The amazing nature of Croatia. Geography of Croatia: nature, relief, climate, national parks Flora and fauna of Croatia

Northern part Croatia(Slavonia) is located within the flat Middle Danube Plain (Hungarian Lowland), drained by the Danube and its tributaries (the largest of them are the Sava with a tributary of the Kupa and Drava). The rivers are full-flowing and navigable for the most part. The southern part of Croatia is located within the Dinaric highlands, elongated parallel to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The steepest slopes of the ridges face the sea. The border with Bosnia and Herzegovina for a considerable length runs along the crest of the Dinara ridge with the peak of the same name (1831 m, the highest point in the country). The coastal part of the Dinaric Highlands is composed of limestone and is characterized by a wide distribution of karst.

The most valuable large bauxite deposits are found in Dalmatia, on the islands and in Istria. Croatia is also rich in deposits of marl, the main raw material for the cement industry. The reserves of hard and brown coal, oil and natural gas are small.

Short mountain rivers have a high hydropower potential. The length of the coastline is 1777 km. The shores are heavily indented by bays and abound in convenient harbors. The sea off the coast is deep, which facilitates navigation. The largest offshore islands are Krk (408 sq. km), Brac (396 sq. km), Cres (336 sq. km), Hvar (299 sq. km), Pag (287 sq. km) and Korcula (276 sq. km). km).

Eastern and central Croatia are characterized by warm summers (average July temperature 22°C) and cool winters (average January temperature ca. 0°C). 700-1000 mm of precipitation falls annually, which is evenly distributed throughout the year. The Mediterranean climate is pronounced on the Adriatic coast and islands with hot dry summers (average July temperature 24-26 ° C) and warm wet winters (average January temperature + 5-9 ° C). The average annual rainfall is 800-1500 mm, but they are mainly confined to the autumn-winter season. In the mountains, summers are moderately warm, winters are moderately cold, and heavy rainfall occurs all year round. However, in areas where karst is widespread, moisture seeps rapidly through limestone, soils become very dry, and slopes are often devoid of vegetation.

The vegetation of the country is extremely diverse: in the south of Dalmatia and in many areas of the Adriatic coast and on the islands - subtropical (in the foothills and mountains
broad-leaved forests of oak, hornbeam, maple, interspersed with shiblyak thickets). In the central mountainous regions - oak-hornbeam, beech, and in the upper mountain belt - beech-fir and spruce forests. On the plains of Slavonia and Baranya, the natural vegetation is steppe and forest-steppe with significant areas of broad-leaved forests of oak, linden, hornbeam, and maple. Poplar, willow, oak, shrubs grow along the valleys of large rivers, and meadows are widespread. Large areas are occupied by arable land. In total, the flora of Croatia has 4300 species, among them there are many endemic species (703 species are characteristic only for the Dinaric Highlands, 103 - only for Croatia). The flora of some islands is especially rich; Thus, 1430 species have been registered in the flora of the island of Krk, and 43 of them are endemic. The flora of the islands, which receive less rainfall, is less rich. Some of the islands are heavily forested. Thus, more than 70% of the area of ​​Mljet Island is occupied by an array of Aleppo pine and evergreen oak forests.

764 species of red, brown and green algae are distributed in the Adriatic Sea.

There are many commercial fish species in the Adriatic Sea. Of the aquatic mammals, the monk seal is characteristic.

Croatia is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world and one can understand those tourists who come here not to see its cultural, historical and architectural sights, but to enjoy the beauties of its virgin nature. The azure waters of the Adriatic coast, beaches surrounded by coniferous forests and the air saturated with the aromas of mountain herbs and the sea attract many tourists from all over the world.

About 4.5 thousand different types of flora grow in the country, and most of them you will not see in any other European country. On the rocks and stony cliffs alone, there are 700 species of outlandish plants. Oaks, maples, hornbeams, lindens grow in the forests, and along the river valleys - poplars, willows and many shrubs.

Unusually picturesque, abundantly covered with vegetation, numerous islands of Croatia. Tourists, going on a trip to Croatia, be sure to visit them to immerse themselves in the world of amazing nature. Slender cypresses, fragrant laurel bushes, olive groves, citrus plantations, well-groomed vineyards, lavender fields are so beautiful that there is a desire to stay in this paradise forever. The richest in terms of vegetation is the island of Krk, on which 1430 plant species grow.

The fauna of Croatia is not as rich as the flora, but, nevertheless, is of great interest for study. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that representatives of the animal world do not die out here, as in other countries to which civilization has reached. Lizards and snakes live here on the warm rocks, and there are many turtles near the bern. Walking along the mountain forest paths, you can easily see a marten, chamois, deer, badger, fox and hare. More formidable animals also live here, such as wolves, brown bears and forest cats.

If you buy a tour to Croatia in winter, then on one of its islands you can see several types of Russian birds that come here for the winter, fleeing from our cold. Capercaillie, partridges, several species of woodpeckers, including very rare ones, live in the local forests. The favorite habitat of birds is swampy landscapes formed at the confluence of rivers or in the area where they flow into the sea. Eagles, falcons, storks, gulls and several other species of waterfowl live here.

The underwater world of the Adriatic is extraordinarily beautiful. Amazing corals, many species of exotic and commercial fish, huge shells can be found while scuba diving in clear sea waters. A rare aquatic mammal, the monk seal, also lives here.

Croatia is a state in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Area - 56,542 km2, water area - 33,200 km2. Population - 4,495,904 (2005). The capital and largest city is Zagreb (779 thousand inhabitants). The highest point of the country is the city of Dinara, the central peak of the Dinaric Highlands (1,830 meters).

The country consists of two continental parts, located mainly in the Sava river basin; and the Adriatic, an elongated narrow strip along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. A characteristic feature of the Adriatic coast is a large number of islands, usually stretched parallel to the coast from the northwest to the southeast. The Adriatic coast of Croatia was formed during the structural-denudation dismemberment as a result of the subsidence of the western part of the Balkan Peninsula and the partial flooding of the coastal ranges of the Dinaric Highlands by the sea.

Numerous islands, winding bays and straits, combined with Mediterranean vegetation, give the coast a picturesque look. The 1145 Dalmatian Islands cover an area of ​​about 2500 km2, of which 47 are inhabited. The largest - Cres and Krk - cover an area of ​​more than 405 km2, the smallest are tiny rocks in the middle of the sea. The islands are home to three of Croatia's eight national parks - Brijuni, Kornati and Mljet. The length of the sea coast is 5,835 kilometers; of these, 1,777 kilometers are the length of the continental coast, 4,058 kilometers are the length of the coastline of the islands.

In the north, Croatia borders on Slovenia (670 km), in the northeast on Hungary (329 km), in the east on Serbia (241 km), in the south on Bosnia and Herzegovina (932 km) and Montenegro (25 km). In the southern part of the Adriatic coast, a narrow 10-kilometer stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina goes to the sea, on which the city of Neum is located. Because of this, the southern part of Croatia, centered on the city of Dubrovnik, is cut off by land from the rest of the country.

Relief of Croatia

Most of the territory of Croatia is located at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. The Adriatic coast is separated from the interior by mountain ranges. The highest peaks are Tsintsar (2085 m), Velika Vershina (1890 m), Dinara (1830 m), St. Yure (1762 m), Vaganski (1757 m), Pleshevitsa (1648 m). The narrow strip of the mountainous coast of the Adriatic Sea (Dalmatia) is indented by numerous bays. Along the coast, like a mosaic, many islands and islets are scattered. In total there are 1185 of them with a total length of the coastline of 4058 km. The eastern part of Croatia is a hilly plain, crossed by the valleys of the Sava and Drava rivers. In the center and in the west of the country there is a sharply dissected Dinaric highland up to 1831 m high, karst is widely developed here (craters, caves, and other relief forms composed of limestones).

Water resources of Croatia

The largest rivers, the Danube and its tributaries, the Sava and Drava, flow into the Black Sea. A few rivers flow down to the Adriatic through narrow gorges, forming a huge number of waterfalls. The waters of the Adriatic Sea near the Croatian coast are clean and transparent, since mountain rivers do not carry silt and sand into it.

The largest lake in Croatia is Vransko (30.7 km2). Tourists are attracted by the picturesque chain of 16 Plitvice lakes that merge with the Korana River, the Red and Blue lakes near Imotski, a freshwater lake on the island of Cres. There are artificial lakes in Gorski Kotar - Lokve and Bayer. Lake Kopachevo and wetlands around it are inhabited by many birds. Here is the largest ornithological reserve in Europe, Kopacki-Rit.

Climate of Croatia

The climatic conditions of different regions of the country are very diverse. In northwestern and eastern Croatia, the climate is temperate continental and continental. In winter, frosts are weak, but sometimes it snows, spring and autumn are long and rainy, summers are hot, sometimes dry. In the mountainous regions, the climate is typical for the middle mountains - cold and snowy winters, warm summers. On the coast and islands, the climate is Mediterranean - rainy and snowless winters, long and hot summers, mild spring and autumn. The tourist season on the coast lasts from mid-May to mid-October.

Flora and fauna of Croatia

Croatia is a kind of northern exotic oasis of the Mediterranean Sea with numerous rare species of plants and animals. About 4300 species of plants grow on its territory.

The country's vegetation is extremely diverse: in the south of Dalmatia and in many areas of the Adriatic coast and on the islands - subtropical (in the foothills and mountains, broad-leaved forests of oak, hornbeam, maple, interspersed with shibleak thickets). In the central mountainous regions - oak-hornbeam, beech, and in the upper mountain belt - beech-fir and spruce forests. On the plains of Slavonia and Baranya, the natural vegetation is steppe and forest-steppe with significant areas of broad-leaved forests of oak, linden, hornbeam, and maple. Poplar, willow, oak, shrubs grow along the valleys of large rivers, and meadows are widespread. Large areas are occupied by arable land. In total, the flora of Croatia has 4300 species. The flora on the islands is especially rich.

764 species of red, brown and green algae are distributed in the Adriatic Sea.

The fauna is characterized by less species diversity. In the mountain forests there are brown bear, forest cat, pine and stone martens, hares, foxes, wolves, deer, chamois, roe deer, badger. Lizards and snakes are characteristic of the treeless, well-heated slopes of the Dinaric Highlands, and turtles are common in coastal areas. Diverse avifauna. Many nesting species. The most notable species are the eagle, kite, falcon, capercaillie, partridge, stork, gulls and a number of waterfowl. There are many species of woodpeckers in the forests, including three-toed, black (zhelna), gray-haired, white-backed, large motley, lesser motley, and verticey. Cres Island is one of the few places on Earth where the Bald Vulture Eagle lives.

Especially large concentration of birds within the marshy landscapes at the confluence of the Drava and Danube. There are many commercial fish species in the Adriatic Sea. Of the aquatic mammals, the monk seal is characteristic. The richness of the flora and fauna of a small country is demonstrated by seven national parks, three of which are located in the mountainous region (Rysnjak, Paklenica and Plitvice Lakes), and four are on the coast (Kornati, Mljet, Brijuni and Krka).

National parks of Croatia

Currently, 7.5 percent of the territory of Croatia is part of the national parks and reserves. The country intends to double this figure, and thus in the near future it will be an extremely valuable territory in terms of ecology, located in the center of Europe.

Of the seven national parks, three are located in the mountainous region (Rysnjak, Paklenica and Plitvice Lakes), and four are on the coast (Kornati, Mljet, Brijuni and Krka). Let's get to know them better.

Brijuni is an archipelago consisting of 2 large and 12 small islands, located near Pula. It is the national park of Brijuni, together with the water area, its area is 36 square meters. km. It is rich in rare species of plants and animals. Here are architectural monuments of the ancient, Roman and early Byzantine periods. The National Park also includes a zoo with exotic animals.

During the period between the two world wars, Brijuni was one of the most upscale tourist centers and, preserving this tradition, remains so to this day. Being a natural corner of exceptional beauty, Brijuni intends to build its future on tourism.

Krka - the territory of the Krka National Park is 142 sq. km. The Krka River is known as the most unusual of all the rivers that flow through the rocky region of Croatia, and two-thirds of it passes through a canyon, forming numerous lakes, waterfalls and streams on its way to the sea. Between the Roški waterfall and the Skradinski buk on the island of Visovac, there is a monastery of the Franciscan brothers, which houses a very valuable library. The picturesque ancient town of Skradin with a hotel and a sailing center is also located in the National Park.

Plitvice - the sixteen lakes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park are connected by 92 waterfalls. The total area of ​​the lakes is about 2 km2, and the entire National Park extends over an area of ​​200 square meters. km. Due to its unique beauty, rich flora and fauna, this place was proclaimed a National Park in 1949, and in 1979, by decision of UNESCO, Plitvice Lakes was included in the list of world natural monuments. This unique creation of nature, which arose about four thousand years ago, attracts a huge number of tourists. Local traditions and customs are especially interesting here, for example, weddings under a waterfall.

Kornati is the largest island archipelago in the Mediterranean. Most of its islands (101) with an adjacent water area of ​​224 sq. km. Steep cliffs between rocks, sometimes reaching a height of one hundred meters, stone cliffs stretched along the coast for many kilometers, separating the possessions of local residents, rich flora and fauna - these are the reasons why this territory was proclaimed a National Park. For yachtsmen who are especially interested in these islands, 2 sailing centers have been built (Zhut and Pishkera).

Mljet - located between the island of Korcula and Dubrovnik. A third of its territory in the west (31 sq. km) has been declared a National Park due to the unique features of this place. So, the Small and Big lakes are connected to the sea and to each other by barely noticeable streams. The rich flora, especially forests, and valuable cultural heritage also became the reasons for the state protection of this region. Here, on the island, on the Big Lake, there is an architectural ensemble of a miniature monastery of the Franciscan brothers (XII century), which now houses a hotel.

Paklenica - part (36 sq. km) of the highest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit, is located on the southern side of the slope descending to the sea. The gorges here reach a depth of 400 meters and are the most impressive erosive gorges. Along with rich forests (different types of beech and black pine), the fauna of the paklenitsa also deserves attention: rare species of insects, reptiles and numerous species of birds, among them the especially rare bald vulture eagle. Anicha Kuk - a wall 400 meters high in the gorge, is one of the most attractive for climbers in Croatia.

Rysnyak is a mountain range (1528 m), located in Gorsky Kotar - a place completely overgrown with forests. The state took this region under protection, first of all, because of its rich vegetation, the rapid growth of which was influenced by four factors: seaside, continent, Dinarides, Alps. In addition, the mountain got its name from the name of the animal lynx, which still lives in these places today.

In addition to these protected National Parks, Croatia can be proud of its clean environment and rich flora and fauna in the rest of its part. There are not so many such countries in Europe. About 4300 species of plants grow on its territory. In the Adriatic Sea, there are hundreds of varieties of fish, lobsters, oysters and other seafood. Cres Island is one of the few places on earth where the Bald Vulture Eagle lives. Not far from Osijek is Kopačky rit, the largest ornithological reserve in Europe. There are two botanical gardens in Croatia: Trsteno near Dubrovnik and Opeka near Vinica. The country is proud of its numerous parks, in which most of the animals are under state protection. It can be said without exaggeration that one of the natural phenomena is the freshwater lake Vransko on the island of Cres - the source of life for the entire island. We could tell a lot more about the uniqueness and originality of the flora and fauna of Croatia. But we will only repeat: here the beauty of the surrounding world is learned and judged not by books.

Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/

Croatia is a state of the Balkan region, located in the southeast of Europe. The area of ​​the country is approximately 56.5 thousand km2, its water area occupies almost 33.2 thousand km2.

Croatia is located in the southeastern part of Europe, in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. Its area is more than 56 thousand square kilometers, and the population is about 4.5 million inhabitants. The geography of Croatia is very diverse, as its territory consists of two main parts: continental and Adriatic.

The weather conditions on the continent are characterized by hot summers, long autumns and springs, and not too frosty winters. And on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the Mediterranean reigns.

A characteristic feature of this area is a large number of islands stretched along the coastline. In total there are more than a thousand of them, but only 47 are inhabited. The largest islands are Cres and Krk, and the smallest are the tops of rocks protruding from the surface of the water.

Croatian coast - ecologically clean region

The geographical position of the country determines its division into two parts: continental and Adriatic. The first is located in the basin of the large river Sava, the second - along the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

The region has a large number of places where the tourist season lasts from May to October. More than a hundred Croatian resorts are annually awarded the Blue Flag, because the water off the coast is so clear that it can be seen 50 meters deep. In addition, it is very easy to swim in it, since the salinity of the Adriatic Sea is twice as high as that of the Black Sea. Tourists rest here on pebble, sand or concrete artificial beaches.

By land, the state borders with Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro, and by sea - also with Italy. An interesting feature of the geography of Croatia is the 20 km long seaside stretch that belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina and therefore cuts the Croatian coast into two parts.

We know that the Republic of Dubrovnik, which existed in the Middle Ages, transferred this small part of the land to the Ottoman Empire in order to protect itself from invasions from the Venetian Republic. Now in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina the city of Neum is located.

Picturesque lakes and mountains of the country

Geographically, Croatia consists of several regions and is divided into Slavonia, Posavian Croatia, Istria, the Adriatic coast, Lika, Gorski Kotar and islands. Each of them has unique natural features.

There are many lakes in Croatia: they are in Slavonia, and in Dalmatia, and on the Dalmatian Islands. Some of them are natural monuments, such as the Plitvice Lakes. Also well known to tourists are the Bachinsky Lakes and the Vransky Lake, located on the island of Cres.

The mountainous geography of Croatia includes the Velebit, Medvednica and Papuk massifs. And the largest mountain range of the country, the Dinaric Highlands, got its name from the mountain peak of Dinara with a height of 1831 m. These are relatively ancient limestone mountains that are distinguished by a diverse relief.

There are many caves here, as well as broad-leaved forests, which are inhabited not only by chamois and roe deer, but also by wolves and bears. Not far from here, in the province of Gorski Kotar, Alpine nature intersects with Adriatic and continental. The Risnjak National Park is located here, after visiting which tourists take away a lot of souvenirs with them.

The small country of Croatia is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Due to the unique location of the country, its nature is extremely diverse: there is a sea coast, and plains, and mountains. Almost 10% of the country's territory is occupied by protected natural areas. And if you are looking for a place where you can spend an unforgettable holiday in the bosom of a magnificent and very friendly nature, then Croatia is just what you need.

1. Krka National Park

Krka National Park is a real gem of Croatia's natural treasure. On its vast territory (more than 100 sq. km.) an amazing variety of flora and fauna is collected. There are more than 800 species of plants in the park, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The park is located in the valley of the Krka River, and on its territory there are seven most beautiful waterfalls. The largest of them - Skradinski buk - has a height of as much as 46 meters. In the immediate vicinity of the famous waterfall, there is an ethnographic museum where, among other exhibits, you can see amazing water mills.

Another must-see tourist attraction is the tiny island of Visovac, which hosts a Franciscan monastery founded in the 14th century.

2. Lima Canal

The incredibly beautiful Lim Canal is also called the Lim Fjord. It is a narrow bay that goes far inland. The channel reaches almost to the center of the Istrian peninsula, and its length is almost 10 km. Hundred-meter mountains, which rise on both sides of the Lim Canal, give the whole landscape a special picturesqueness. Nature in this fabulous place is especially strictly protected: it is forbidden to move on any vehicle with a gasoline engine, you can not fish and scuba dive. Several marine farms operate in the Lim Canal, where they breed oysters and mussels, as well as several types of fish. There are also restaurants right on the shore of the bay, where tourists can try all these freshest and purest delicacies.

3. Valley of the Neretva River

The Neretva is one of the largest and most picturesque rivers in Croatia (however, Croatia accounts for only 22 km of its length, the remaining 208 km lie on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina). In addition, it is also one of the cleanest rivers in Europe - its water (especially in the upper reaches) can still be drunk without any fear, and the land in its valley is particularly fertile. At the source of the Neretva, the water is distinguished not only by its special purity, but also by its especially low temperature, which even in the midst of the summer heat does not exceed 7-8 degrees.

The best time to visit the Neretva is the summer months, when the nature here is especially beautiful. The most popular activities for tourists here are hiking and cycling, picnics and a variety of water sports.

4. Mljet Island

The width of this amazingly beautiful island is only 3 km, and it stretches for 37 km in length. Most of its area is covered with dense, picturesque forest. Among tourists, the island of Mljet is famous for its beautiful bays and wonderful beaches. The entire perimeter of the island is covered by a special road that allows you to admire the beauty of the local nature.

In the middle of the reserved forest there are two most beautiful lakes - Veliko (Big) and Malo (Small). The big lake has its own island, which is called the island of St. Mary. This island is home to an ancient Benedictine monastery founded in the 12th century.

The climate of the island is particularly mild - the average July temperature is 25 degrees, and the average January 9 degrees Celsius - which makes it an ideal place for hiking all year round.

5. Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a real gem of the richest nature in Croatia. For thousands of years, the waters of the Koran River have built real dams here, forming a whole cascade of incredibly beautiful waterfalls and lakes. The map of waterfalls here literally changes every year, as limestone dams grow here at an incredible rate.

To preserve the natural balance, numerous visitors to the park are prohibited from swimming in the lakes, making fires, having picnics, and even taking pets with them for a walk. All transport operating in the park runs exclusively on electricity. But such severe restrictions do not in the least reduce the annual flow of tourists to the national park, because the beauty of the local landscapes is so stunning that it more than pays for the inability to sit around the fire. The nature here is so beautiful that even the very thought of making a fire seems sacrilege to anyone who sees it.

6. Paklenica National Park

The beauty of the Paklenica National Park is also literally breathtaking. There are incredibly picturesque canyons of the Mala and Velika Paklenica rivers, as well as many karst caves. The sheer cliffs of the canyons always attract a lot of climbers. The length of the Velika Paklenica canyon is 14 km, and its width varies from 800 m to only 50 m. The height of the almost sheer walls exceeds 700 m. The width of the Mala Paklenica canyon in places is only 10 m.

Paklenica Park is the largest park in Southern Europe, where you can go climbing and water sports at the same time. Today, more than 360 well-equipped tourist routes of varying degrees of difficulty have been laid here. The climbing season starts in spring and ends in late autumn.

7. Kornati Archipelago

Most of this archipelago, located in the Adriatic Sea, is occupied by a national park. It includes 89 islands and its total coastline exceeds 238 km. The islands of the archipelago are located so close to each other that the straits between them turn into a real rock labyrinth. There are no human settlements on these islands, but the flora and fauna, both terrestrial and underwater, are extremely rich and diverse. Many bizarre corals, fish and pearl shells live on local reefs. On several islands of the archipelago there are ruins of ancient Illyrian settlements, and on the island of Kornat stands the ancient fortress of Tureta, built in the 6th century.

8. City of Trsteno

The city of Trsteno is located on the southern border of Croatia and looks more like an extraordinarily beautiful village. Here is a unique arboretum, which was founded in 1492 by the owner of the villa Guchetich-Gozze. Today, the arboretum belongs to the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and everyone is allowed in here. In the park you can see a lot of huge trees, whose age is calculated for centuries, and incredibly beautiful alleys immersed in flowers lead to a picturesque cliff with a wonderful view of the sea.

The central part of this small town, whose population is only about 10,000 people, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This part of the city is located on a tiny island located between the mainland and the large island of Ciovo. The beauty of this place is so great that the city receives most of its income from the tourist business. In the old town, you can see an amazing mixture of architecture from different eras, from Romanesque to Baroque, the ruins of powerful medieval fortress walls and the picturesque Kamerlengo fortress dating back to the 15th century.

10. Zrmanja River

This amazingly beautiful river flows through the bottom of a deep canyon that it carved into the soft limestone. In some places, the depth of this canyon reaches 250 m. The Zrmanja is a typical karst river, and sometimes it goes completely underground.

There are a lot of picturesque rapids and small waterfalls on the river (the largest of them is 15 m high), which makes it attractive not only for connoisseurs of magnificent landscapes, but also for lovers of extreme sports. Rafting is practiced here from spring to autumn, and kayaking and canoeing from July to August.