Ton & Lucia go walking in Paklenica

13 March, 2019

I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more … and certainly through Croatia’s national parks. You can walk for hours through the lush national parks and time after time you’ll be amazed by the stunning views. That’s what happened to us in the Paklenica National Park near Starigrad. And we’d like to share with you the photos we made!

Interesting facts about Paklenica:

• The name Paklenica is probably derived from the black pine cone juice ‘paklina’ that is used by the local population for traditional medical treatments, among other things.
• You will find at least 700 different varieties of plants in this park
• Paklenica National Park is situated on the southern end of Croatia’s largest mountain range, the Velebit.
• It is also very well-known among mountain climbers. Don’t be surprised if you see daredevils climbing at the top of the mountain.
• You can also spend the night in the park in a real mountain cabin.
• Part of this park has been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.

Also read  ⇒ Ton & Lucia in Zadar: these are our tips!
Also read  ⇒ Eight unmissable stops in Istria

Praktical information about Paklenica:

• The park has about 150 kilometres of footpaths and there are routes you can follow which are suitable for beginners or for experienced hikers. Read carefully and decide which route matches your condition the best.
• Visit Manita Peć, a cave at an altitude of 570 metres. The stalagmites and stalactites are magical, but don’t freak out if a bat flies above your head. You can only visit this cave between April and October and between 10:00 and 13:00 with a guide.
• You will have to pay to enter the park. Prices vary throughout the year and range from 20 – 60 kn (€ 2.70 – € 8.10) for adults. If you arrive by car you will need to pay 10 kn (€ 1.35) extra.

Croatia has no fewer than eight national parks, ten nature parks and two more nature reserves. Each one is a gem to visit. Ton and I stayed at Zaton Holiday Resort we looked to see which parks were fairly close by and we visited those. So we went to Krka National Park and of course to Paklenica, both of them about 1 to 1½ hours’ drive from our campsite.

Which national parks in Croatia have you visited, and which is your favourite? Let us know!

Campsites close to Paklenica National Park: