Paklenica National Park
Starigrad, Croatia
The limestone canyon of Velika Paklenica cuts into the Velebit range right above the coast road, famous for rock climbing and trails to mountain huts. The entrance is signposted from Starigrad; park fee, cooler in the morning.
Paklenica National Park near Starigrad in northern Dalmatia (Croatia) covers 95 km² on the coastal flank of the southern Velebit range. Its highest point is Vaganski vrh at 1,757 m. The heart of the park is the Velika Paklenica gorge, whose sheer rock walls rise more than 700 m and stand only about 50 m apart at the narrowest point. The area has been a national park since 19 October 1949 and is also part of the Velebit UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
There are 150 to 200 km of paths for walking; according to the park authority it takes about an hour and a half from the Velika Paklenica car park to the Manita peć cave. Climbers will find several hundred equipped routes graded 3 to 8b+, and Anića kuk is one of the best-known walls. For road trippers, Starigrad-Paklenica is a convenient base on the coastal road.
- Nearest town
- Starigrad, Croatia
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.3010, 15.4590
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Croatia: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camp Anica KukCampsite1 km from Paklenica National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Paklenica National ParkCampsite2 km from Paklenica National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Autocamp VesnaCampsite2 km from Paklenica National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camp NavisCampsite8 km from Paklenica National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camp ŠibuljinaCampsite10 km from Paklenica National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping MiočićCampsite12 km from Paklenica National ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Croatia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Paklenica National Park?
Paklenica National Park is in Starigrad, Croatia, at GPS 44.3010, 15.4590. It is about 21 km from Obrovac.
Can you camp near Paklenica National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Anica Kuk, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 42 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Paklenica National Park?
Paklenica National Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Northern Dalmatia: Paklenica, Krka and Trogir.
What is there to see near Paklenica National Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Church of the Holy Cross, Nin (23 km), Sea Organ (28 km), Plitvička jezera (64 km) and Skradinski buk (68 km).
When is the best time to visit Paklenica National Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)