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Reserves and National parks Croatia

State reserves of Croatia

Even on a European scale, Croatia is a small country. All the more surprising is such a large number of state reserves. I must say, this surprises only those who have not seen them, and who do not know to what extent our nature is beautiful and preserved.

On the Adriatic, the State Reserve is undoubtedly dominant Kornati- the most sinuous island group in the Mediterranean, numbering about 140 uninhabited islands, islets and rocks. This is a real labyrinth in the sea, known for high sheer cliffs and unusual relief formations. The Kornati archipelago is a favorite place for yachtsmen.

Part of the southern slope of the largest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit (as part of the Nature Park), from the top to the coast, is covered by the State Reserve Paklenica. It takes its name from Velika and Malaya Paklenica, two impressive mountain passes with many unusual karst relief formations and several caves. Due to the exceptional wealth of flora and fauna and numerous endemic species, Velebit has been proclaimed a world biosphere reserve, and its summit part is a state reserve. This park includes nature reserves Rozhanski and Haiduchki kukovi with unusual karst formations and Lukina Cave, one of the deepest in the world, as well as the famous Velebit Botanical Garden.

Close to west coast peninsula of Istria is located State Reserve bryuny, consisting of two large and twelve smaller islands. The Mediterranean vegetation is well represented here, there is a zoo in nature, excavations from the era of ancient culture are interesting.

State reserve Risniak- wooded mountain range north of the port of Rijeka. In the places where the Alps and the Dinarides converge, you can meet a brown bear, a lynx, a mountain goat, a deer, a serpent eagle...

State reserve krka covers the course of the Krka River - our most beautiful karst river, flowing along deep canyons. Of the many cascades, Skradinski buk and Roski cascades stand out, between which, in the lake-like part of the river, there is the island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery (XV century).

The most beautiful and most famous Croatian state reserve Plitvice lakes is part of the UNESCO world heritage. It is located not far from the main road linking Zagreb with Dalmatia. The phenomenon represents 16 small lakes interconnected by cascades, which were formed as a result of limestone deposition. Of value are dense beech and spruce forests, sometimes reminiscent of taiga, in which numerous animal species have survived (brown bear); transportation is organized for visitors by special panoramic cars and electric boats.

Southwest of the city Dubrovnik the island is located Mljet, The State Reserve covers its western part with two deep bays, which, because of the very narrow passage to the open sea, are called lakes; lush Mediterranean vegetation, valuable ancient monuments and a Benedictine monastery of the XII century on an island in the middle of a lake - a bay.

Croatian nature parks:

Along with the already mentioned Velebit, this is also:

BIOKOVO is an imposing karst mountain located right next to the sea above the Makarska Riviera, with a rich variety of flora and fauna and a beautiful panorama. Mountain goats stand out among the animals.

KOPACKI RIT - a large natural swampy area at the confluence of the Drava River into the Danube with an exceptional wealth of various plant and animal species, especially fish and marsh birds. Dense forest, numerous herds of deer and wild boars.

Łonjska Polje - a swampy area next to the Sava River between the town of Sisak and Nova Gradiska, one of the largest surviving swamps in Europe with endless oak forests. Of the animal world of birds, storks are of particular interest, nesting on the roofs of local wooden rural houses,

MEDVEDNICA is a mountain range in close proximity to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, thanks to well-preserved beech and spruce forests and many different natural phenomena(caves, waterfalls, canyons). Medvednica has become the main recreational part of Zagreb.

TELASHCHITSA - the southwestern part of Dugoga island in middle Dalmatia with a wide and deep bay of the same name - a popular place for yachtsmen. There are several beautiful islands in the bay, and next to the sea there is a small salt Lake, from the side high seas are the highest Croatian sheer cliffs, whose height reaches 180 meters.

The Paklenica National Park is located. Although it is one of the smallest national parks, in a small area offers a large and varied offer. If you want to enjoy all the beauty of its flora and fauna, you can do it, walking or cycling according to him 200 km of equipped paths. To the adventurers among you, Paklenica offers 360 climbing sites. Traditional sights, of course: Paklenica Mill, Manita Pech Cave, Mala Paklenica Educational Center and Marasović Ethno House. Look for rest in Lugarnitsa- a forest house located at an altitude of 400 m above sea level on the main path of Velika Paklenica. To complete the experience, do not forget to stay at the campsite national park who, thanks to his pebble beach became popular place among adventurers and families with children.

Telaščica Nature Park in the southeastern part of the island of Dugi otok

On the island of Dugi otok next to the island of Rava and the island of Izh near the island of Pasman you will find Telaščica bay, another name of which is natural Park Telashchitsa. One of the features natural park Telaščica is Lake Mir, the salinity of which is higher than the salinity of the sea. Another interesting place- Rocks (Stene) - the most outstanding Strmac of the Adriatic Sea. During your stay in Telaščice, visit one of its numerous beaches, walk or bike through one from equipped lanes enjoying the diversity and uniqueness of the animal and plant kingdoms. Very popular trekking, photo-hunting and opportunity self diving, which does not drop out every day and which is not in any other natural park Croatia. Accommodation and recreation can be found in one of the private stone houses or in one of the apartments in the nearby town of Sali.

Plitvice Lakes National Park - just one hour drive from Zagreb

The most visited national park in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes. His advantageous geographical position allows per hour drive get to Plitvice from Zagreb or Rijeka. walking on the Plitvice Lakes on one of numerous equipped routes, you can enjoy the beauty of its 16 lakes with limestone waterfalls, thanks to which the park is listed world heritage UNESCO. Don't miss the opportunity to view its beauty in an unconventional way - by electric boat or panoramic train. Outdoor enthusiasts should definitely try climbing in summer and skiing in winter. All visitors can enjoy authentic Plitvice dishes in the restaurants Lička kuća, Borja and Poljana. Find accommodation in nearby cities located a few kilometers from the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Brijuni National Park in Istria

If you ever visit Pula, Poreč, Rovinj or any other part of Istria, be sure to get to Brijuni National Park. Brijuni thanks to its beauty were the favorite haunt of the president of the former Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito. Then they started here creating a safari park which you can see by going to excursion by train around Brijuni. In the last few years, the park has become an increasingly attractive place for yachtsmen, who, sitting in the bay of St. Nicholas, enjoy a pastime organized by the Concierge service staffa club in the national park. All those who come to the island public transport, will be encouraged by the offer sports and entertainment events, among which it is necessary to highlight golf and tennis, how popular species sports. You can stay in Brijuni in one of the villas or hotels, or use closenessPools and rent an apartment there.

Natural park Kopacki Rit in eastern Croatia

Between the Drava and the Danube in the immediate vicinity of Osijek and Baranya is the largest ornithological park Europe - natural park Kopački Rit. Routes in the Kopački Rit park are organized by boat or by land, they include visit to the zoological reserve and Tikvesh castle. Another popular reason for visiting is the opportunity recreational fishing. As a special feature of Kopački Rit offers you the opportunity adopting a bird, which will be marked with your number and name, and which you will be informed about when someone sees it anywhere in the world. Enjoy rich traditional Slavonian cuisine in one of the restaurants in nearby towns such as the ethno village Karanac, Beli Manastir, Bile, Drazh, Knezevi Vinohrady and Osijek. Private housing can be found in one of numerous rural estates orprivate apartments located in nearby towns near Kopački Rit or in the city of Osijek.

Lošinj water area and Kvarner dolphins, Lošinj island

When visiting the island of Lošinj, in no case do not forget to visit water area of ​​Losinj, located in Veli Losinj. The Blue Planet organization dedicated to the protection and study of marine species, founded the Adriatic Dolphin Project. Within the framework of this project, Loshinsky dolphin sanctuary and maritime education center. Entrance to the "blue planet" is only 15 kunas. You will be offered a lot of entertainment, watching the dolphins play out in their natural habitat is crystal clear. clean sea. In the center you have the opportunity learn something about the Adriatic Sea. You can also cheer up the family by adopting a dolphin. If you find yourself on Losinj in first Saturday in August you can participate in Day of the Dolphin. Except enjoyment gastronomic delicacies, hospitality of the hosts and private accommodation, take advantage of one of the programs developed for that day.

Koshlun and Biseruika cave, Krk island

Total 8 km from the city of Krk located Punat. Besides the fact that he is the most equipped tourist port of the eastern Adriatic, one pearl is hidden here called the island of Kosljun. This small island is located just 750 meters from Punat. You can walk around it in two hours and still enjoy the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Franciscan monastery, museum, zoological collections and library. Since there are no places on Kosljun Catering, look for food in the nearest Punat, Baska or the city of Krk. Be sure to go to Rudina to visit the 110-meter Biseruika caves, the beauty of the interior and the shape of which will take your breath away. The Biseruika cave is illuminated and equipped with safe routes. Your whole family will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of this natural phenomenon at an affordable price - only 15 kunas per person. You can look for accommodation in apartments or rooms in Shilo, Klimn, Malinska, Njivice, Krk, Baska, Punat...

Lake Vransko on the island of Cres

One of the most mystical natural phenomena Croatia - this is Lake Vranskoe on the island of Cres. It acquired its mystery thanks to a fact not yet explained: in this freshwater lake, the bottom of which is below sea level, fresh and salty water do not mix. The lake is located in the center of Cres island. In no case should it be confused with the Vransky Lake of Biograd and Sibenik. When visiting Lake Vransko on Cres you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the lush Mediterranean vegetation as well as the singing of many birds as the lake is also an ornithological reserve. If you are a fan of legends and legends, you will be inspired by the fact that, according to legend, there is an enchanted castle at the bottom of this 76-meter lake. Many more legends about Lake Vransky you can hear during your visit one of restaurants and stay inapartments in the nearest city of Cres.

Krka National Park, a couple of kilometers from Sibenik

Between Skradin andSibenik Krka National Park is located. Krka National Park open to visitors all year round and offers many possibilities. You can view the beauty of Krka National Park by walking along one of the equipped paths or along a 3-kilometer bike path, extending from the Skradinsky bridge to the Skradinsky buk, or organized tours on boats. The most famous parts of NP Krka are the Skradinski buk and Roski slap waterfalls. Of course you can feel a whiff of old customs in the ethno-presentation on Vodenice from the 19th century, you can buy a souvenir in memory of the Krka National Park in the gift shop and look for food in one of the aromatic plant culture catering facilities, used as food by Page sheep, from whose milk is produced worldwide famous pag cheese. This type of food is also suitable for lambs. Pagian lamb considered one of world famous delicacies thanks to its high quality meat. In addition to enjoying the delicacies of Pag, you can enjoy hiking, diving, cycling 115 km of equipped paths or just a visit cultural heritage Hellenistic era, and parties until late at night on "Croatian Ibiza"- sandy

Nature of Croatia national parks

Nature of Croatia unique for its reserves and amazing national parks that will leave the most pleasant memories of Croatia. Croatia is considered one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world, because care for environment is number one in this country. In all eight national parks of Croatia, the pristine natural beauty has been preserved, creating unique heavenly corners, which we will visit in this article.

Plitvice lakes

The most popular among tourists are Plitvice lakes. Previously, on the maps, this national park was designated as the "Devil's Forest" due to the fact that the park was surrounded by impenetrable dense forests. Here you will see many rivers and waterfalls, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. In the bowels of the forests of the reserve there are many animals, including bears.

Plitvice Lakes are closely associated with historical events in Croatia. It was around this national park that the struggle for Croatian independence took place. Soldiers from both sides hid in caves from their opponents and mined the park. Now it is quite safe in the park; after the war, the Plitvice Lakes area was cleared of mines and live ammunition.

The Plitvice Lakes won the sympathy of tourists already in the 19th century, and in 1983 the first hotel was built on the territory of the park, which undoubtedly increased interest in this beautiful place. In addition, the Plitvice lakes are considered a place where hunting for wild animals is not allowed. And in 1949 Plitvice Lakes became the official national park of Croatia. For the convenience of visiting, walking paths were built, noiseless and environmentally friendly electric trains, ferries with pleasure boats were launched. The park itself welcomes guests all year round.

Additional Information:
The Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of Croatia, in the counties of Lika-Sen and Karlovac. The nearest town is Slun.
Entrance to the park is paid: from November to March from 35 to 80 Croatian kunas, from April to October from 50 to 110 kunas. Children under 7 years old and disabled people enter free of charge.
Details on the official website: www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

Brijuni Park

Another national park that is not inferior in its beauty to the Plitvice Lakes is Brijuni islands. Brijuni Park was recognized as a Croatian national park in 1983 and is located on the west coast of Istria. it amazing park, consisting of two large and 12 small islands, which amaze with their beauty and natural vegetation. For example, here you will see Mediterranean oaks, laurels, pines, olives and rosemaries.

The Brijuni Islands are famous for their temperate climate, which attracts a large number of tourists. An interesting fact is that in the last century the islands were acquired by a certain Austrian businessman Paul Kupelweiser. Thanks to Paul, the islands of Brijuni became resort place. Hotels and inns were built, as well as a golf course, tennis courts, wine cellars and other amenities for tourists. Even malarial mosquitoes were exterminated! And this is all for a comfortable stay in the national park.

In addition, this place pleases not only with picturesque landscapes, but also with historical sights. Here you will find monuments created in the era ancient rome and be pleasantly surprised by the variety of exotic animals. Swimming is allowed on the Brijuni Islands, however, be careful, it is here that sea ​​urchins which once again confirms that the water here is absolutely clean!

Additional Information:
Brijuni is a group of 14 islands and reefs in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, near the western coast of Istria. The nearest towns are Pula and Fazana.
Details on the official website: www.brijuni.hr

Park Krka

Along the Krka River there is another national park with the same name - Krka. The park pleases with its beauty of waterfalls and a variety of birds, here you can even see a golden eagle. In addition, the park can be visited at any time of the year and watch migratory birds. It will be especially interesting for lovers of birds.

In addition to birds, the park has historical sights that you simply cannot pass by. For example, Franciscan Visovac Monastery, built in the XIV century by the monks of St. Augustine. The monastery is rich in art objects and historical archives. Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts ancient town Skardin, which will provide an opportunity to ride on a yacht or sail.

Due to its beauty and diversity of animals, Krka became a Croatian national park in 1985, which still delights a huge number of tourists.

Additional Information:
Krka Park is located in central Dalmatia, in the valley of the Krka River. The nearest towns are Knin and Sibenik.
Entrance to the Krka nature reserve is paid. The ticket price depends on the month of the year and ranges from 20 to 95 kunas. Children under 7 years old enter free of charge.
Details on the official website: www.npkrka.hr

Kornati park

Ideal for lovers of high cliffs, rocks and diving Kornati National Park located in Dalmatia. Here you can enjoy the variety of aquatic animals and the beauty of the rocks growing right out of the sea! Such a phenomenon is called Crowns, which tourists are not allowed to visit because of the great danger. In addition, olives are grown and sheep are raised in the Kornati National Park. But this is by no means the only advantage of the park. There are a lot of other animals here: snakes, lizards, martens, birds, and undersea world rich in corals, pearls, shellfish and fish.

Those who are not indifferent to history will also find something to do. On the beautiful island Kornat is located Tureta fortress, founded in the 6th century, the brainchild of the Byzantine era, as well as the church of St. Mary, built at the same time. Due to its beauty and richness of nature. The Kornati Islands became a Croatian national park in 1964.

Additional Information:
The Kornati Park is located in central Dalmatia, on the Kornati archipelago in the Adriatic Sea. The nearest cities are Zadar, Sibenik and Biograd na Moru.
Entrance, as well as the use of vehicles in the park are paid. The cost and details can be found on the official website: www.kornati.hr

Mljet Park

also rich in vegetation and animal diversity. It is located in the south of Croatia. It received the status of a national park in November 1960, which made it possible to protect this beautiful place from human exploitation. It is famous for two lakes with salt water - Big and Small. St. Mary's Island just located on big lake, where the historical landmark is located - benedict monastery founded in the 12th century.

The island of St. Mary is famous not only for the monastery, but also for its history. In the XII century, the monks decided to connect the sea with the Big Lake, which caused the lake to become saline. Although earlier, the water in the lake was fresh. In addition, in order to fight snakes and lizards, mongooses were brought to the island, which not only exterminated snakes, but also birds, while eating their eggs, which ultimately led to a reduction in animals on the island.

The Big and Small lakes are considered ecologically clean reservoirs, and this made it possible to preserve one of the oldest species of jellyfish - Aurelia. This park will delight those who seek to escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and enjoy the silence.

Additional Information:
Mljet is an island in southern Croatia, off the Dalmatian coast. The nearest city is Dubrovnik.

Park Paklenica

If you prefer leisure, then Paklenica National Park- the perfect solution! The park is famous for its mountain streams - Malaya and Velikaya Paklenica, caves, rocks, and, of course, canyons. As well as Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica Park in 1949 received the status of a Croatian national park.

Attracts climbers mainly Annicha Cook rock with a height of 712 meters. Well, for lovers of simple walks and excursions, there is an opportunity to admire the beauty caves Manita Furnace. Unlike the parks of Krka and Plitvice Lake, where you can come with the whole family, Paklenica Park is by no means for quiet walks. The presence of rocks and mountainous terrain does not always attract tourists with children, because here you will mainly have to climb rocks and mountains. However, Palkenica is famous not only for rocks and canyons. In the campaign for new experiences, you will see how diverse animal world. it perfect place for shooting European westerns, as Paklenica Park perfectly creates the atmosphere of the Wild West.

Additional Information:
NP Paklenica is located in northern Dalmatia, on the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range. The nearest city is Zadar.
Entrance to the park is paid. The cost depends on the month of the year and ranges from 10 to 40 kunas. Tickets can be purchased for 1, 3, and 5 day visits.
Details can be found on the official website: www.paklenica.hr

Park Risniak

assumed official status in 1953. The name, as you may have guessed, comes from a lynx that once lived in these places. It was precisely the rich animal world and the diversity of vegetation that Risnjak needed to be protected from the extinction of rare species of animals. After that, it was given the status of a national park. The diversity of animals and plants is explained climatic conditions parka. It is here that the Mediterranean climate intertwines with continental air and cold streams from the Dinarides.

You will also have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the karst caves. But even special mobile tourists who want to get a dose of adrenaline will be able to do mountaineering and rock climbing without any problems. After all, Risnjak is rich not only in nature and caves, but also in rocks. For example, Mount Snezhnik will be a joy for climbers.

But the main advantage of the park is Mount Veliki Risniak- this is the most high mountain parka. It will take about three hours to climb this mountain. It's extraordinary beautiful mountain covered with coniferous trees, and standing on the top of the mountain, you can see how the sun sets, ending the day.

Additional Information:
NP Risnjak is located in Gorski Kotar near the border with Slovenia. The nearest cities are Chabar, Delnice, Bakar.
In the park you can rent holiday houses with all amenities.
Details on the official website: www.risnjak.hr

Northern Velebit

The youngest of all national parks - Northern Velebit, which was founded quite recently, in 1999. Located on the northern slope mountain range Croatia - Velebit.

It is famous for its amazing botanical garden and deep karst failure called "Lukina Yama". This is the deepest failure in the whole world! The depth of the cave is equal to 1392 meters. Also, you will be able to see the karst peaks of Haiduchka and Rozhanski Kukovy.

Climbers will not remain indifferent, because there is an opportunity to conquer the Velebit mountain itself, but for tourists a walk up the mountain will be organized, thanks to the paved path. But the main pride of Northern Velebit is Bothnian garden, where you can admire various types of plants, the beauty of which will leave a mark in your memory for a long time.

Additional Information:
Northern Velebit National Park is located in northern Dalmatia. The nearest town is Sen.
Entrance to the park is paid. A ticket for 1-3 days costs 30 kunas. 4-7 days - 70 kunas, visit throughout the year - 100 kunas. Excursion service is paid separately.
Details can be found on the official website: www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr

Attention, all prices in the article are as of 2010.

- the most popular national park in Croatia, it is visited annually by about seven hundred thousand tourists, most of them are foreigners, the parks and Brijuni are twice behind in attendance, the parks Paklenica, Kornat, Mljet, Risnjak also deserve attention.

Paklenica National Nature Park

The Paklenica National Nature Park is located in northern Dalmatia in the Velebit Mountains, is part of the national park of the same name and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. The highest mountain in the park is Vaganski vrh 1757 meters and Sveto brdo 1753 meters. Tourists will be interested in the karst caves of Paklenica, mountain peaks Sveto brdo and Vaganski vrh, as well as the canyons Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica. Unfortunately, the river in the small canyon has dried up today.

Northern Velebit National Park

The Northern Velebit National Park is located in the north of the mountain range of the same name, the park area is 109 square kilometers. Tourists will be able to follow the route of the Premuzhitsev stasis, take a walk in the local botanical garden, visit karst cave Luki, the mountain peaks of Rozanski Kukovi and Haidicki look absolutely stunning, but the highest mountain in the park is Zavižan topped by a meteorological station.

Risnjak National Park

Risnjak National Park is located in Gorski Kotar in northern Croatia, 15 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, the nearest cities are Bakar and Cabar, the name of the park comes from the word lynx.

The highest mountain in the Veliki Risniak park is 1528 meters high and Snezhnik is 1506 meters high. You can enter the park through the village of Crni Lug, which is in the east.

Tourists are offered a 4-kilometer-long trail Crni Luge in a circle, the source of the Kupa River from Lake Kupeshko is noteworthy. On the slope of Mount Veliki Risnjak is the house of Josip Kalasancie Schlosser-Klekovsky, a prominent Croatian botanist, a little lower will be Mount Snezhnik, there is also a remarkable building on the slope called Albahariev House.

Mljet National Park

The park has an area of ​​109 square kilometers, on the river there are 7 cascades of waterfalls with a total height of 242 meters. The highest waterfall Skradinski buk has a height of 46 meters, Manojlovac 32 meters, Miljachka Slap 24 meters, Bilušić Buk 22 meters, Roski Slap 22.5 meters. Tourists will be able to visit the Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Krka and the Franciscan Monastery of Visovac, which is located on island of the same name on the river Krka, and near the Skradinski buk waterfall is ethnographical museum with a waterfall-powered washing machine and water mills.

The Republic of Croatia (Croatian Republika Hrvatska) is a state in the south of Central Europe, partly in the west of the Balkan Peninsula, a former federal republic within Yugoslavia, which became independent in 1991. The form of government is a parliamentary republic. The name of the country is derived from the ethnonym Croats.
Croatia's top protected natural attractions include eight national parks and eleven nature parks. total area national parks - 994 km², of which 235 km² are on the water surface. The concepts of "national park" and "natural park" are defined in paragraphs 11 and 13 of the Law on Nature Protection.

Kopački Rit (Croatian: Kopački Rit) is a nature park in Baranja, in eastern Croatia. It is located on the border with Serbia, northwest of the confluence of the Drava into the Danube and northeast of Osijek. The area of ​​the park is 17,700 hectares.

Lonjsko polje (Croatian: Lonjsko polje) is a natural park in Croatia, located in the southern part of the Moslavina region on the left bank of the Sava River below the city of Sisak, where the Lonja River flows into the Sava in several branches. Founded in 1998, has an area of ​​50,600 hectares.

Medvednica (Croatian Medvednica) - a mountain range north of Zagreb, popular place rest zagrebchan. Max Height- 1033 meters above sea level. 63% of the territory is covered with broad-leaved forest, the composition of which varies with altitude.

Žumberak (Goryantsi, Slovene Gorjanci, Croatian Žumberak, Žumberačka gora, Serbian Žumberak) is a mountain range in northeastern Croatia and southeastern Slovenia. highest point array - Sveta Gera (Croatian Sveta Gera or Slovenian Trdinov vrh), 1181 m (1178 m),

Velebit is a mountain range in Croatia. The highest point of the massif is Mount Vaganski Vrh (Vaganski Vrh), 1757 m - one of the highest peaks countries. The ridge stretches from northwest to southeast along the Adriatic Sea, separating the coast from the Lika region inland.

Lake Vransko (Croatian Vransko jezero) is a lake in Croatia near the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The largest lake in Croatia, located 4 km east of the city of Biograd na Moru and 10 km northwest of the city of Vodice. The western part belongs to the county of Zadar,