National park in Dalmatia – Zadar
Paklenica
- Best time to go
- Apr, May, June, Sept, Oct
- Part of
- Dalmatia – Zadar
Paklenica is where the Velebit mountain meets the sea, with two deep limestone canyons, Velika and Mala Paklenica, cutting into the slopes above Starigrad.
It is Croatia's best-known climbing area, with hundreds of routes on the walls of Velika Paklenica, and a network of hiking trails leading up through pine and beech forest to mountain huts and peaks. In the morning you can walk the canyon and in the afternoon swim in the sea below it.
Things to do
Don't miss in Paklenica
- Walk up Velika Paklenica canyon, with its high walls on both sides of the path.
- Watch climbers on Anića kuk, the huge rock face above the canyon, or climb it with a guide.
- Hike up to Manita peć, a cave with stalactites, open to visitors at set times.
- Continue to the Paklenica mountain hut for a longer day in the forest.
- See the tunnels dug into the canyon as a military shelter, which now hold a visitor exhibition.
- Try the quieter and wilder Mala Paklenica canyon if you are an experienced hiker.
- Finish the day with a swim in the sea at Starigrad.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Starigrad-Paklenica
hikers and climbers who want to walk to the canyon entrance, with campsites, apartments and the sea in front
Seline
a quieter village right below Velika Paklenica, close to the entrance
Zadar
a city base with more to do in the evening, about 45 minutes away
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Paklenica
Guided hikes, climbing courses and rafting or kayaking trips on the nearby Zrmanja river are offered from Starigrad and Zadar. Day trips from Zadar sometimes combine Paklenica with the Zrmanja canyon.
A car is useful for reaching Starigrad and moving between the two canyons, but once there you can walk to the entrance. Climbing gear can be rented locally. Bring proper shoes and water, as the trails are rocky and hot in summer.
Getting there
How to get to Paklenica
Paklenica rises behind the village of Starigrad-Paklenica on the coast road from Zadar towards Senj, about 45 minutes by car from Zadar; on the A1 motorway, the Maslenica and Posedarje exits are closest. Zadar airport is the nearest. Buses along the coast stop in Starigrad. The main entrance to Velika Paklenica canyon is a short drive or walk up from the village, and Mala Paklenica has its own entrance just south. Check opening hours, ticket prices and any visitor limits on the park's official website before you go, as they change with the season.