SAY YES TO

Paklenica Riviera

Homepage Destinations
  • Paklenica Riviera
  • Visit the home of captivating legends and thrilling adventures, sandy and pebble beaches, hundreds of plant and animal species listed by UNESCO and Winnetou movies! Enjoy the mountains and the sea and see why it was virtually designed for adventure tourism.

    DON'T MISS

    Try the local mussels in Novigrad

    Raft or canoe down the River Zrmanja canyon

    Hike the magnificent trails in the Paklenica NP

    Landmarks

    Hiking in the Paklenica National Park

    High (on adrenaline) at the Paklenica National Park

    With more than 150 km of outstanding mountain trails and two grand peaks higher than 1,750 m, the Paklenica NP is a true heaven for every hiker! You do not have to be a skilled climber to realise the beauty of Paklenica. However, hiking is, by far, the best way to truly get to know Paklenica, as there are several very popular routes that offer magnificent views of the Adriatic and take your breath away. This is where the highest and most amazing peaks and tops of Velebit are located, Vaganski Vrh (1757 m) and Sveto brdo (1753 m). However, the Paklenica rewards the visits of those who do not have any climbing experience but only a desire to be among the amazing mountains by providing them with an experience. Paklenica, with its peaks, position and natural features is one of the top alpine and tourist destinations. This is confirmed by the fact that experienced climbers classify it among their most picturesque experiences. Ain't no mountain high enough to keep you from getting to Paklenica!

    Riviera Beneath the Mountains

    Where the mountains touch the sea

    The Paklenica Riviera is renowned for it's amazing contrasting climate, scenery and culture combinations. Find your match!

    The Paklenica Riviera delights the visitors with its amazing scenery variation – from the rocky shore with romantic coves, green forests, mountain tops to old villages. This area is known for the craziest combinations – the Paklenica Riviera merges the mountain and the sea, Mediterranean climate and the mountain climate, tradition and the modern times. All this is best observed from pebble beaches as you enjoy the crystal-clear sea. The magnificent Velika and Mala Paklenica canyons that cut deep into Velebit particularly delight the visitors. Those who seek adventure and intimacy can find a small place among the many hidden coves where they can be on their own.

    Novigrad Fortress

    Find out why the Novigrad Fortress is legendary!

    Get to know the fascinating tales from the medieval City of Novigrad. 

    Novigrad is known for its medieval architecture and its crystal-clear sea which used to be a source of pearls. Today, it is known for its abundance of fish and clams. It is also known for centuries of turbulent history. The most famous story is the one of the Queen Elizabeth. She was imprisoned in the Novigrad Fortress that is the most prominent structure in the town. According to the legend, during her imprisonment she embroidered a royal cloak – Misnica, using velvet and gold threads. It has been preserved at the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Novigrad. Sturdy walls will tell you many more extraordinary tales from this town's uniquely rich history.

    Rafting and canoeing in the river Canyons

    The adventure called river canyons

    Rafting on the wild rapids of the upper reaches of the Zrmanja River will leave even the most experienced adventurers breathless!
    If you like rivers, you will love Zrmanja. The Zrmanja River has been penetrating its way towards the sea for many centuries and, by breaking carbonate-based grounds, it has created one of the most impressive canyons in Croatia. Therefore, it was protected as a significant landscape attracting a great number of nature lovers every year. You can choose between taking a boat ride on the Zrmanja River, a kayak and a canoe expedition, rafting down the river, or even relaxing in a local household, all while enjoying an astonishing view of the canyon. Something for everybody!

    Try Climbing

    Climb to the top!

    The Paklenica National Park is at the heart of Croatian rock climbing and is known as one of the top European rock-climbing areas. 
    Paklenica is a place of outstanding natural beauty. It is also the most visited climbing site in Croatia. Rock climbing is very varied: from single pitch sport routes to big wall rock climbing routes up to 350m long, catering to absolute beginners as well as the most experienced rock climbers. There are 590 routes here in total on good quality limestone rock with the majority of the routes bolted. No wonder that the International Climbers Meeting that gathers climbers from across the globe takes place here each year to take part in exciting events and competitions. The majestic canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica are, according to many, the most impressive parts of the park, with the former being over 700 m high, 50 to 800 m wide and 14 km long! Just 2 kilometres away from the sea, Paklenica is among the favourite destinations for families with children.

    Discover More

    1 of 5
    alt

    Safari anyone? / The ride of your holiday

    Velebit Foto Safari

    Nature & Adventure

    The fairy-tale of the Zrmanja Canyon, the enchanting Zadar Archipelago, the magnificent limestone formations of Tulove Grede, wonderful views of the Adriatic and much more are all a part of an utterly enjoyable jeep safari ride!

    alt

    Get to the cycling heaven

    MTB Heaven

    Nature & Adventure

    The whole area is a tremendous spot for both leisurely scenic cycling, as well as intense off-road mountain biking! Explore the unusual tracks around Posedarje, Jasenice and Ražanac and choose your favorite! Find your best route here.

    alt

    Cave into these magnificent caves!

    Caving

    Nature & Adventure

    There are many caves of Paklenica Riviera but you have to visit the most famous one - Modrič Cave! It is known for its beauty, not just famous (sur)name. What’s especially fascinating is a great number of cave decorations, stalactites and stalagmites and beautiful immense underground chambers.

    Stories

    Prev Next

    The Trails of Winnetou

    Ride like Winnetou!

    Starigrad and Paklenica NP are among the most iconic locations where the legendary Winnetou movies were shot in the 1960s. See them from a different point of view! 

    Prev Next

    Mirila

    A place to die for

    Explore the funeral cult known in the parts of Velebit passes and its background story!

    Prev Next

    The Beauty and the Beast

    The Beauty and the Beast

    Discover why rafters gave the River Zrmanja this original nickname and decide for yourself if you prefer her beautiful or her beastly side!

    Prev Next

    Hike to the Holy Mountain (Sveto Brdo)

    The Quest for the Holy Mountain

    Sveto Brdo which translates to Holy Mountain probably got its name because people say “Oh, my God!“ so many times when they hike it. And even more when they get to the top. 

    Stories

    alt

    The Trails of Winnetou

    Ride like Winnetou!

    Starigrad and Paklenica NP are among the most iconic locations where the legendary Winnetou movies were shot in the 1960s. See them from a different point of view! 

    Karl Friedrich May (1842-1912) was a German writer of adventure novels that won millions of hearts across the world. The exciting adventures of the noble Apache chief Winnetou and his Christian blood-brother Old Shatterhand were made into films as a co-production of Rialto Film from Berlin and Jadran Film from Zagreb and are still considered the most popular films of all time in Germany. Starigrad Paklenica was the ideal setting for 7 out of 11 Winnetou films because of its idyllic mountainous environment. You can experience several excellent themed tours of the film location or explore the mountain paths of Paklenica, photo safari of Velebit or River Zrmanja cruising by yourself. Don't forget to visit the Winnetou commemoration site in Starigrad-Paklenica with its permanent film exhibit. Take a walk or a ride on the wild side!

    alt

    Mirila

    A place to die for

    Explore the funeral cult known in the parts of Velebit passes and its background story!

    If you take a walk through Velebit, you will surely spot unique, miniature monuments along your way. They are called mirilas, and their task was to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives on the mountain sides. Mirilas were created during the time when the residents of Velebit were mostly animal farmers and the bodies of the deceased were carried to the village church and graveyard. There was a rule during these difficult journeys: only one stop could be made to rest. This place would mark the last place where the deceased said goodbye to the sun and his/her measurements (mira) were taken. This is how these monuments got their name. These fascinating stone monuments made between the 17th and 20th century can be found along the steep and rugged mountain paths near Starigrad and Ražanac. As the final resting place of the deceased people’s souls, Mirila were adorned with artistic markings and venerated even more than the graves themselves!

    alt

    The Beauty and the Beast

    The Beauty and the Beast

    Discover why rafters gave the River Zrmanja this original nickname and decide for yourself if you prefer her beautiful or her beastly side!

    It's no wonder Zrmanja is called the Beauty – its biodiversity reserve, spring, tributaries, canyon, waterfalls, endless sources of drinking water and magnificent landscapes justify its nickname. Even though it may be a little difficult to find, it will definitely be worth it. You can choose between paddling, cycling and hiking, but if you want to see the canyon, you have to go on the adventure called kayaking or rafting. Zrmanja will show you its other face here as well – the Beast. If the water level is high, it will allow you to experience one of the most exciting tours in this part of Europe. Regardless of whether you prefer to enjoy nature in a relaxed or an adventurous manner – Zrmanja is sure to delight you.

    alt

    Hike to the Holy Mountain (Sveto Brdo)

    The Quest for the Holy Mountain

    Sveto Brdo which translates to Holy Mountain probably got its name because people say “Oh, my God!“ so many times when they hike it. And even more when they get to the top. 

    Although the real peak of Velebit is Vaganski vrh (1757m), Sveto Brdo, 6 m lower (1751m), is considered by many to be the “true peak“. It is said to be the most impressive among the series of peaks above the Paklenca National Park. Sveto Brdo is famous for its giant pyramid and a clear view of both sides of the mountain. You can either take a five-hour hike (if you take a car to the closest point) or take an eight-hour tour leading you through the fascinating landscape of the Paklenica National Park. Whether you are a morning or a night person – we've got you covered! If you are a night owl, you can choose a tour that starts after nightfall and enjoy the dawn like never before! And you will meet many other animals too, such as the Croatian mustang and wild horses. OMG, we know!

    Explore

    alt

    Top

    Nature & Adventure , National & Nature Parks

    5 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE ZADAR REGION MOUNTAINS

    Located in: Paklenica Riviera

    alt

    Top

    Nature & Adventure , National & Nature Parks

    CEROVAC CAVES

    Located in: Paklenica Riviera

    alt

    Nature & Adventure , National & Nature Parks

    GUIDE TO PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK

    Located in: Paklenica Riviera