Take a Stroll in Paradise in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Those looking for something a little different for their 2014 holidays should look no further than Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park. Spanning an area of over 300 sq km, the park is situated on Croatia’s border with neighbour Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What makes this breathtakingly beautiful park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, so very special is that it encompasses a total of 16 blue-green lakes of varying sizes, all interconnected by hundreds of dream-like, mossy waterfalls.

Set within deep woodland of outstanding natural beauty, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including rare bird species; bears, boars and deer, as well as wolves.

Strolling along wooden walkways, visitors feel like they have entered Eden as they wander right up to the edges of stunning waterfalls, the largest of which, Veliki Slap, falls from a height of 70 m.

Open and invariably magnificent throughout the year, the park admits children under the age of seven for free. Single adult prices depend on the time of year and range from 80 Kunas (£9/$10.50)* in winter to 110 Kunas (£12/$14.50)* in spring/ autumn and 180 Kunas (£20/$24)* in summer. Children aged between seven and 18 have reduced ticket prices, as do students and groups of 15 people or more.

Accommodation

The park is home to one hotel, the Hotel Jezero, which is situated just 300 metres from Lake Kozjak, the park’s largest lake. Accommodation is priced between $451* (£273/ $331; single rooms) and $1184* (£717/ $868; two-person-apartments). Semi-suites and suites are also available.

* Prices/ exchange rates correct at time of writing.