Paklenica National Park is stretching along the coastal slope of southern Velebit, above the village Marasovici, to the highest mountain peaks, Vaganski peak, Babin peak and Sacred Hill (Sveto brdo). It includes two canyons and their surroundings, Velika (Large) and Mala (Small) Paklenica. Both canyons are characterized by steep and smooth cliffs that rise up from the sea to the highest peaks of the mountain. Velika Paklenica boasts with hips 700 meters high, while Mala Paklenica has more modest proportions up to 400 meters.
This area is so interesting that even the first Croats decided to ignite their mythical homes right here. An unusual touch of mountain and sea is designing unique ambience and atmosphere. The primeval beauty of white rocks emerging from the water inspires and excites in endless admiration. The diversity of the landscape is surprising, makes you feel chilling suspense and awe before the infinite imagination of nature and the earth which blames us and protects. Paklenica was declared a national park in 1949. Today it is one of the most attractive locations in northeastern Mediterranean.
Paklenica is a favorite destination for hikers, climbers and free climbers since 1938 when Dragutin Brahm tried to climb Anica kuk. There are more than 360 marked trails of varying difficulty and length here today, so every climber can find something for himself. The traditional international alpine meeting - a unique climbing competition 'Big Wall Speed Climbing´ - is held here in May.
There are over 90 speleological curiosities, pits and caves. The most beautiful caves are 'Manita pec' with the longest 'Cave Vodarica' and its 300 meters lenght. In addition to velika and Mala Paklenica National Park is characterized by a number of permanent and temporary springs and flows that contribute to the diversity of flora and fauna. Many endemic species inhabit this area; about 800 plants with even 40 endemic species which do not grow anywhere else in the world. Two thirds of Paklenica is covered with forest. Forest cover is also varied; from beech to indigenous black pine forest after which the area is named. Pitch of black pine, bitumen, used to be important for the economy of this region – ships were coated by it.
Paklenica can be reached easily; it is 44 kilometers away from Zadar, a half-hour drive from the airport Zemunik, train or ferry. Maybe Paklenica attracts people because of its wild and unpredictable nature, which we can not mark as inhospitable. However, there is only a couple of people living in the area in the village Ramic whose inhospitable is unquestionable. It is best to book an accommodation beyond the borders of the Park; Paklenica Riviera has the most famous destinations Seline, Tribanj and Starigrad with comfortable accommodation in private apartments, rooms, and vacation houses in Starigrad.
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