Krka is one of the most famous national parks in Croatia. Together with Plitvice Lakes, it’s the only waterfall-based national park. Krka is a landscape made by Krka River and there are many places to visit within he park that are a bit away from its most crowded parts. One of these places is Visovac Island, and in this article, we are going to focus on this secluded and peaceful part of Krka National Park.
Visovac Island is a place of significant history, and we’re going to discuss where it is located, how to reach it, and what to do and see once you reach it. It’s a rather small island, but a great place to escape the crowds and learn more about the history of this area. So if you are looking to visit less crowded places of this beautiful park, stay with us to the end of this article and find out all you need to know about the Visovac Island, Croatia.
What is Visovac Island? Visovac is a small island located on the Krka River between the Roški Slap and Skradinski Buk waterfalls, the most famous attractions of Krka National Park. Even though the island is very small, it has a significant place in Croatian history and religion.
Visovac Island is home to the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and a small church that dates back to the 15th century . The complex includes a library, a museum with religious artifacts, rare books, and a rich botanical garden. Monks have lived and worked on the Visovac Island for centuries and preserved its serene spiritual atmosphere.
Why Visit Visovac Island? If you are already considering visiting Krka National Park, you are just a boat ride away from Visovac Island. And this is one of the most panoramic rides you’ll experience in Croatia. But more about it later. Let’s discuss why you should even consider visiting Visovac instead of staying in the most famous part of the Krka National Park. Well, here are just a few of the reasons.
1. A Place of Peace and Reflection The Visovac Island is an incredibly quiet and serene place. It’s surrounded by the emerald-green waters of Krka River and all the surrounding vegetation. It offers a true escape from modern life into a place where you’ll be surrounded only by history and nature.
2. Historical and Spiritual Significance The monastery and church that can be found on the Visovac Island were founded by Franciscan monks in 1445. The monastery was a refuge, a center of learning, and a religious sanctuary for over five centuries. If you explore it thoroughly, you’ll find ancient manuscripts, artwork, and religious relics, including a sword believed to have belonged to a knight of the Battle of Kosovo.
3. Scenic Beauty The surrounding landscape is breathtaking. The island seems like floating in the middle of the calm river, creating a stunning scene that looks perfect both from the water as well as from viewpoints above the lake.
4. Unique Photo Opportunities The symmetrical shape of the island, the old monastery buildings, and the surrounding landscape make Visovac Island one of the most photogenic places in Krka National Park.
How to Visit Visovac Island Being an island, Visovac is accessible only by boat, and it’s visited as part of a tour within Krka National Park . There is a park boat service that you can take and reach this beautiful island.
Access Options:
You can join organized boat excursions from Skradin or from Roški Slap.
Some tours from other places like Split or Šibenik include a stop at Visovac Island along with Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap .
What to Expect During Your Visit Once you have arrived at the island, you’ll be greeted by the guide who will guide you through the island and tell you a bit more about its history. You’ll also have some free time to explore on your own and enjoy the peace that this place offers.
A short guided tour of the monastery and its small museum.
Time to walk the gardens and enjoy the peaceful landscape.
You have the chance to take beautiful photos of the island and the surrounding Krka River.
Dress appropriately if visiting religious sites on Visovac Island.
Best Time to Visit When it comes to the best part of the year to visit Visovac Island, we have to say that the island is beautiful in any season, but it looks different throughout the year. Any time you’re in Krka National Park, it’s a good idea to go to Visovac too.
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the periods with the best weather and fewer crowds in Krka National Park.Summer is also beautiful, but the island can get a bit busy, and boat tour schedules can fill quickly.
Nearby Attractions If you are visiting Krka National Park, you probably know that Visovac is just one of the attractions of this park. Make sure you also visit:
Skradinski Buk : The largest and most famous waterfall of Krka National Park.Roški Slap : A quieter area with cascading falls and great walking trails.Skradin : A picturesque town near the park entrance, perfect for exploration or as a base for a visit to the park.Manojlovac: The highest waterfall in the park. Located a bit outside of the main park area, but definitely worth a visit.
Before You Venture to Visovac Island, Croatia There you go, you have just discovered another place worth visiting in Croatia . Visovac Island will be a short stop on your longer exploration of Krka National Park, but its peace and history will overwhelm you, and it might happen that it becomes the highlight of your visit to this national wonder. All of Krka National Park is beautiful, but we somehow always liked the less-known parts of it, such as Manojlovac waterfall, our favorite location within the park. Explore these places and discover the untouched nature.
Enjoy your visit to Krka National Park!
