Starigrad-Paklenica: Hotel Search and Travel Themes of the Općina Starigrad

Looking for a hotel in Starigrad-Paklenica? To put your trip into context, the wider destination of Općina Starigrad also offers a range of nature and culture themes: Paklenica with its gorges, trails, and climbing routes, as well as historic sites and insights into regional traditions.

In the wider destination of Općina Starigrad

Paklenica National Park: Mountains and Trails

The Općina Starigrad includes part of Paklenica National Park. The park covers 95 km² of protected mountain landscape on the southern slopes of Velebit and includes the deeply carved gorges of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica. Among the highest Velebit peaks within the national park are Vaganski vrh at 1,757 m and Sveto brdo at 1,753 m.

The national park has 150 to 200 km of trails and paths. Tourist routes lead through the Velika Paklenica gorge to Manita peć, the Lugarnica forest lodge, and the mountain hut; mountaineering routes head toward the highest peaks of Velebit. The trails are signposted and marked. For planning the ascent to Manita peć, a specific time estimate is helpful: the entrance is at an altitude of 570 m, and the ascent from the parking area in Velika Paklenica takes about an hour and a half.

Nature Trails and Views

The Pjeskarica nature trail runs for 1.5 km along the eastern bank of the Velika Paklenica stream. It features information boards and rest areas. The Paklarić fortress is also located close to the park entrance, at an altitude of 100 m. A constructed nature trail leads to it; from there, visitors can enjoy a view across the entire Velebit Channel.

The Paklenica climbing area offers another perspective on the landscape. On carbonate rock, there are about 600 equipped and secured routes, with grades ranging from 3 to 8b+. The number may change as routes are added or regraded. Its proximity to the sea makes it possible to combine climbing with water sports.

Archaeology, Buildings, and History

Present-day Starigrad-Paklenica was built on the site of the ancient city of Argyruntum. Under Emperor Tiberius, it was granted municipium status between 31 and 35 AD. The Večka kula on the edge of the so-called Večko Field in Starigrad-Paklenica tells another chapter in the area's history. It is one of a series of Venetian fortifications built along the Velebit Channel in the 16th century to defend against the Turks.

The Church of St. Peter, a medieval pre-Romanesque church, lies between Starigrad and Seline. It was probably built at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries. Along the Velika Paklenica stream, 15 watermills were built in the first half of the 19th century. The “A Short Journey through History” nature trail is part of the cycling and walking route and uses five boards to guide visitors through the area's history—from prehistoric times to the present day.

Mirila and Heritage Trails

In the national park, at the Grabova dolina site, mirila have been preserved and are associated with nearby hamlets. The mirila in the Općina Starigrad are protected cultural property of the Republic of Croatia. A nature trail from Ljubotić leads to the Bristovačka mirila, the largest preserved site, with more than 300 mirila. A circular trail starts and ends at the church in the hamlet of Ljubotić.

The Ethno House Marasović also helps put the area's history into context. It is located in Starigrad-Paklenica, in the hamlet of Marasovići, close to the entrance to the national park. The house contains a traditional konoba and a permanent exhibition about the tradition of building mirila.

Traditions and Practical Information

At the Vrata Velebita estate in the hamlet of Ljubotić, visitors can tour an ethno house with a permanent exhibition about beekeeping by prior arrangement. Velebit honey and other local specialties are available to sample there. The International Climbing Meeting traditionally takes place in Paklenica around May 1, accompanied by events and competitions. It is worth checking the specific dates when planning your trip.

The main reception of Paklenica National Park is located at Paklenička ulica bb in Starigrad-Paklenica. This point of reference complements the different themes of the wider destination of Općina Starigrad, from marked trails and climbing routes to history and regional traditions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tribanj, Seline, Tribanj Šibuljina, Vinjerac.

Return to the wider travel overview: Općina Starigrad.