The Paklenica National Park is located in Starigrad, northern Dalmatia, at the southern slopes of Velebit mountain, not far from Zadar. It stretches on the area of 95 km2 and consists of two dolomite limestone canyons called Velika (big) Paklenica & Mala (small) Paklenica in the Velebit mountain, which is Croatia’s largest mountain range. The Velebit mountain range is a part of the Dinaric Alps which also runs through, Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia & reaches its highest point in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
pic: Driving to Starigrad
The crystal clear waters of the Paklenica Beach is lined with rounded pebbles. The cat walked to me the moment I took out my breakfast.
As you enter the park, the walls of rock immediately surround you. Paklenica is also favoured by climbers because there are climbs available for all levels of experience.
The first thing I noticed upon entering Paklenica National Park were rock climbers. They were everywhere! Paklenica National Park is the largest climbing site in Southeast Europe, and by far the most popular in Croatia.
pic: Donkeys are used to transport supplies from Starigrad to the hill
To be honest, after the trip I personally feel there is nothing much to see in the hike. Unless you love sports or you have plenty of time otherwise doing a short trail will be good as the canyons surrounding the entrance are pretty magnificent enough.
From here, I took the left to the cave. From here it was another 1 hour hike
The juicy and sweet nectarine was perfect for the hot and dry weather
The temperature in the cave was only 9 degree celcius. When I stepped out from the cave, my glasses "misted up" due to the temperature change
One hour ago I was complaining about the hot weather and then it was raining. I was lucky that I was at the cave entrance where I could take shelter.
pic: a tiny baby frog
pic: tiny snails
Leaving the park was a challenge as I had to do drive my car out in this single lane. There was no space to turn my car and the only way was to do backing. Then I was worried if there was a car coming from behind. People walking around stopped to look as I drive very slowly and obviously not in straight line and these people did a good job in giving me stress.
On the way from the park back to Starigrad, I stopped to walk around the ruins.
Dining at Dalmacija was not planned but I was attracted by the fish platter when I walked past. Despite doing some homework before the trip, I actually had no idea grill fish is a must try local dalmatian food.
The serving was satisfying as I love fish. There were three fish, sea bream, sea bass and mackerel. Sea bream turned out to be the best among all.
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