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Canoeing |
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| The most beautiful
Croatian rivers run through the karstic areas, which means that
they abound in limestone barriers and waterfalls, which in turn,
due to the abundance of rain and sun, are bordered by lush
vegetation. During the dry season the waterfalls retain
sufficient water among the limestone barriers to ensure pleasant
sailing by canoe, kayak, or indeed for diving. Rivers lose
neither their clarity nor their green hue except during the
heavy spring and autumn rains. One is hard pressed to find
easier to navigate and yet at the same time more interesting
rivers to be negotiated by canoe, complemented by magical sites
in which to pitch your tent or to do some recreational fishing.
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| Waterfalls are often
inclined to disrupt a journey by canoe, although where detours
are necessary they are not particularly onerous or time
consuming and provide a rare opportunity to enjoy the wealth of
the falls. In summer time one may venture beneath them to
discover and investigate impressive caves. The rivers, and their
wondrous canyons, are never far from the tourist oriented
shores, although their relief and biological characteristics
differ greatly from those found along the coastline. Taking
advantage of this vicinity, coastal tourist destinations
frequently organize one-day excursions to the rivers, and since
the guides are experienced rowers one does not need the strength
needed for rowing, or experience. Indeed, such a river excursion
is suitable for the whole family. |
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Canoeing on the
rivers of Croatia can also provide memorable cultural
experiences. The monasteries of Visovac, Holy Archangel and
Krupa are located amid the green environs of the Rivers Krka and
Krupa, while the Radman Mills [Radmanove mlinice] on the River
Cetina represent an interesting entity of popular architecture,
as do the mills on the River Krka. Dotted along the rivers, with
some frequency, are the remains of old castle, burghs and
fortifications. Some of these are well preserved - like
Trakošćan Castle, set above the lake of the same name, as well
as Ozalj and Dubovac, by the River Kupa. The massive fortress of
Knin and the remains of Roman Burnum are also encircled by the
Krka, while the ruins of ancient Narona lie close by the River
Neretva.
A very special experience are the traditional pilgrimages, and
events like the festival of Dalmatian klapas - groups of capella
singers - which takes place in Omiš by the River Cetina. |
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In Croatia the
tradition of canoeing is centuries old. Remains of primitive
canoes carved out of tree trunks have been found in the Plitvice
lakes, and those traditional vessels, trupica, are still
frequently used for fishing and transport in the River Neretva’s
fertile delta.
Canoeing on most rivers and lakes is subject to certain
restrictions in order to ensure protection of plant and animal
communities or geological formations. The management teams of
protected areas and organizers of commercial trips can provide
reliable information, assistance in organizing canoe trips and
in acquiring the necessary camping permits. |
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