{"id":32471,"date":"2020-05-08T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2020-05-08T06:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=32471"},"modified":"2023-10-01T17:34:08","modified_gmt":"2023-10-01T15:34:08","slug":"natural-parks-istria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/natural-parks-istria\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Natural Parks and Protected Areas in Istria of Outstanding Beauty"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Immerse yourself into the abundance of <strong>unspoilt nature,<\/strong> to <strong>be soothed and healed<\/strong>, and to <strong>have your senses put in order<\/strong>. Natural parks in Istria are unique due to the environment in which they are located.<\/p>\n<p>Istria is taking great efforts in becoming <strong>the most sustainable county in Croatia.<\/strong> It may come as no surprise that there are more than<strong> 67 ecological network Natura 2000 areas,<\/strong> covering a total of 174,575.18 ha. Istrian wetland habitat is home to more than half of Croatian ornitofauna.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32530\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32530\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_Pazinski_krov02_rez_3-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Pazin - Pazinski_krov\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_Pazinski_krov02_rez_3-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_Pazinski_krov02_rez_3-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.central-istria.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pazin \u2013 Pazinski krov<\/a>. Source: central-istria.com<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Numerous natural protected areas here are abundant with <strong>incredible plant and tree species in all seasons.<\/strong> Explore them all and you will be rewarded with their <strong>majestic beauty.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>1. Brijuni National Park &#8211; 14 green jewels immersed in the blue sea<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32485\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32485\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-1-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Brijuni National Park \" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-1-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-1-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: Brijuni National Park<\/div><\/div>\n<p>There is no other place in the world with so much holm oak and bay laurel in one single place or so much shade under the crowns of trees up to twenty meters wide. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.np-brijuni.hr\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brijuni <\/a><\/strong>is the most popular among the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istraecoxperience.com\/en\/eco-places\/protected-areas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Natural Parks in Istria<\/a>, <strong>truly a\u00a0world-class attraction\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0a wonderful image of nature cultivated by man in <strong>the splendor of green vegetation, remarkably cultivated landscape, and scent of the sea.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-32471 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"536\" height=\"357\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-4-536x357.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Brijuni National Park\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-32488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-4-536x357.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-4-344x229.jpg 344w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-4.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-32488'>\n\t\t\t\tSource: Brijuni National Park\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"536\" height=\"356\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-3-536x356.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-32486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-3-536x356.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-3-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-3-344x228.jpg 344w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/brijuni-3.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-32486'>\n\t\t\t\tSource: Brijuni National Park\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Here you can find about <strong>100 sites<\/strong> and structures with <strong>archeological, cultural, and historical value<\/strong>. Brijuni has always been and remain associated with <strong>the joy of leisure and pleasure.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Top eco things to do in Brijuni National Park?<\/h3>\n<p>Sungazing over Kastrum, cycling through the gentle wilderness, a guided tour on tourist train or on foot, soulful sailing, dive to the educational underwater trail, or <strong>take a ride in Tito\u2019s Cadillac!<\/strong> You can also apply for <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/volonteri.parkovihrvatske.hr\/en\/volunteering-programs-in-parks-of-croatia\/?park-filter=brijuni-en\">volunteering programs<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 as the guardian of plant biodiversity or assistant educator at Brijuni bat nights.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32492\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32492\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/titov_cadillac-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Brijuni National Park\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/titov_cadillac-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/titov_cadillac-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: Brijuni National Park<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>2. Cape Kamenjak\u00a0&#8211; the southernmost of the Natural Parks in Istria<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32474\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32474\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/ISTRA-Rt-Kamenjak-DJI_0142_ACR-aleksandar-gospic-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Kamenjak \" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/ISTRA-Rt-Kamenjak-DJI_0142_ACR-aleksandar-gospic-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/ISTRA-Rt-Kamenjak-DJI_0142_ACR-aleksandar-gospic-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/ISTRA-Rt-Kamenjak-DJI_0142_ACR-aleksandar-gospic-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/ISTRA-Rt-Kamenjak-DJI_0142_ACR-aleksandar-gospic-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/ISTRA-Rt-Kamenjak-DJI_0142_ACR-aleksandar-gospic-344x194.jpg 344w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/ISTRA-Rt-Kamenjak-DJI_0142_ACR-aleksandar-gospic.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Photo: Aleksandar Gospic. Source: Croatia.hr<\/div><\/div>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/kamenjak.hr\/en\/plan-a-visit\/how-to-reach-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Kamenjak Peninsula <\/strong><\/a>&#8211; a small nature reserve with <strong>large plant diversity<\/strong>. It is home to many <strong>indigenous plant species<\/strong>, especially orchids thanks to the fact that there are no campgrounds, hotels, or buildings and the flora and fauna can thus be undisturbed.<\/p>\n<h3>Top eco things to do in\u00a0Kamenjak Peninsula?<\/h3>\n<p>the coast is incredibly rugged and offers many places to<strong> swim and cliff jumping.<\/strong> The entire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istraecoxperience.com\/en\/eco-places\/protected-areas\/59\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kamenjak area<\/a> is covered with trails for <strong>running, trekking, and cycling.\u00a0<\/strong>Full Moon Bike Ride is a gorgeous event not to be missed during the summer months.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"RT Kamenjak - Cliff Jumping - 12 Meters +\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/N53-82c6XZ4?start=28&#038;feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/ecobnb.com\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2>3. U\u010dka Nature park &#8211; incredible biodiversity at high altitude<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32482\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32482\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/header_rotation_pic_1-870x390.jpg\" alt=\"U\u010dka Nature park\" width=\"870\" height=\"390\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: U\u010dka Nature park<\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pp-ucka.hr\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>U\u010dka<\/strong><\/a> is the highest Istrian mountain. For centuries, people survived here by tending to domestic animals, cultivating land, and using the forest. Dry stone walls, shepherd\u2019s huts, and field shelters are silent witnesses of <strong>harmonious coexistence between man and nature, but<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>biodiversity of the mountain<\/strong> remained fully preserved.<\/p>\n<h3>Top eco things to do in\u00a0U\u010dka Nature park?<\/h3>\n<p>Walking, hiking, cycling, rock &amp; free climbing, paragliding, and hang-gliding.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32483\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32483\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Stipe-Sura\u0107-NP-U\u010dka-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"U\u010dka Nature park\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Stipe-Sura\u0107-NP-U\u010dka-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Stipe-Sura\u0107-NP-U\u010dka-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Photo: Stipe Sura\u0107, Source: U\u010dka Nature park<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>4. Lim Fjord &#8211; unique fusion of the blue sea and enchanting greenery<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32505\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32505\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/istra_culture_lim-bay-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"lim bay\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/istra_culture_lim-bay-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/istra_culture_lim-bay-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: Istra Culture<\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istraecoxperience.com\/en\/eco-activities\/protected-areas\/natura-histrica\/special-reserve\/32\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lim is a <strong>flooded canyon-shaped karst valley<\/strong><\/a> and one of<strong> Istria&#8217;s most stunning features<\/strong>.\u00a0 This protected landscape cuts into the <strong>west coast of\u00a0Istria\u00a0<\/strong>between <strong>Vrsar\u00a0<\/strong>and <strong>Rovinj.\u00a0<\/strong> The walls of the drowned valley become steeper as the water curves inland, reaching a height of 100m.<\/p>\n<p>Due to\u00a0the combination of fresh and seawater, the waters of the canal are rich in fish and ideal for shell growing.\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istria-culture.com\/en\/lim-bay-i121\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lim fjord<\/a><\/strong> is a rare landscape with valuable vegetation diversity and several <strong>historical monuments<\/strong> can be found in the forest that embraces the channel.<\/p>\n<h3>Top eco things to do at the Lim fjord?<\/h3>\n<p>Enjoy the boat excursion, indulge in\u00a0hiking, cycling, sea kayaking, SUP, free climbing, visit Romuald cave, or simply stroll around the forest paths. Lim Bay is also great for scientific research.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32510\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32510\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/lim-fjord-trra-magica-1-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Lim fjord kayaking\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/lim-fjord-trra-magica-1-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/lim-fjord-trra-magica-1-536x301.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/lim-fjord-trra-magica-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/lim-fjord-trra-magica-1-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/lim-fjord-trra-magica-1-344x193.jpg 344w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/lim-fjord-trra-magica-1.jpg 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: Terra Magica Adventures<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>5. Motovun forest &#8211; a mystical land of a giant<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32513\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32513\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/1530106787_9823-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"The Forest of Motovun\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/1530106787_9823-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/1530106787_9823-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: Istra.hr<\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istraecoxperience.com\/en\/eco-activities\/protected-areas\/natura-histrica\/special-reserve\/31\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Motovun Forest<\/a> is an <strong>extraordinary cultural and historical monument.\u00a0<\/strong>This area represents <strong>the last preserved lowland <\/strong>Mediterranean autochthonous forest of common oak, narrow-leafed ash, and elm.<\/p>\n<p>The legend says that\u00a0<strong>Veli Jo\u017ee &#8211; an Istrian giant<\/strong>\u00a0once lived in this forest and used the oak trees as brooms to sweep away the enemy in a battle against knights. The <strong>Austro-Hungarian navy<\/strong> used these trees for <strong>building its ships<\/strong> and there are only three such forests preserved on the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n<h3>Top eco things to do in the forest of Motovun?<\/h3>\n<p>Forest bathing and <a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/HR-opcina-novigrad\/house\/eco-certified-5-villa-in-istria\/istrian-truffle-hunt-with-truffle-lunch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">white truffle hunting.<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32515\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32515\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/7-1-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"truffle hunt Motovun\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/7-1-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/7-1-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/HR-opcina-novigrad\/house\/eco-certified-5-villa-in-istria\/kZvjn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Villas Banistra<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>6. Pazin Abyss -a breathtaking masterpiece of nature<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32519\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32519\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_jama01_JD_17rez-695x490.jpg\" alt=\"Pazin\u2019s Abyss \" width=\"695\" height=\"490\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: central-istria.com<\/div><\/div>\n<p>The <strong>Pazin Abyss <\/strong>is legally protected as a significant landscape. The protected area comprises the canyon and the abyss of the Pazin\u010dica, about 500 meters long and about 100 meters deep, and the Pazin Cave.\u00a0<strong>Pazin Cave<\/strong>, which is actually the gorge of the river Pazin\u010dica, the largest subterranean river in Istria. The cave is located in central Istria, and the well-known <strong>Pazin Castle<\/strong> was built above it.<\/p>\n<h3>Top adrenaline eco things to do at the Pazin Abyss?<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_32518\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32518\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_speleoavantura5_JD_18_rez-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Caving adventure Pazin cave\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_speleoavantura5_JD_18_rez-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_speleoavantura5_JD_18_rez-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: central-istria.com<\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istra.hr\/en\/experience\/sports-and-outdoor\/speleoadventure\/1523\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pazin Cave speleo-adventure:<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Enter the cave accompanied by experienced speleologists and explore the underground world. Visits are <strong>nature and eco-friendly<\/strong> and offer a unique experience of the subterranean world,\u00a0a hundred meters underground, beneath medieval castle walls.<\/p>\n<p><em>Unaccompanied children and individuals with impaired motor skills, unfortunately, can not visit the cave due to safety reasons.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.central-istria.com\/en\/aktivnosti-activities-aktivurlaub\/zipline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pazin Cave zipline:<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32520\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32520\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_Zipline7_JD-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Zip line Pazinska jama\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_Zipline7_JD-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/Pazin_Zipline7_JD-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: central-istria.com<\/div><\/div>\n<p>The adventure consists of <strong>two steel cables<\/strong> above<strong> 100 m ground level.<\/strong>\u00a0The first steel cable is 220 m long, and it can <strong>reach a speed of 40 km\/h<\/strong> and the maximum height of 100 m, just above the sinkhole. The second line (280 m) can reach the<strong> speed of 50 km\/h<\/strong>, and it provides enough time to enjoy the unusual view on a grandiose abyss and a medieval castle on its cliffs.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Fe\u0161tini Kingdom Cave<em> &#8211; <\/em>a\u00a0magnificent underground world<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32522\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32522\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/festinsko-kraljevstvo-zminj-aleksandar-gospic-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Kingdom of Fe\u0161tini\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/festinsko-kraljevstvo-zminj-aleksandar-gospic-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/festinsko-kraljevstvo-zminj-aleksandar-gospic-536x302.jpg 536w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/festinsko-kraljevstvo-zminj-aleksandar-gospic-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/festinsko-kraljevstvo-zminj-aleksandar-gospic-570x320.jpg 570w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/festinsko-kraljevstvo-zminj-aleksandar-gospic-344x194.jpg 344w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/festinsko-kraljevstvo-zminj-aleksandar-gospic.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Photo: Aleksandar Gospic. Source: Croatia.hr<\/div><\/div>\n<p>In the heart of Istria, near the <strong>village Fe\u0161tini<\/strong>, close to \u017dminj, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istria-culture.com\/en\/the-kingdom-of-festini-i117\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>cave Kingdom of Fe\u0161tini<\/strong> <\/a>will amaze you for its natural beauties. When entering the cave, you will hear the <strong>harmonious sound of drops<\/strong> that have been creating <strong>magnificent underground jewelry<\/strong> reflected in the reservoir lakes below.<\/p>\n<p>The cave is filled with gorgeous drip water including easily recognizable shapes of the Magician&#8217;s Hat, the Tower of Babel, and the enormous Bat&#8217;s Wings.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Datule Barbariga &#8211; best place with\u00a0dinosaur\u00a0fossils<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32525\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32525\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/datul-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"Datule Barbariga\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/datul-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/datul-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: istria-culture.com<\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"h2 mb-5\"><strong>Special paleontological reserve Datule-Barbariga<\/strong> is\u00a0the most important site with <strong>dinosaur remains.<\/strong> Even though there were several\u00a0<strong>dinosaur footprints<\/strong> found in the Istrian Peninsula, these are the only remains in the whole Mediterranean area. The remains of the bones\u00a0from\u00a0a time period before <strong>130 \u2013 120 million years\u00a0<\/strong>suggest that they belonged to a\u00a0<strong><em>brachiosaur<\/em><\/strong>, one of the <strong>largest dinosaurs that populated the Earth.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32526\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"wp-image-32526 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/barbariga2.jpg\" alt=\"Datule Barbariga dinosaur\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: Natura Histrica<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Top eco things to do at the paleontological reserve Datule-Barbariga?<\/h3>\n<p>Hiking, swimming, sungazing, meditating, taking selfies, indulging in scientific research, and education.<\/p>\n<h2>9. Digital detox in Kontija forest<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32528\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"wp-image-32528 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/kontija.jpg\" alt=\"The Kontija forest\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/kontija.jpg 512w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/kontija-344x230.jpg 344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: infovrsar.com<\/div><\/div>\n<p>One of the special features of the\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/infovrsar.com\/en\/vrsar\/experiences-and-attractions\/kontija-forest-area\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">significant Kontija forest area<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is\u00a0an almost 150-year-old oriental hornbeam forest.\u00a0 The forest is full of maintained Macadam paths and here you can also observe the <strong>remains of a prehistoric settlement from the Bronze Age<\/strong>, built with the drywall technique.<\/p>\n<h3>Top\u00a0eco things to do in Kontija forest?<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_32531\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32531\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/michael-walk-Wavt_JhbShY-unsplash-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"meditation in forest Istria\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/michael-walk-Wavt_JhbShY-unsplash-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/michael-walk-Wavt_JhbShY-unsplash-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Photo: Michael Walk via Unsplash<\/div><\/div>\n<p>The Kontija forest is an oasis of peace, quiet and natural ambiance, ideal for <strong>hiking, cycling<\/strong> (there are shorter, longer and circular cycling trails), <strong>forest bathing, grounding, and relaxing meditation<\/strong>. It is also great for an <strong>enchanting forest picnic.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>10.\u00a0Baredine Cave &#8211; ancient\u00a0love legend\u00a0of the Istrian underground world<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32535\" class=\"thumbnail alignnone\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-32535\" src=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/05-Jama-Baredine-4-dvorana-870x490.jpg\" alt=\"baredine cave\" width=\"870\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/05-Jama-Baredine-4-dvorana-870x490.jpg 870w, https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/05\/05-Jama-Baredine-4-dvorana-570x320.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><div class=\"caption\">Source: baredine.com<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Persistent water flows created\u00a0spectacular crystalline forms and <a href=\"https:\/\/baredine.com\/en\/baredine-cave\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Baredine cave<\/strong><\/a> is a treasury of underground sculptures. Visit this <strong>geomorphological monument of nature,\u00a0<\/strong>known by the\u00a0<strong>touching and tragic love story\u00a0<\/strong>dating back to the 13th century,\u00a0of a nobleman and a beautiful shepherdess remaining united for good in this underground world.<\/p>\n<p><em>Cover photo: Cape Kamenjak by Aleksandar Gospic. Source: Croatia.hr\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Immerse yourself into the abundance of unspoilt nature, to be soothed and healed, and to have your senses put in order. Natural parks in Istria are unique due to the environment in which they are located. Istria is taking great efforts in becoming the most sustainable county in Croatia. It may come as no surprise [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":32473,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4,1],"tags":[2999,2988,2989,2990,2996,1599,2997,2995,2906,2998,2992,2993,2987,2986,2994,2991],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top 10 Natural Parks and Protected Areas in Istria of Outstanding Beauty<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Feel the genuine contact with nature, indulge in unique eco experiences and discover the exceptional biodiversity of Natural Parks in Istria.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/natural-parks-istria\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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