Parks Manager

Getting to Paklenica National Park

Paklenica National Park sits in Zadar, Croatia, with Starigrad the nearest town of any size — about 3.7 km (2.3 mi) out, or roughly 6 min of driving.

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.

Parks you can pair with Paklenica National Park
ParkApartEstimated drive
Northern Velebit National Park56.3 km (35 mi)1 hr 12 min
Kornati National Park58.9 km (36.6 mi)1 hr 15 min
Plitvice Lakes National Park61.3 km (38.1 mi)1 hr 18 min
Krka National Park64.9 km (40.3 mi)1 hr 21 min

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Paklenica National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Starigrad3.7 km (2.3 mi)6 min
Pridraga20.8 km (13 mi)34 min
Zadar29.9 km (18.6 mi)44 min
Gračac30.1 km (18.7 mi)44 min
Benkovac33.7 km (21 mi)48 min
Stari Grad34.6 km (21.5 mi)49 min
Pag35.6 km (22.1 mi)50 min
Biograd na Moru41.9 km (26 mi)57 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Paklenica National Park?

Starigrad, about 3.7 km (2.3 mi) away — roughly 6 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Paklenica National Park?

The practical bases are Starigrad, Pridraga, and Zadar — all within a reasonable drive of the park.