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. The Telascica with the salt lake Mir is a real highlight in Croatia and fascinates especially with spectacular cliffs, the fantastically beautiful Telascica Bay, the adjacent Kornati National Park and the countless idyllic beaches. A must-visit for every holiday in Zadar region!
In this travel guide, we give you all the important information about a visit to the Nature Park Telascica. In addition, we will share useful info & tips on travel, excursions and accommodations.
Good to know!
The entrance fee to Telascica Nature Park is 7,- Euros per person and can be paid either on site or online. Free parking is also provided. There are extra fees for boats.
This nature park borders directly on the Kornati Islands, another national park worth seeing, whose visits can be easily combined by boat trip.
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.
If you are not staying on Dugi Otok Island, you can also do a day trip to Telascica Nature Park. Here there are two options, either on your own with the car ferry from Zadar or you book a guided tour from the resorts of the region.
General information about Telascica Nature Park
Telascica Nature Park is located in the southeast of Dugi Otok Island and covers an area of about 70 square kilometers. Established since 1988, the nature reserve includes numerous attractions: The famous 200 meters high 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 part of this nature park. More than 500 different plant species, but also numerous rare sea animals, sponges, corals and rare red algae find shelter in this park.
You can visit the Telascica Nature Park either by land, if you are on the island of Dugi Otok, or you can take a boat trip from the surrounding resorts of the Zadar region. There are also excursions from Murter Island, Biograd na Moru, Sibenik or Vodice.
Things to do at Telascica
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:
Fort Grpascak – Viewpoint
If you are looking for Dugi Otok’s most beautiful viewpoint, then you should definitely visit Fort Grpascak. It was built in 1911 as a military base and is located at an altitude of about 150 meters. Nowadays, this place is a popular spot for tourists who want to explore the National Park Telascica on their own. Up there, you have an incredible view over the island Dugi Otok, the beautiful nature park and also far over to the Kornati islands.
Salt Lake Mir
The Salt Lake Mir is located very close to the Telascica bay and its name means something like peace or quiet. And truly, the lake is an idyllic piece of earth. Surrounded by dense forests and lush Mediterranean vegetation, this saltwater lake is a beautiful place to swim, too. In addition, the mud is known for its healing effect. Compared to the cooler Adriatic, this not really deep sea is always a few degrees warmer. Wearing bathing shoes is a great idea, the stones inside the lake are quite sharp.
The flora and fauna of the park are unique and so there are numerous rare plant species, including 8 different wild orchids, whose natural habitat is protected. Sure, you will also notice the many colorful butterflies, which are not uncommon in this park.
Tip: From the last car park, you can reach the Salt Lake Mir by an easy 30-minute hike.
The High Cliffs
The high cliffs of the Telascica Nature Park are one of the main attractions of the nature reserve. The mighty rocks of Dugi Otok are often called “Stene” and have a height up to 200 meters. You can imagine what a picturesque view you will get on a hike along the cliffs. It is recommended to choose the walk at the cliffs until you reach the salt lake. The trail can be found on the nature park map. The cliffs are easy to find, arriving at the first restaurant just before the salt lake, you take the turn right. Because the nature park is well signposted, this path can hardly be missed.
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 Natural Park has been inhabited since ancient times, so there are also some Roman archaeological sites inside the park. One of the best known is the Villa Lustica, which is beautifully located on the sea. Especially the strait where the big sailing boats pass is really worth seeing and the surroundings are absolutely picturesque. Also, this place is barely touched by tourists.
Getting there by ferry
Getting to Telascica can be 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.
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.
Accommodation & Apartments
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”. We have compiled our accommodation and hotel tips near the Telascica Nature Park…it’s worth a look!
- Apartments Ema: Nice and clean apartments overlooking the small harbor of Sali. Here, in the Apartments Ema, you will be within a few steps at the harbor and in a few minutes drive in the National Park.
- Apartments Bedene: The Apartments Bedene offer a top location in Sali and a wonderful view of the sea. Again, here, everything is clean and modern.
- Stone House in the National Park: If you are looking for a truly exceptional accommodation in the Telascica Natural Park, then you will surely enjoy this idyllic stone house. A little paradise of peace surrounded by nature.
Conclusion: The Telascica Nature Park is an incredibly beautiful natural highlight in the Zadar region. If you’re around, make sure that you do not miss this pearl.
Find the best Accommodation & Hotel in Zadar:
More about Croatia and Zadar:
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Dugi Otok and Sakarun Beach
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Zadar Tours: The 10 best day trips & Excurcions
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Sakarun Beach: Caribbean flair in Croatia
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Murter Island in Croatia – A travel guide
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Vir, Croatia: The Small Idyllic Dream Island!
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Petrcane: Best Beaches & Things to do
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