Zadar County: Mountains, Coast and Cultural Heritage

Paklenica: climbing routes and trails

Paklenica National Park has around 600 well-equipped, marked climbing routes of varying difficulty and length. There are also 150 to 200 kilometres of marked trails and paths, including routes to the highest peaks of Velebit. The two figures refer to different options: the climbing routes vary in difficulty and length, while the distance refers to the trails and paths. Trail conditions and access details may change seasonally, so check the national park’s current information before setting out on a specific hike.

Cliffs and caves

The cliffs of Dugi Otok in Telašćica Nature Park rise up to 161 metres above sea level and extend to depths of up to 90 metres. Diving is possible at several appealing spots near the cliffs; local conditions may vary. The focus here is on striking rock formations and a specific activity by the sea.

Another natural attraction awaits at the Cerovac Caves Competence Centre in Gračac. It has a visitor reception centre, trails leading to and into the caves, and modern interpretation and educational content. The centre therefore combines cave trails with visitor information and learning opportunities. If you would like to include caves in your travel plans alongside mountain trails and cliffs, this offers a distinct focus.

Cultural heritage in Zadar, Pag and Benkovac

The Church of St Donatus in Zadar is considered an outstanding example of pre-Romanesque architecture. The old town of Pag offers a different perspective on historic design: it dates from the 15th century, its streets were laid out according to a planned design, and the centrally located Church of the Assumption of Mary dates from the same period. For a look at architecture, a pre-Romanesque building in Zadar and a 15th-century urban layout in Pag can therefore be considered side by side.

Benkovac also has a clearly dated historic building: Kaštel Benković was built in the second half of the 15th century. This date can be considered alongside Pag’s old town and the Church of the Assumption of Mary, which are from the same century; the Church of St Donatus represents a different architectural period.

Pag is also known for its cheese, which shares the island’s name, and for its lamb. Alongside the townscape and the church, these offer a culinary way to experience the destination. When planning your trip, you can take in both historic architecture and local specialities.

Getting there and planning your trip

Zadar Region can be reached by land, sea and air, and has direct connections to larger cities in Croatia. Individual routes and timetables may change, so check the connections relevant to your travel dates before making plans. The various ways of getting there and range of travel interests provide a practical starting point for preparing your trip to Zadar County.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Ražanac, Municipality of Jasenice, Municipality of Nin, Municipality of Novigrad, Municipality of Pirovac, Municipality of Polača, Municipality of Bibinje, Municipality of Biograd Na Moru, Municipality of Pakoštane, Municipality of Gračac, Mali Iz, Ostrovica, Municipality of Sali, Municipality of Sveti Filip I Jakov, Municipality of Zadar, Municipality of Benkovac, Municipality of Stankovci, Municipality of Starigrad, Municipality of Sukošan, Municipality of Škabrnja, Municipality of Lišane Ostrovičke, Municipality of Poličnik, Municipality of Posedarje, Municipality of Privlaka, Municipality of Zemunik Donji, Municipality of Obrovac.

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