Starigrad Paklenica

Starigrad Paklenica is a small harbour town situated on the Velebit Channel, close to Paklenica National Park, 45km south of Karlobag. It was first mentioned way back in Roman times and the settlement grew up on the foundations of the ancient town of Argyruntum.

Today, however, it is the centre of the Paklenica Riviera, a 20km stretch of coastline where the mountains meet the sea, making Starigrad equally attractive to both bathers and mountaineers. Paklenica National Park provides the backdrop to Starigrad. It includes two canyons: Velika and Mala Paklenica (Grand and Small Paklenica). A creek flows through the 10km-long Velika Paklenica, and its steep sides are up to 400m high. Velika and Mala Paklenica are separated by a 7km-long, 500m-high plateau.

Starigrad Paklenica marks the start of Paklenica National Park, and its closeness to Mt. Velebit provides the opportunity for various sports, such as mountain climbing and free-climbing. Tourist accommodation in Starigrad is diverse, with apartments and rooms to rent, boarding houses and campsites. The old part of the town is rich in archaeological discoveries and architectural monuments, the most famous of which is the villa of Petar Hektorović.
With pebble beaches stretching for miles, it is suitable for a family summer holiday, while the tennis courts, sports fields and water-sports equipment guarantee a really active stay. Spelunkers and mountaineers can enjoy the Velebit and Paklenica massifs, while walkers and plant collectors will find many magnificent walks on the slopes of the National Park. There are also many cultural events, including artistic performances and other forms of entertainment.