Things to Do in Paklenica National Park, Hrvatska

Paklenica National Park, located in Croatia's Velebit mountain range, is a stunning natural paradise that serves as the country's premier destination for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain adventures. The park encompasses two dramatic limestone canyons - Velika Paklenica (Big Paklenica) and Mala Paklenica (Small Paklenica) - carved deep into the southern slopes of Velebit, creating spectacular gorges with towering cliffs that reach heights of up to 400 meters. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of Europe's most challenging rock climbing routes alongside gentle hiking trails suitable for families. Established in 1949, Paklenica National Park covers 95 square kilometers of diverse Mediterranean and mountain ecosystems, featuring dense forests of beech, black pine, and oak trees, alongside unique karst formations and underground cave systems. The park serves as a crucial habitat for brown bears, lynx, wolves, and over 230 bird species, while its dramatic landscapes have served as backdrops for numerous films including several Winnetou westerns. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping vertical climbs, peaceful nature walks, or simply want to experience Croatia's wild mountain beauty, Paklenica offers an unforgettable escape into pristine wilderness just a short drive from the Adriatic coast.

Top Things to Do in Paklenica National Park

Rock Climbing Adventures

Experience world-class rock climbing on Paklenica's legendary limestone cliffs, featuring over 400 climbing routes ranging from beginner-friendly to extremely challenging multi-pitch climbs. The park's most famous climbing area, Anića Kuk, offers spectacular vertical walls up to 350 meters high with routes that attract climbers from around the globe. The high-quality limestone provides excellent grip and the dramatic canyon setting creates an unforgettable climbing experience.

Booking Tip: Hire local certified guides for €80-120 per day including equipment rental. Best climbing conditions are April-June and September-October when temperatures are moderate. Book guides through the park visitor center or established local operators who know current route conditions and safety protocols.

Hiking the Canyon Trails

Explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails that wind through both Velika and Mala Paklenica canyons, offering routes for every fitness level from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents. The most popular trail leads through Velika Paklenica canyon to Anića Luka hut, passing dramatic cliff faces, crystal-clear mountain streams, and ancient beech forests. Advanced hikers can continue to Vaganski Vrh, the highest peak in the park at 1,757 meters, for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding mountains.

Booking Tip: Park entrance costs €5-8 per adult depending on season. No booking required for day hikes, but mountain huts should be reserved in advance (€15-25 per night). Visit April-October for best trail conditions, with spring offering wildflowers and autumn providing stunning foliage colors.

Caving and Speleology

Discover Paklenica's hidden underground world through guided caving expeditions in the park's extensive karst cave systems. The most accessible adventure takes you into Manita Peć cave, featuring impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations in chambers up to 32 meters high. More adventurous cavers can explore deeper cave systems with experienced speleologists, crawling through narrow passages and rappelling into underground chambers.

Booking Tip: Guided cave tours cost €25-40 per person including equipment and helmets. Book through park authorities or certified speleology clubs at least 24 hours in advance. Tours run year-round but are most comfortable in summer when surface temperatures are warm.

Mountain Biking

Tackle challenging mountain bike trails that traverse the park's rugged terrain, offering thrilling descents through dense forests and demanding climbs with rewarding panoramic views. The park features several marked mountain biking routes ranging from moderate family-friendly paths to extreme single tracks that test even experienced riders. Trails wind through traditional Velebit villages, past abandoned stone houses, and along ancient shepherd paths.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available in nearby Starigrad for €20-30 per day. No special permits required but inform park rangers of your planned route. Best biking conditions are May-September, avoid trails during hunting season (October-December) and after heavy rains when paths become slippery.

Wildlife Photography and Nature Observation

Embark on guided wildlife watching expeditions to spot Paklenica's incredible biodiversity including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and over 230 bird species in their natural habitat. Early morning and evening sessions offer the best chances to observe large mammals, while the park's diverse ecosystems provide excellent opportunities to photograph rare orchids, butterflies, and endemic plant species. Professional nature guides share insights about the park's ecology and conservation efforts while leading you to prime observation spots.

Booking Tip: Wildlife tours cost €40-60 per person for half-day excursions with experienced naturalist guides. Book 2-3 days in advance through the park visitor center. Best wildlife viewing is during spring and autumn migrations, with early morning tours (6-10 AM) offering highest success rates for mammal sightings.

Getting There

Paklenica National Park is located near the coastal town of Starigrad, approximately 47 kilometers northeast of Zadar along the scenic Adriatic Highway (A1). The most convenient approach is by rental car, with the drive from Zadar taking about 45 minutes through picturesque coastal landscapes. Regular bus services connect Zadar to Starigrad (€8-12, 1 hour), with buses departing every 2-3 hours during peak season. From Split, the journey takes approximately 2 hours by car via the A1 highway, while Zagreb is about 2.5 hours away. The park's main entrance and visitor center are located just 2 kilometers inland from Starigrad, clearly marked with brown tourist signs from the main coastal road.

Getting Around

Within Paklenica National Park, transportation is primarily on foot along well-maintained hiking trails and mountain paths, as motor vehicles are not permitted in the park's interior. The visitor center near Starigrad serves as the main starting point, offering parking facilities (€2-5 per day) and trail maps. For longer expeditions, the park operates a shuttle service during peak season to transport heavy equipment to mountain huts for climbers and serious hikers. Bicycles are allowed on designated trails and provide an excellent way to cover more ground, though many areas require hiking due to steep terrain. Local taxi services in Starigrad can provide transportation between accommodations and the park entrance for those without rental cars.

Where to Stay

Starigrad-Paklenica

Seline

Rovanjska

Jasenice

Tribanj-Šibenik

Maslenica

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Paklenica National Park centers on traditional Dalmatian cuisine featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, and locally sourced ingredients from both the mountains and sea. Starigrad offers several excellent konobas (traditional taverns) serving specialties like peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables under a bell-shaped lid), fresh Adriatic fish, and Velebit cheese produced by local shepherds. Many restaurants feature outdoor terraces with stunning views of the Velebit mountains, while family-run establishments pride themselves on homemade pasta, olive oil, and wines from nearby vineyards. For hikers and climbers, several mountain huts within the park serve hearty traditional meals and local brandy, providing authentic dining experiences in spectacular natural settings. The coastal location ensures excellent seafood availability, with many restaurants offering daily catches prepared simply with Mediterranean herbs and local olive oil.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Paklenica National Park is during late spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are moderate, rainfall is minimal, and the park's diverse ecosystems are at their most vibrant. Spring offers wildflower blooms, active wildlife, and comfortable hiking conditions with daytime temperatures around 18-25°C, while autumn provides stunning foliage colors and crystal-clear mountain air perfect for photography. Summer (July-August) can be quite hot for strenuous activities, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, though it's ideal for combining park visits with coastal relaxation. Winter visits are possible but challenging, as higher elevation trails may be snow-covered and some mountain huts close, though the dramatic winter landscapes and fewer crowds appeal to experienced mountaineers and photographers seeking solitude.

Insider Tips

Start your hikes early in the morning (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds and heat while increasing chances of wildlife sightings, especially during summer months when afternoon temperatures can become uncomfortably hot for strenuous activities.

Purchase the Velebit Nature Park annual pass (€15) if visiting multiple parks in the region, as it provides access to both Paklenica and Northern Velebit National Parks plus other protected areas in the Velebit mountain range.

Bring layers and waterproof gear even in summer, as mountain weather can change rapidly with temperatures dropping significantly at higher elevations and afternoon thunderstorms common during warmer months.

Things to Do in Paklenica National Park