Učka
Učka, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Učka, Croatia
One of the highlights of Kvarner, Croatia, is Nature Park Ucka. Located on the largest peninsular area in Croatia, this park has natural and man-made wonders alike. The area is a mountain massif, or a compact ridge of mountains formed by the shifting of the earth's tectonic plates. Due to this, Nature Park Ucka is home to a multitude of crevices and caves which have attracted people for centuries. This area was declared a Nature Park in 1999, making it one of Croatia's newest Nature Parks.
Just because it may be newly declared as a Nature Park does not mean that Ucka is not rich with history. On the contrary, people have been using Ucka as a summer retreat as far back as the twelve century. The deep caves in Ucka appealed to many cultures and travelers in northern Croatia. During hot summer months, the caves offered a cool refuge. The homes and belongings of these people are still visible to today's visitors.
However, these days visitors are treated not only to the historical relevancy of the area, but also the spectacular displays of nature. The Ucka Nature Park is home to some distinctive fauna, including the Ucka little bell. The area is also plush with majestic beech and chestnut forests. For the active traveler, Ucka is an ideal location for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, even paragliding. The highest peak, Vojak, may be a trek to get to, but it is well worth it. The peak has an observation tower and a gift shop, but the real draw is the amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape.
The park is best reached by a road going through Veprinac. The surrounding areas have plenty of hotels for travelers to stay at, and entrance to the park is free.
