Donji Karin / Peaceful oasis of greenery on the bay of the Adriatic Sea, located 30 km from Zadar
Perfect combination of continental and marine climate surrounded by pine forest gives plenty of cool and fresh air during the hot summer days. With clean air and crystal clear water Donji Karin also has a healing mud, effective therapy for traumatic injuries and rheumatoid arthritis.
Easy access to the beautiful, untainted Adriatic Sea makes it the perfect place for family (with children and pets) vacation.
While you’re here you can go visit not only Zadar but also Pakoštane, Biograd na moru (Biograd at the Sea), Krka waterfalls, Paklenica National Park, Zrmanja river canyon, Karišnica river, Mountain Velebit, Lake Vransko and other beautiful places.
At this beautiful location, this green oasis, few hundreds meters from the beach, you can find “Robi and Kristina Apartments”.
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Nearby places to see – Tuvina (a miniature ecological garden)
Because of the water waste and water pollution Mediterranean wetland are extremely rare, almost at the verge of extinction. The Tuvina wetland is a natural bird habitat under the perseveration of the ecological network Natura 2000.
Many endangered bird species have found this area as a perfect ground for nesting, resting, feeding and hunting.
Karin sea / Settled in a semi closed sea bay 52 square kilometers long with average sea depth cca 12 meters
There are two rivers in this area, River Bijela and Karisnica river.
As the streams of fresh water mix with the salt water and other geological processes a healing mud is formed. The healing mud is surrounded by different types of herbs. There is a considerable scientific evidence proving the combination of healing herbs and mud have overall health benefits.
Healing mud does not heal a specific illness but helps as a treatment of skin issues, anemia, rheumatoid issues and as an immunity boost. Used as cosmetic treatment helps to regulate skin pH, blood circulation, detox, reduction of pain, cellulite, stress relief and for weight regulation.
Few fun facts about animals – Upside down life
Bats are interesting creatures; they hang upside down from a roof or cave which puts them in the ideal position for takeoff.
Unlike the birds they can not launch themselves from the ground. Bats are endangered species and under government protection, living peacefully in this area.
River Bijela and River Karišnica
The high source of Kamesnica river is a cave (22m above the sea level) located next to Paulica mills.
At the entrance of the cave there is an old drywall that was used by locals for water collection. The Karesnica is not long (2.400 m) which is the reason some consider it a stream.
That small area is rich in flora and fauna, with more than a 350 different herbs and a 100 different bird species.
Origin of river Bijela name?
Bijela river in its dramatic beauty has it all: canyon, cave, clear water and waterfalls.
River Bijela (White) got a name from the white stone sediments inside the river bed. Those white stone sediments are sparkling in the water giving it specific colour and name. And its perfectly good for drinking.
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Climbers vs. birds
River basin is surrounded by tall rocks up to 300m tall, with marked tracks for sports climbing. Those rocks are natural habitat for birds. Also prefect for climbing. Since this area is under special government protection during the nesting season, climbing in not recommended.
River Bijela and river Karišnica
River Bijela source is inside the cave occupied by the different species of bats. From such a dark place Bijela (meaning white) river rises to a daylight at the 180m above the sea level and flows into Karin sea.
During the periods of low rainfall, it dries out, but through the rainy seasons it shows its real face, comes out with tremendous force, loud and strong. There are remains of the stone pool inside the cave, were water was collected for livestock.
At the end of the canyon you can see remains of the abandoned village Dupori. The village architecture is amazing, stone built shelters confined with drywalls, untouched gardens and almond trees.
Mountain cliffs are perfect places for birds nesting.
Zrmanja river
Zrmanja is 69km long river in south-west Dalmatia, Croatia. The river spring is located under the Postak, the southern peak of Pljesevica mountain at the 335m.
It flows into Adriatic Sea 12 kilometers from the town of Obrovac. It flows through the 200m deep canyon, suitable for kayaking and rafting. Its most important tributary is Krupa, known as one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe.
A boat trip over the Zrmanja will give you an unforgettable experience. Discover the beautiful nature, breathtaking cliffs, history and distinctive vegetation of this karst beauty.
If you want to take a boat ride, a picnic or rafting on Zrmanja river we can help you with all info and booking.
Zadar
The beautiful City of Zadar with its amazing history and cultural background is the city of many new and original experiences. Situated in a heart of Adriatic, Zadar is an administrative, agricultural, cultural and political center of the North Dalmatia, with the population of 75 000. Cultural history interconnects with all the perks for modern world; accommodation, authentic gourmand delicates, cultural sights, modern sport facilities, variety of places for short trips; if you like all the above this is a perfect place for you.
Zadar is one of the most popular destinations of Croatia, London Times called it a ‘The Party central of Adriatic’, and Guardian ‘The Croatian capital of cool’.
Zadar lives 24/7, during the summer it hosts Musical festival at St. Donat’s, Theater festival, Contemporary Music Festival, Street Art Festival –KalelargArt and Urban festival ‘Zadar Made of Dreams’, The Millenum Jump, Nigh of the full moon, concerts etc.
National park “Paklenica”
NP Paklenica is one of the oldest National Parks in Croatia and as the World Heritage Site it is protected by UNESCO. Its located in Northern Dalmatia, known by its black pine forest and wilderness karstic plateaus.
National park “Krka”
NP Krka is named after river Krka, located in Central Dalmatia.
Encompasses the area of 109 square kilometers along the river Krka with one of the most authentic ecosystems, rich with the various types of habitats, and exceptionally diverse flora and fauna.
There are eight hundred and sixty species of plants and several endemic species of birds and fish. History enthusiasts can visit archeological sites dating from the Roman times.
National park “Kornati”
Located west from Sibenik and south from Zadar they are one of the most unique archipelago of the Mediterranean Sea. Within the area of 320 square kilometers lays 140 islands, large and small. Name comes from the biggest island Kornat. Human presence extends from the Neolithic Age, Iliyrians and Romans but nowadays they are almost deserted.
Islands are covered with scented and medicinal herbs. Restaurants offer sea food-fresh fish, scampi but most have is the island’s most famous aromatic lamb.
Kornati are perfect for recreational fishing, scuba diving and sailing.
Nature park “Telaščica”
Located at the south-east part of the Dugi Rat island, surrounded by 13 islands and islets on 70,5 square kilometers.
It unique and diverse nature, geological and geomorphological phenomenon, archeological and the underwater world (red coral and carnivores sponge) is been under the government protection since 1980. The contrast of nature is manifested by peaceful bays and rugged cliffs, vineyard and cultivated fields on one side and pine and oak forests on the other side of island.
Park offers tours in nature, cruising, water sports, diving, fishing, cycling, photo safari and authentic gourmand food.
National park “Plitvice lakes”
The oldest and largest National Park in Croatia, its the UNESCO heritage site due to the impressive nature. The water flowing over the limestone and chalk have created natural dams which in return have created beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls.
Park is known by its 16 interconnected lakes, arranged in cascades. Lakes’ main feature is their distinguished azure to green, grey or blue colour that changes according to the season.
National park “North Velebit”
The National Park Velebit covers 109 square kilometers of the northern section of the Velebit mountain, the larges mountain range in Croatia. Because of its outstanding collection of mountain flora and fauna with endemic species park reserve is protected and restricted for visitors. The oldest meteorological station in Croatia is at the Velebit mountain.
There is a marked mountain trail dating from 1933, all routes are well marked and suitable for easy walks or for longer, multi-day hikes. From the top of the mountain view is magnificent you can see beautiful Adriatic Sea and its islands Pag, Rab and Krk.
The Velebit Mountain contains a lots of caves and sinkholes.
