Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia became at National Park in 1949 and is one of the largest National Parks in southern Europe. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, it now sees over one million visitors each year. Try not to visit in the height of summer when the crowds can be maddening, or get there early!!

Kilometres of walkways take you between emerald and turquoise lakes to cascading falls, and through lush foliage. You need at least 5 – 7 hours to see it all enjoyably.