When people think about summer in Croatia, the Adriatic coast usually comes first. Beaches, islands and seaside towns dominate most travel plans, but Croatia has another side that is just as impressive.
Paklenica National Park, located in the Velebit mountain range near Starigrad, is one of the best places in the country for hiking, climbing and spending time in nature. Deep canyons, mountain trails, caves and forests make it feel completely different from the coastal destinations only a short distance away.
If you want to add something more adventurous to your Croatian holiday, here are five reasons to visit Paklenica National Park.
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1. Hike through the Velebit mountains
Paklenica is part of Velebit, Croatia’s longest mountain range, and the park has an extensive network of hiking trails leading through forests, canyons and high mountain landscapes.
One of the best-known challenges is Vaganski Vrh, the highest peak of Velebit. Reaching it requires good fitness and proper preparation, so it is better suited to experienced hikers than casual visitors.
You do not have to climb to the highest point to enjoy Paklenica, though. There are many shorter trails where you can experience the dramatic landscape without committing to a full-day mountain hike.
Along the Velika Paklenica canyon, you can also see traditional mills beside the stream and walk towards viewpoints overlooking the Velebit Channel and the Adriatic.
Author Tip
If you are visiting Paklenica for the first time, I would not automatically choose the longest or highest route. Some of the shorter trails already give you beautiful canyon views and a real feeling of Velebit. Start early in summer, bring more water than you think you need and avoid the hottest part of the day.
2. Explore Paklenica’s underground tunnels
One of the most unusual attractions in the park is hidden inside the mountain.
During the political tensions between Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union in the early 1950s, an underground complex was secretly constructed inside the rock near the entrance to Velika Paklenica canyon.
For decades, the tunnels were closed and largely unknown to the public. Today, the former military complex has been transformed into a visitor centre where you can learn more about the history of the site and the natural environment of Paklenica.
It is a fascinating contrast to the rest of the park. One moment you are surrounded by cliffs and forest, and the next you are walking through tunnels carved deep into the mountain.
3. Try climbing in Croatia’s most famous climbing area
Paklenica is one of the most important climbing destinations in Croatia, and the steep walls of Velika Paklenica canyon attract climbers from around Europe.
Hundreds of climbing routes have been established here, ranging from relatively accessible routes to demanding multi-pitch climbs for experienced climbers. The dramatic limestone walls make the canyon particularly impressive even if you have no intention of climbing yourself.
If you are new to the sport, it is much better to arrange a guided climbing experience rather than trying it independently. Local guides can provide equipment and choose a route that matches your experience and fitness level.
Even for non-climbers, watching people move across the huge rock faces is one of the most memorable sights in the park.
4. Cool down inside Manita Peć Cave
Paklenica is not only about mountains and canyons. The park also contains numerous caves and underground formations.
The best known is Manita Peć, the only cave in the park prepared for organised visits. Inside, the temperature remains much cooler than outside, making the experience particularly refreshing during the warmer months.
The cave contains impressive underground chambers and formations, but reaching it also requires a hike, so treat the visit as part of a larger excursion rather than a quick roadside stop.
Opening days and visiting hours can vary depending on the season, so check the official Paklenica National Park information before planning your hike.
Author Tip
Bring a light jacket even if the temperature outside is above 30°C. The difference between the summer heat and the cool cave interior can be surprisingly strong. Good walking shoes are also important because getting to Manita Peć is part of the adventure.
5. Discover a completely different side of Croatia
Paklenica is incredibly diverse for a relatively compact area. Rocky canyons, black pine and beech forests, mountain meadows and streams create landscapes that feel far removed from the beaches most visitors associate with Croatia.
The park is also full of small details that reveal how people once lived in this demanding environment. Traditional stone buildings, dry-stone walls, old mills and mountain paths are part of the cultural landscape as much as the cliffs and forests.
For photographers, this variety is one of Paklenica’s biggest attractions. The scenery changes quickly as you move through the park, from narrow canyon walls to open mountain views and forests.
Is Paklenica National Park worth visiting?
Definitely, especially if you want to combine the Croatian coast with hiking and nature.
Paklenica is close enough to the Adriatic to visit during a seaside holiday, but it feels like a completely different destination. You can spend the morning walking through a mountain canyon and return to the coast later in the day.
A few hours are enough to experience the lower part of the park, but hikers and outdoor lovers could easily spend several days exploring the wider trail network.
When is the best time to visit Paklenica?
Spring and early autumn are particularly pleasant for hiking because temperatures are usually more comfortable than during the hottest part of summer.
Summer is still a popular time to visit, especially if you are already staying on the coast, but starting early in the morning is important. Parts of the trail can become very hot later in the day.
Weather conditions can also change quickly in mountain areas, so always check the forecast and current trail information before longer hikes.
What to bring to Paklenica National Park
Good walking shoes are the most important thing to bring, even if you are only planning one of the easier routes. You should also carry plenty of water, sun protection and some food, particularly if you are heading deeper into the park.
For longer mountain hikes, proper hiking equipment and navigation are essential. Do not underestimate Velebit simply because you can see the Adriatic from many of its slopes.
A mountain escape just above the Adriatic
Paklenica National Park shows how diverse Croatia can be. Within a relatively small area, you can hike through canyons, climb limestone walls, enter underground tunnels, visit a cave and walk through forests beneath some of the highest peaks of Velebit.
And perhaps the best part is its location. The Adriatic is right below the mountains, which means you do not have to choose between a summer holiday by the sea and an active trip into nature.
In Paklenica, you can easily have both.
Practical Information
Planning a visit to Paklenica National Park? Entrance prices vary depending on the season and type of ticket, with one-day, three-day, five-day and annual passes available. Visits to Manita Peć Cave and the Underground Secrets of Paklenica visitor centre require additional tickets. The standard park ticket includes access to marked hiking and educational trails as well as the climbing area.
Opening hours, cave visits and some services can change seasonally, so it is always worth checking the latest information before your trip.
For current ticket prices, opening hours, trail information and other practical details, visit the official Paklenica National Park website.
