Sightseeings Dalmatia
Cypress - In the courtyard of the Franciscan monastery in Hvar there is a cypress (Cypressus sempervirens) about 500 years old, which is a great age for this kind of tree. The cross section of its branches is elliptic. To prevent them from breaking because of their weight the Franciscans have propped up the lower branches. Because of its old age and specific appearance this tree is a rare and unusual example of its kind.
Pine Tree On the Roof Of The Small Church In Nerezisce - The black pine (Pinus nigra), on the roof of St. Peter's Church in Nereliace on the island of Brac is an outstanding natural phenomenon, thought to be about 100 years old. The trunk has grown between the stone slabs on the roof of the church so under these unfavorable conditions it has remained stunted and small, and as such indeed presents a natural bonsai.
Vranjaca - Vranjaca Cave near the village of Kotlenica in the hinterland of Split, was discovered in 1903. It is probably the most beautiful cave in Central Dalmatia, characteristic for the Dalmatian karst region, which was formed in mineral limestone. It consists of two main halls and a corridor which connects them. The cave is rich in shapes typical for caves and is very impressive. Its length is about 300 and depth about 65 meters. Because of its attractive interior and surroundings, as well as the proximity of road and parking place, the cave is easily accessible and attractive for excursionists. Since 1929 there has been electricity in the cave, and there is a hiking trail about 300 meters long.
The Krka National park - What is basically so valuable about the Krka National Park is its combination of very specific natural features, with the superadded human and cultural values, and, in particular, the geomorphological and geological forms and the features of the landscape and the hydrology, the historical elements woven into the natural setting and the ethnographic heritage. Along with its richness of Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean flora and fauna, there are two endemic species of trout living in the Krka: the Visovac trout and the Adriatic salmon. A special charm is given to the Park by the numerous historical and cultural buildings which provide evidence of human settlement in the region from ancient times on (there are pre-historic remains in the caves, the remains of Roman buildings and a villa rustica, an Early Christian basilica, the ruins of a medieval fortress and numerous mills which are still in use today). Of all of these, the most precious jewels are the Franciscan monastery on the island of Visovac and the Krka Monastery, with their rich treasuries of culture and art. There are several picturesque settlements in the Park, the most interesting being the little town of Skradin, which is protected as a national cultural monument.
Jabuka - The archipelago of Palagrula is the most distant group of Croatian islands, and the little islet of Galijula from that group marks the southernmost point of Croatian territory. Palagrula differs from any other island by its large range of natural characteristics. It is characterized by an extremely dry climate with a very small amount of precipitation. A specific type of vegetation has developed because of such climate and great influence of sea and salt. Besides endemic plants, there are also different endemic animals. To make up for the lack of precipitation all these animals and plants abundantly use the moisture produced by dew which is greatly present on Palagrula, as well as some other specific adaptations. Thus, the endemic plant- wood spurge (Euphorbia dendroides) has a completely opposite life cycle from most other plants. Whereas most plants throw away their leaves in autumn and spend the winter still, this wood spurge remains without leaves and stays still in the summertime, in the period of the greatest drought. At the beginning of autumn it starts leafing, and the cycle ends at the beginning of summer, having used the rain from winter.