In about 2 km from Drage there is the NATURE PARK LAKE VRANA, the largest sweet-water lake in Croatia.

This park extends parallel to the coast, sometimes less than 1 km from the sea. The sea fauna is not only rich, but includes examples of conspicuous dimensions too. The lake is furthermore the ideal habitat for many species of marsh and wading birds. For these reasons, the “Vransko jezero“ is protected as a bird sanctuary. Despite the swimming ban, it is a popular destination for canoeists, anglers and, naturally, bird watchers.

The entire perimeter can be explored by walking, cycling or on horseback. The bike path, mostly of gravel, is suitable especially for mountain bike. The trails within the park offer a unique experience to explore the rich flora and fauna, thanks also to the organization of various training programs, especially for children.

On the banks there are several picnic areas, where one can rest and relax. The panorama is breathtaking. One remains amazed by the contrast between the blue of the sea and that of the lake, appearing together to the visitor.

The NACIONAL PARK KORNATI is located about 8 miles from Drage. It is a “crown” of over one hundred mostly uninhabited islands, islets and rocks scattered in a blue crystal clear sea: enchanting islands with sometimes idyllic, sometimes wild landscapes, quiet coves and steep cliffs lashed in winter by a often furious sea, remote churches built by hermits, ruins of ancient forts, miles of stone walls and here and there thin grass for the sheep.

The islands, completely free of water sources and electricity, occupy less than a quarter of the total area of the park, but the beauty of the panorama, the interesting topography and the characteristic restaurants make them unique in their genre.

If the flora of the islands is very poor, the underwater area, on the contrary, is considered to be the richest in the Adriatic Sea. The biological diversity, as well as the amazing morphology, attract divers from all over Europe to enjoy unforgettable dives.

The winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, George Bernard Shaw, described the archipelago as follows: “On the last day of the creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath!”

The NATURE PARK TELAŠĆICA is situated around 15 nautical miles from Drage. This park covers an 8 km deep bay at the south-eastern part of the island of “Dugi Otok“ (Long Island), on the northern edge of the National Park Kornati, of which it is almost an extension. Really fascinating is the contrast between the quiet coves protected from wind on the inside and the steep cliffs forged by the waves on the west coast. Very important is the vegetation with profuse Aleppo pine forests and more than 400 species of plants, including many rare and endemic exemplary. Noteworthy is the Mediterranean vegetation, which counts more than 400 species, including many rare and endemic plants, as well as centuries-old holm oak and Aleppo pines woods.

The park is characterized by three phenomena:

- the first is the gulf itself, one of the most beautiful, largest and safest natural harbours on the Adriatic coast, where a dozen of small islands and over 25 coves are distributed;

- the second is the salt lake “Mir”, located in a narrow strip of land between the bay and the reef. It is about 2 km long and its water is always a few degrees warmer than the surrounding sea;

- the third, but no less fascinating, is the so-called “Stene” of Dugi Otok”, the famous rocky coast towards the open sea with its high cliffs that rise up to 160 m above sea level and fall steeply to a depth of 90 m into the sea. Here nest many species of birds, such as the gray hawk.

The NATIONALPARK KRKA, one of the most visited attractions in Croatia, due to its 7 waterfalls, is located about 40 km from Drage. It is situated along the homonymous river, that flows for 75 km, two thirds of its length, in a large and impressive canyon, falling over travertine barriers and creating seven thundering cataracts. The most famous waterfall is that of “Skradinski buk”: with its 17 steps, a length of 800 meters and a total height difference of 46 meters, it is the highest in the Mediterranean. Along its course the “Krka” forms some lakes: that of “Visovačko” houses in its interior the homonymous island of “Visovac”, on which the Franciscan Monastery is one of the most valuable historical and cultural monuments of Croatia. Very nice is also, further north, the waterfall of “Roški slap”, surrounded by high cliffs and lush vegetation. Another important monument, located in the narrowest part of the river beyond “Roški slap”, is the “Samostan Svetog Arkanđela Mihaila” (Monastery of Saint Archangel Michael), the most important orthodox spiritual centre of Dalmatia.

Especially interesting for tourists are the organized boat trips on the river, the numerous walking paths with many shady places to rest, those to swim the old mills still working and converted into small ethnographic museum. Local demonstrators, dressed in the costumes of the popular tradition, show young and old, how grain milling and weaving were exercised in the past.

In around 60 km from Drage there is the NATURE PARK VELEBIT, which covers a large part of the homonymous rock massif and the valleys of the River “Zrmanja“ and its tributary“ Krupa“. Thanks to the great ecological wealth, the “Velebit“ was recorded in 1978 in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This park is also rich in countless karsts formations: caves, sinkholes, ravines, ditches, rocks and gorges. The beech and fir forests houses many protected animals such as wolves, bears and lynx. On his high peaks nest magnificent raptors such as eagles and vultures.

The most precious jewel of the park are undoubtedly the caves of “Cerovačke”, considered by many the most beautiful caves in Croatia. It is a complex of caverns distributed on three levels, full of stalactites and stalagmites. Another attraction is the spectacular canyon of the river Zrmanja, up to 200 meters deep, a charm for canoeing and rafting. The course of the river is full of rapids and waterfalls, of which the most attractive is the “Veliki Buk”.

Precisely because of its wilderness, in some ways similar to the American West, the “Velebit“ has been used in the 60s, together with the canyon of the river “Zrmanja“ and the canyons of “Paklenica“, as movie set for the western series about the Indian chief Winnetou. The locations are still preserved, and allow the numerous fans of the German writer Karl May, to throw themselves on the trail of the legendary Winnetou adventures.

The NATIONAL PARK PAKLENICA is located about 70 km from Drage. “Paklenica“ is the name of a long valley with two gorges, the Large and Small “Paklenica“, which climb from the Adriatic Sea into the mountains up to the highest peaks of the “Velebit“. With its cliffs, caves and canyons is “Paklenica“ the most famous and, for sure, most exciting climbing area in Croatia. There are over 400 equipped climbing routes, of varying difficulty and lengths, that satisfy climbers of all levels. The primary attraction is the wall of “Anic kuk”, up to 400 meters high. For its verticality and the opportunity to climb throughout the year, it has become one of the most famous alpine destinations in Europe.

The park also offers challenging trails for mountain biking and trekking, as well as hiking paths suited for visitors of all ages including children who will approach the beauties of nature thanks to the numerous information panels too. In the park there are finally some 70 caves, of which the most beautiful is  that of “Manita peć”.

● PAKOŠTANE (about 5 km):

This small seaside resort, full of charm, is situated in a large bay, dotted with nice islets. Very typical are its ancient stone houses, the many restaurants, the promenade and the pretty harbour. Only in recent years tourism has developed in PAKOŠTANE without affecting its picturesque appearance and traditions. The taverns near the port offer simple but delicious dishes in a familiar and pleasantly informal atmosphere, while music and traditional dance accompany the summer evenings.

● Biograd NA MORU (10 km):

Also known as the “white City by the Sea”, since white is the dominant colour of the local houses, Biograd is characterized by a large port, a long sandy beach (300 m), a beautiful pine forest, a large pool with a high water-slide and an important tennis centre with 20 lighted playing fields. Every day, including Sundays, the local farmers sell their own products (fruit, vegetables and flowers) and fresh fish, often caught by their husbands, in an animated market. Nightlife is lively too, thanks to numerous events that are organized in the summer months.

● ZADAR (about 40 km):

Once capital of Dalmatia, the city of ZADAR is nowadays one of the most enchanting and famous tourist destinations of the Adriatic. The town’s centre is situated on a narrow spit of land, separated from the mainland by a ditch. The city is famous for the imposing Venetian city walls, the marble-paved streets, its beautiful squares, churches and palaces, the “Roman Forum” and not least, its sea organ, unique in the world. The 35 organ pipes, immerged in the sea in front of the historic centre’s quay, thanks to the wave of the sea, produces continuously deep sounds, corresponding to the seven musical notes.

● Šibenik (40 km):

The town is located on a wide bay, formed by the river Krka, which is simultaneously the most protected natural harbour in the Adriatic. The actual mouth of the river, lies on the other side of the bay and is connected by a narrow channel to the sea. The old town of Šibenik is grouped around the fortress of St. Michael in a labyrinth of narrow streets with beautiful palaces and churches. The most important monuments, in addition to the castle, are: the majestic Cathedral of St. Jacob, in white stone of Brać, the finest example of Renaissance architecture in Croatia and the magnificent city Loggia in Venetian style.

● PRIMOŠTEN (60 km):

The village, which has preserved the atmosphere and architectural features of the medieval town, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Croatia. It lies on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. PRIMOŠTEN is dominated by the church of St. George, which was built on the highest point of the island. Around the old settlement runs a beautiful seafront offering a panoramic view of the bay spread with small islands.

● TROGIR (90 km):

Located on an island and connected by two bridges to the mainland, TROGIR is also called the “little Venice”. Declared by the UNESCO “World Heritage Site” in 1997, the town is still surrounded by an almost complete ring of walls with two entrances: the Land Gate and the Sea Gate. Trogir is a true gem, rich in artistic monuments. The historical centre, with over ten churches, has in the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Lawrence its peak. Imposing is the massive Castle of Kamerlengo. In the past, from its square tower chains were stretched to the opposite island of Čiovo, to prevent the passage of ships in the canal and protect the port. Today the fortress is used for theatre performances and musical events. The waterfront owes its charm to the contrast between the beautiful architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque buildings, dating back to the Venetian period and the boats, often true luxury yachts, moored along it.

● SPLIT (120 km):

The birthplace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian was declared as “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1979. SPLIT looks like a living museum: a complex mixture of styles including Roman ruins, Byzantine arches and Venetian palaces, shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries crowned by wonderful sea-promenade.

The heart of the city is enclosed within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Even today you can see many remains of the original structure, such as: the basement with the cellars, the Vestibul, the Temple of Jupiter, the former Mausoleum of the Emperor, transformed over time in the Cathedral of Split and the Peristyle, surrounded by a beautiful colonnade. It’s also worth to visit the Venetian part of the town, just outside the Roman gates, with its beautiful squares and lively streets.