Paklenica National Park

Paklenica National Park is a magnificent rocky phenomenon and just one small part of Croatia's most fascinating mountain, Velebit. It stretches on the littoral slope of South Velebit to the zone of the highest mountain peaks (Vaganski vrh 1757 m, Babin vrh, Sveto brdo). The relatively small area has an abundance of geomorphological phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature which make it a part of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Paklenica National Park is located in the backdrop of the little coastal town Starigrad. It covers the area of torrent flows of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, and their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Velebit and the broader surrounding area (3617 hectares in total).

The National Park Paklenica is one of the most significant climbing centres in Croatia. Today there are around 400 different climbing sites in Paklenica and each is equipped according to its degree of difficulty and length.

Manita Cave is one of many caves in Paklenica National Park. It is adapted to visitors, 175m long, rich with stalactites and with a large underground area.

Paklenica is home to a great number of plant and animal species. The great diversity and the presence of relict, endemic, rare and protected plant species make the Park a very valuable floristic area, not just in Croatia, but in Europe and the world as well. The following genera prevail in the Park’s flora: daisies (Asteraceae) and (Cichoriaceae), grasses (Poaceae), legumes (Fabaceae), mints (Lamiaceae), roses (Rosaceae) and carnations (Caryophyllaceae). On the other hand, the white-headed vulture (wing-span up to 2.6m) resides in this area, as well as numerous insects (the most fascinating are the mountain butterflies), mammals, bears, wild boars, wildcats, lynx and many more.

There are different options for walking / hiking trips. If you wish to spend a day with 3-4 hours walking / hiking, there is a trail leading from the Park's entrance in Starigrad to Borisov dom (Boris mountain hut) and the village Ramici with a charming mountain hut and a great view over the canyon. For those who are keen on more adventure and wish to spend more time in the mountains, Velebit is one of the best locations in Croatia worth exploring.