There are 16 major lakes in all, falling one onto the next via a series of waterfalls and cascades. On a map Croatia seems to be all coast, a slender strip of land hugging the Adriatic, dotted with idyllic islands. But the country’s many scenic pleasures don’t end at the seafront. One of the chief reasons to venture inland is the Plitvice Lakes national park..

It's quite a powerful sight - the mineral-rich waters are an amazing array of blues and greens, with some displaying the kind of turquoise brilliance that it’s difficult to believe can occur without chemical assistance. Located midway between capital city Zagreb and the Adriatic, the park is an ideal place for biking and rafting.

Hikers will also be in their element. Wolves, wild boar and deer are known to roam in the surrounding forest. The beauty of the place is quite stunning, and it more than deserves its status as a UNESCO world heritage site.