In 60 seconds
Where Croatia's largest mountain range meets the Adriatic sea, the Velebit massif rises almost vertically from the coastal channel to over 1,700 metres. Paklenica National Park protects two monumental karst gorges—Velika and Mala Paklenica—carved deep into the limestone. European rock climbers revere the sheer 350-metre monolith of Anića Kuk, while hikers discover cool stalactite caves, black pine forests and the fjord-like sunken inlet of Zavratnica.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You only want urban nightlife and sandy beach resorts; this is an outdoor adventure playground focused on dramatic limestone canyons, mountaineering and sea kayaking.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Paklenica & Velebit Coast fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Monumental limestone canyon with sheer 400-metre rock walls and clear mountain stream
Hike along the rushing Paklenica stream through towering vertical limestone narrows to the alpine mountain lodge Planinarski Dom.
350-metre vertical limestone wall renowned as Southeast Europe's supreme rock climbing peak
Watch world-class climbers tackle legendary multi-pitch routes on the sheer overhangs or hike the steep trail to the summit for vistas over the Velebit Channel.
Massive underground limestone cavern at 570 metres filled with huge stalagmite columns
Hike 1.5 hours uphill from the canyon floor to take a guided walk through subterranean halls holding 20-metre-high calcite stone formations.
Rugged, unmaintained companion gorge for experienced hikers with boulder scrambles
A demanding, wild canyon trail through dry stream beds and sheer cliffs, virtually devoid of other hikers.
900-metre dramatic turquoise sea inlet carved into sheer limestone canyon walls near Jablanac
Walk the stone footpath carved into sea cliffs around this miniature fjord, where you can snorkel over the visible wreck of a WWII German landing craft.
Masterpiece 57-kilometre stone mountain trail engineered in 1933 through the wild Rožanski Kukovi karst reserve
Hike sections of this gently graded dry-stone trail winding effortlessly through otherwise impassable white karst towers and deep sinkholes.
Relaxed coastal settlement where mountain trails meet pebble swimming shores
Swim in the refreshing, clean waters of the Velebit Channel right after descending from alpine hiking trails.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Where to eat the food this city is actually known for.
Restored traditional stone ethno-house at the entrance to Velika Paklenica canyon
Enjoy hearty goulash, Dalmatian prosciutto and peka roasted meats in an authentic stone courtyard immediately beside the park gates.
Heritage hotel dining celebrating Velebit mountain herbs, game and Adriatic seafood
Offers unique regional dishes like wild boar stew with mountain cranberries, fresh Adriatic fish and honey liqueurs.
Friendly seaside tavern in Starigrad known for fresh charcoal grills and woodfired pizza
A reliable post-hike stop for grilled Adriatic squid, lamb cutlets and cold Karlovačko beer right near the harbour.
Mornings, and the slow hour between things.
Trailhead coffee kiosk and outdoor benches at Entrance 1
Grab an early espresso and pick up trail maps before beginning the climb into the limestone canyon.
Waterfront café terrace overlooking Starigrad's small fishing boat marina
Relax after a day on the rocks watching the sun sink behind the island of Pag across the blue channel.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
World-famous rock climbers' hub covered with climbing flags, photos and memorabilia
The legendary gathering spot for international climbing teams since the 1970s, serving cold Velebitsko beer, calamari and pasta.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
Ancient folk stone resting places on mountain passes marking the 'measure' of the deceased
Fascinating traditional stone slabs carved with archaic symbols, marking where mountain bearers once laid the deceased down to measure their spirit.
After dark
Laid-back pebble beach shack serving cold draft beer and cocktails right by the water
Cool your feet in the Adriatic with a cold pint of local Velebitsko beer while gazing back up at the high limestone peaks.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
The core protected limestone gorge and mountain climbing reserve
World-class climbing crags, deep karst gorges, clear streams and alpine hiking trails climbing towards the Velebit peaks.
The coastal fringe where limestone mountains meet the sea
Convenient, relaxed coastal ribbon offering guesthouses, camping, family konobas and pebble swimming beaches.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Coastal town apartments and family hotels at the mouth of the canyon
The premier base for hikers and climbers, within five minutes drive or a 20-minute walk to Entrance 1.
Quiet coastal village with wide pebble beaches near Entrance 2
Ideal for travellers who prioritize beach relaxation alongside day hikes into Mala Paklenica canyon.
Dramatic coastal road settlements under the sheer wall of Mount Velebit
Breathtaking for road-trippers touring the scenic coastal Adriatic Highway facing the stark white cliffs of Pag island.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
Paklenica is declared a national park just months after Plitvice, protecting the dramatic canyon and endemic black pine forests.
The canyons and plateaus of Paklenica serve as the primary filming locations for the famous German Winnetou Karl May western films.
The ancient primeval beech forests of Suva Draga-Klimenta and Oglavinovac-Javornik in Paklenica are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Roman forum, Sea Organ and cathedral in Dalmatia's ancient capital
Head south to Zadar for an afternoon of Roman architecture, shopping and sunset listening to the musical Sea Organ.
Stark lunar island linked by bridge, famed for Paški sir sheep cheese and delicate lace
Cross the bridge to Pag island to tour the Paška Sirana dairy and taste golden, hard Paški sir sheep cheese flavoured by sea salt and wild sage.
