ABSTRACT Management strategies in protected areas are often based on experiences from large, remote sites, raising questions about their suitability for urban protected areas (UPAs). This paper compares management practices and impacts in non-urban protected areas (PAs) and urban protected areas. Focusing on twelve Croatian UPAs, the study explores challenges, activities, and resilience levels. Through field observations and interviews, it was found that UPA management is influenced by usage intensity, often requiring daily involvement of utility companies. UPAs face unique pressures due to frequent use, leading to longer recovery times compared to non-urban PAs. Moreover, the less natural the area, the greater its resistance to environmental pressures. While UPAs have distinctive challenges, effective management strategies that incorporate natural and cultural heritage, community engagement, and climate considerations can greatly improve their sustainability and public benefit.