villages such as Smiljan, home to the memorial centre dedicated to Nikola Tesla, which traces the life and inventions of the scientist through an exhibition route accessible to all. Finally, heading back to the coast, one discovers the fascinating beauty of Dalmatia and historical towns such as Zadar and Šibenik, which combine architectural heritage with a direct relationship with the sea. The former is worth a stop for the Sea Organ, a system of pipes and whistles built between the steps of the waterfront that provides a truly unique sensory experience; the latter is one of the oldest Croatian cities, with the narrow streets and squares of the old town centre surrounding the Cathedral of St Jacob and the Fortress of St Nicholas, two monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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