Arguably Croatia's wildest national park, Paklenica National Park spreads to a grand size of 95 sq km, sprawling across Zadar and Lika-Senj. The park is beyond scenic and is beloved by hikers and mountain climbers alike, with the majestic Velebit Mountain range its crown jewel. The brave like to conquer its highest peaks – Vaganski Vrh (1757m) and Sveto Brdo (1753m).
Hiking the Peaks of Paklenica
On a hike in Paklenica, you'll trek up gorges, climb walls of stone and meander along shady paths next to rushing streams. You'll take in sweeping mountain views along the picturesque Paklenica canyon and the UNESCO-protected beech forests. The two deep gorges, Velika Paklenica (Great Paklenica) and Mala Paklenica (Small Paklenica), have cliffs that are over 400m high. Most hikes here, such as Vaganski Vrh (1757m) and Sveto Brdo (1753m), are challenging, but there are shorter routes for inexperienced hikers. Check in at the Paklenica National Park Office (at the park entrances and in Starigrad) for hiking/walking options.
Anića Kuk
Paklenica has a wide range of rock-climbing routes, and the park is mostly visited by advanced climbers who love Anića Kuk, an area with over 100 routes, some up to 350m long. Get yourself hanging off the popular Mosoraški (350m), Velebitaški (350m) and Klin (300m) climbs; spring is the best season for climbing.
Manita Peć
If you're a cave lover, head for Manita Peć (30-minute tour €5; cash only), the only cave in Paklenica that's open to the public. The cave is a 90-minute walk from Paklenica's Entrance 1 car park in Starigrad. Be guided through its wealth of stalagmites and stalactites, and spot some of the underground fauna, including 52 invertebrates, 20 of which are cave species. Entry is by guided tour only. The caves are open from 10am to 1pm in July, August and September; low-season opening times differ.
