Telascica Nature Park: A Nature Jewel on Dugi Otok!
The Telascica Nature Park is a truly enchanting natural jewel located on the southern tip of the island Dugi Otok in Croatia. Only a short distance from Zadar, this nature reserve is a popular destination for boat trips, but also for travelers and those who enjoy hiking. A real highlight in Telascica is the Mir salt lake, whose name means peace. But there is much more to see. The nature park fascinates above all with its spectacular cliffs, the fantastically beautiful Telascica Bay and the adjacent Kornati National Park. The countless idyllic beaches, which can be reached via hiking trails, are also beautiful. A must for every vacation in the Zadar region!
In this travel guide, we give you all the important information about the Telascica Nature Park. We also show you stunning pictures and give you useful tips on how to get there, excursions and where to stay.
Good to know!
The nearest town to the Telascica Nature Park is the harbor town of Sali on Dugi Otok. Here you will also find many recommendable accommodations, such as the Apartment Azaleja with pool and in the best location.
The entrance fee to Telascica Nature Park costs currently 7 euros per person and can be paid either on site or online. If you are coming by car, free parking is also available. There is an extra fee for boats.
The Telascica Nature Park borders directly on the famous Kornati Islands, which are located in one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia. The two excursion destinations can be easily combined by boat.
If you are not staying at Dugi Otok, you can take a day trip to Telascica Nature Park. There are 2 options for this. Either by car ferry from Zadar, or you can book a guided tour from the mainland.
General Information about Telascica Nature Park
The wonderful Telascica Nature Park, also known as Park prirode Telašćica, is located in the south-east of Dugi Otok Island. It was founded in 1988 and today covers an area of around 70 square kilometers. Its name Telašćica dates back to the Middle Ages and means something like the three lakes bound together. The nature reserve, which was established in 1988, includes numerous attractions that can be visited on an excursion. The famous 200-meter-high steep cliffs Stene, the picturesque bay Telascica, the salt lake Mir, the peak Grpascak at 161 meters, 25 small beaches and the 13 surrounding islands are all part of this nature park.
More than 500 different plant species, but also numerous marine animals, corals and rare red algae as well as carnivorous sponges find shelter in this park. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a donkey or two roaming freely around Telašćica Bay. You can reach Telascica Nature Park either by land if you are on vacation on the island of Dugi Otok, or you can take a boat tour from the surrounding resorts in the Zadar region. Excursions to Telascica are also offered from Murter Island, Biograd na Moru, Sibenik or Vodice.
Things to Do in Telascica Nature Park
On a trip to the Telascica Nature Park on Dugi Otok numerous beautiful sights and things to do await you. All the natural landscapes inside the national park are really worth seeing. Here you can hike along high cliffs, swim at the Salt Lake and enjoy fantastically beautiful viewpoints. Here, we have put together the best attractions in Telascica:
The High Cliffs
The high cliffs of the Telascica Nature Park are one of the main attractions of the nature reserve. The mighty cliffs of Dugi Otok are often referred to as the “Stene”. They are up to 200 meters high, and some of them reach up to 90 meters into the sea. You can imagine what a breathtaking view you get when you hike along the cliffs. Our recommendation is a hike along the cliffs to the salt lake. The hiking trail is marked on the map of the nature park and the cliffs are easy to find. When you get to the first restaurants before you reach the salt lake, take the turn-off to the right.
Salt Lake Mir
The salt lake Mir is located very close to Telascica Bay, and its name means something like peace or tranquility. And indeed, the lake really is an idyllic piece of earth. Surrounded by dense forests and lush Mediterranean vegetation, this saltwater lake is a beautiful place to swim. The mud is also said to have a healing effect. Compared to the somewhat cool Adriatic Sea, this shallow lake is always a few degrees warmer. Just don’t forget your bathing shoes, as some of the stones in the Mir salt lake are quite sharp. The flora and fauna of the park are unique, and numerous rare plant species, including 8 different wild orchids, have their protected habitat here. You are also sure to notice the many colorful butterflies, which are not uncommon in this park.
Tip: From the last parking lot, you can reach the Mir salt lake via an easy 30-minute hike. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter donkeys along the way.
Fort Grpascak
The Fort Grpascak is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are looking for the most beautiful viewpoint in Telascica. It was built in 1911 as a military base and is located at an altitude of about 150 meters above sea level. Nowadays, it has become a popular place for those wanting to get to know the Telascica National Park from a different perspective. From up here you have an incredible view of the island of Dugi Otok, the beautiful nature park and as far as the Kornati Islands.
Tip: An insider tip is to visit Fort Grpascak at sunset! Enjoying the most amazing view of Telascica is a wonderful experience you won’t soon forget.
Beach Cuscica
There are also great beaches to discover at the Telascica Nature Park. Especially beautiful are the hidden bays on the other side of the nature park, more precisely at the 2nd entrance near the coastal town Sali. A highlight here is the beach Cuscica, hidden in a bay on the southeastern tip of the island. From here you have an absolute dream view of the insanely beautiful Kornati islands. This place is one of the absolute insiders’ tips for Dugi Otok and hardly a tourist gets lost in this hidden gem. Beach Cuscica is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, but also here wearing bathing shoes is recommended.
Tip: A variety of hiking trails lead through the National Park. If you are planning a hike in the Telascica Nature Park, then you can grab a map in the tourist office directly in Sali.
Villa Lustica
The Telascica Nature Park has been inhabited since ancient times, which is why there are several Roman archaeological sites in the park. These sites are well-marked, and it is easy to explore them on your own. One of the best known is Villa Lustica, which is located in a beautiful position right by the sea. Especially the strait, where the big sailing boats pass, is really worth seeing and the surroundings are absolutely picturesque. This place has hardly been touched by tourists and is therefore still a real insider tip.
Getting there by ferry (Dugi Otok Island)
Getting to Telascica can be easily arranged by car ferry. This ferry operates in the main season daily, 4 times from Zadar to Brbinj at Dugi Otok. The ferry ride takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, and you should be at the ferry port about an hour before departure. From the port Brbinj you will travel about 30 minutes to the Nature Park Telascica. Admission to the nature park can be paid directly at the ticket booth.
Boat trips to Telascica
Tours to the nature park are offered mainly from Zadar, Biograd na Moru, Sibenik, Vodice and Murter Island. Besides the typical group excursions, trips by sailboat provide an extra great excursion experience. Trips to the nature park can be booked on the spot, or if you value good reviews, also online.
Where to Stay near Telascica Nature Park
Near the Telascica Nature Park you will find many great accommodations. In general, the island of Dugi Otok is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia, so we can definitely recommend a stay on “the Long Island”. Most of the accommodations are privately run vacation apartments, but there are also small guesthouses and vacation homes. Here are the best places to stay in the Telascica Nature Park area… It’s worth a look!
- Charming Apartments: The Apartments Ema offers some beautiful apartments with a view of the small harbor of Sali. The Telascica is only a few minutes away by car.
- Stone House in the National Park: The Tamo gdje je sve po mom is an insider tip if you are looking for truly exceptional accommodation in the Telascica Nature Park.
- Luxurious Vacation Home: The Luxury stone house in a Nature park is located directly in Telascica and offers vacationers great living comfort in a wonderfully peaceful location.
- Vacation Apartments with Pool: The MAIORA Luxury Island Suites is a wonderful place to stay. Guests love the modern furnishings and the fantastic pool.
Find the best accommodation near Telascica Nature Park:
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Murter lsland: Travel Guide & Things to Do
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