CROATIA // A striking ribbon of crystal water and gushing waterfalls in the forested heart of continental Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is excruciatingly scenic and has to be one of the most singular parks in the world. There are 16 lakes - from 4km-long (2.5-mile) Kozjak to reed-fringed ponds - all in dazzling shades of turquoise that are a product of the karst terrain. Travertine expanses covered with mossy plants divide the lakes, while boardwalks allow you to step right over this exquisite water world and trails lead deep into beech, spruce, fir and pine trees. Bears, wolves and deer roam here, but perhaps you're more likely to catch a glimpse of a swooping hawk or the occasional black stork. Hoof it or explore by free park boats and buses; definitely don't miss the boat trip to the base of 78m (255ft) Veliki Slap, the tallest waterfall in Croatia. It's surreal to think that this cool blue World Heritage-listed site was blighted by bloody conflict during the war of the 1990s.