National parks near Zadar, Zadar: Paklenica National Park
Paklenica National Park is the closest national park to Zadar, Zadar — 29.9 km (18.6 mi) in a straight line, which works out to roughly 44 min behind the wheel.
Two canyons cutting into the Velebit massif above the Adriatic. Classic Croatian climbing and hiking country.
Paklenica National Park is close enough to visit on an ordinary afternoon. Kornati National Park, Krka National Park, Northern Velebit National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Brijuni National Park, and Risnjak National Park make a full day trip — leave early. Monti Sibillini National Park, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, and Mljet National Park are better with a night booked nearby.
Zadar has a population of about 67,309.
Paklenica National Park
Kornati National Park
Krka National Park
Northern Velebit National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Brijuni National Park
Best time to visit Paklenica National Park. Getting to Paklenica National Park.
National parks near Zadar
| Park | Straight-line distance | Estimated drive | Realistic trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paklenica National Park | 29.9 km (18.6 mi) | 44 min | Right on your doorstep |
| Kornati National Park | 36.1 km (22.4 mi) | 51 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Krka National Park | 66 km (41 mi) | 1 hr 23 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Northern Velebit National Park | 67.4 km (41.9 mi) | 1 hr 24 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Plitvice Lakes National Park | 88 km (54.7 mi) | 1 hr 45 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Brijuni National Park | 146 km (90.7 mi) | 2 hr 36 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Risnjak National Park | 153 km (95.2 mi) | 2 hr 42 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Monti Sibillini National Park | 209 km (130 mi) | 3 hr 31 min | Best as a weekend |
| Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park | 227 km (141 mi) | 3 hr 47 min | Best as a weekend |
| Mljet National Park | 228 km (142 mi) | 3 hr 48 min | Best as a weekend |
When to make this trip
Paklenica National Park is generally best May, June, September, and early October, with April and late October as the quieter shoulder either side.
Winter is cool and wet at low elevation and snowy in the mountains, with reduced hut and refuge service.
July and August combine peak heat with peak domestic holidays. Shoulder months are both cooler and quieter.
Seeing more than one
Several parks near Zadar are close enough to each other to combine on one trip, so the drive from home only has to happen once.
| Pair | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Velebit → Plitvice Lakes | 49.5 km (30.7 mi) | 1 hr 5 min |
| Kornati → Krka | 51.8 km (32.2 mi) | 1 hr 7 min |
| Paklenica → Northern Velebit | 56.3 km (35 mi) | 1 hr 12 min |
| Paklenica → Kornati | 58.9 km (36.6 mi) | 1 hr 15 min |
Planning a trip from Zadar
Distances here are straight-line and the drive estimate adds a road factor on top, but mountain passes and seasonal closures can change it a lot — a route that looks like three hours in June can be shut entirely in February. Confirm road status with the park before you commit to a date.
Common questions
What is the closest national park to Zadar?
Paklenica National Park. It is about 29.9 km (18.6 mi) from Zadar, roughly 44 min of driving.
Can I do a national park day trip from Zadar?
Yes — Paklenica National Park, Kornati National Park, Krka National Park, Northern Velebit National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Brijuni National Park, and Risnjak National Park are within about a three-hour drive.
How many national parks are near Zadar?
10 parks are within reach of Zadar, and 7 of them are close enough for a day trip.
When is the best time to visit the parks near Zadar?
For Paklenica National Park, the closest one, generally May, June, September, and early October. Either side of that, April and late October stays quieter.