Stepping off a bus in the dark, there's not much around and not a single soul in sight. So why did I choose to visit this ghost town? Korenica in Croatia is a small village situated in the heart of the country. It's not a particularly common tourist destination, but for those looking to get off the beaten path and into nature, it's the perfect place to explore.

Most people staying in this village are there for one thing - the incredible Plitvice Lakes National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage site is Croatia's oldest and largest national park; it's no surprise that so many people want to visit it. I'll admit, I'd never heard of it before a friend told me I needed to go, and I'm certainly glad they did.

Even on a rainy day, the park was fascinating. I visited slightly out of season, towards the end of September, meaning there were barely any tourists around and I could enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds. That said, if you want to guarantee good weather, I'd probably visit a little earlier in the summer.

The park offers numerous walking routes, all clearly signposted, making it a safe and accessible place to visit. You can choose your route based on the amount of time you have, or whether you prefer to take a boat across the lake in the centre of the park.

If you're hoping to take the long route, you'll need most of the day. I spent around eight hours in the park, which made for a very full day. In this time, I managed to walk the entire long route, take a couple of short boat trips across the lake and explore some of the hiking routes.

There are cafes located in the park, so you can stop for a bite to eat if you need a rest.

On the day I visited, even the misty and wet weather couldn't spoil the park's natural beauty. I felt like I was on the set of Jurassic Park or in a tropical rainforest. You won't see landscapes like this in the UK, which made it feel even more exotic.

As you walk around, you can see the vast lakes and waterfalls, which make for a picture-perfect view from some of the higher hiking spots.

The park features a winding wooden path which takes visitors over the lake itself. This is one of the most well-known sights in Plitvice Lakes, and it looks just as scenic from above as it does when you're walking on it.

From the path, you'll be able to look down into the clear waters beneath, keeping an eye out for any fish that might be swimming around below you.

In Korenica itself, there are numerous places to stay and a decent selection of restaurants to grab lunch or dinner. The village has remained under the radar in many aspects. While it's an ideal place to stay, it hasn't become overly commercialised.

It's a small and quaint village that makes for the perfect place to stay if you're hoping to explore its immense surrounding greenery.

Korenica is a place where it seems that most people are just passing through, but it's no doubt an interesting place to spend a night or two.

If you're looking for a quiet break where you can relax and feel disconnected from the world, you won't want to miss out on this lesser-known destination.