The stunning National park is one of the most popular sites for climbers and hikers.
Paklenica National Park is located in Starigrad, northern Dalmatia, at the southern slopes of Velebit mountain. It extends over 95 km² and includes the area of the canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica, and the wider surrounding area.
The entire park is located in a relatively small area, but there is plenty to see and explore. Tourists can enjoy an abundance of geomorphologic phenomena, diverse plant and animal life, attractive landscapes and pure nature.
Paklenica is perfect if you’re an avid hiker, because it’s the best way to really get to know this beautiful place. You’ll enjoy 200 km of hiking trails suitable both for amateurs and mountaineers. It’s not only great for hikers, but for climbers, too. The Velika Paklenica canyon is wildly popular among climbers because it caters to beginners and experienced rock climbers. It’s the largest climbing site in Southeast Europe and has more than 360 routes of various difficulty levels.
Highest peaks and secret tunnels
If you feel like being on the top of the world, there are several peaks over 1700 meters you can conquer. Vaganski vrh (1757 m, also the highest peak of Velebit), Sveto brdo (1751 m is the second highest peak to offer views of both Lika and Primorje) and Vrh Liburnije (1709 m, one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Velebit) which offers magnificent views of the entire central Adriatic archipelago.
Once you’ve conquered the peaks, discover the underground. The canyon of Velika Paklenica holds underground tunnels popularly known as Bunkers. They were constructed by the Yugoslav army in 1953, during the political crisis between them and the Soviets. The contents of these tunnels were a secret until 1991 and in 2016 they were finally reconstructed and opened for public under the name Underground Secrets of Paklenica (Podzemni grad Paklenice).
Starigrad Paklenica is close to Camping Village Šimuni, so it will take you only an hour by car. Check out all the excursions you can experience at Camping Village Šimuni.
You just take the D106, cross the Pag bridge, turn left onto Ul. Bruna Bušića, another left onto Jadranska Magistrala, turn right onto E65 and drive to Put Jukića until you reach the Park.
If you feel ready to meet Paklenica and explore all of its trails, book you vacation in Camping Village Šimuni!