Paklenica National Park: planning guide
Two canyons cutting into the Velebit massif above the Adriatic. Classic Croatian climbing and hiking country.
Paklenica National Park is in Zadar, Croatia. The nearest town is Starigrad — roughly 3.7 km (2.3 mi) out, about 6 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: May, June, September, and early October. Shoulder season: April and late October.
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.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Starigrad | 3.7 km (2.3 mi) | 6 min |
| Pridraga | 20.8 km (13 mi) | 34 min |
| Zadar | 29.9 km (18.6 mi) | 44 min |
| Gračac | 30.1 km (18.7 mi) | 44 min |
| Benkovac | 33.7 km (21 mi) | 48 min |
| Stari Grad | 34.6 km (21.5 mi) | 49 min |
| Pag | 35.6 km (22.1 mi) | 50 min |
| Biograd na Moru | 41.9 km (26 mi) | 57 min |
Where Paklenica National Park sits
Official Paklenica National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Paklenica National Park
Paklenica National Park sits close enough to Northern Velebit National Park, Kornati National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Krka National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Velebit National Park | 56.3 km (35 mi) | 1 hr 12 min |
| Kornati National Park | 58.9 km (36.6 mi) | 1 hr 15 min |
| Plitvice Lakes National Park | 61.3 km (38.1 mi) | 1 hr 18 min |
| Krka National Park | 64.9 km (40.3 mi) | 1 hr 21 min |
Parks close by
- Northern Velebit National Park
High karst ridges of northern Velebit with alpine meadows, sinkholes, and Adriatic views.
- Kornati National Park
A dense archipelago of stark karst islands in the central Adriatic. Mostly boat country and bare rock.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
A chain of lakes and travertine waterfalls in Croatia’s karst highlands. Boardwalks wind past clear turquoise pools and cascading falls.
- Krka National Park
Karst river and travertine falls inland from Šibenik. Boardwalks and swimming areas below the cascades.
Common questions
Where is Paklenica National Park?
Paklenica National Park sits in Zadar, Croatia. Starigrad, about 3.7 km (2.3 mi) away — roughly 6 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Paklenica National Park?
Generally May, June, September, and early October, with April and late October quieter on either side.