• Highlights

• Velebit, a mythic mountain of Croatia, north to south
• Flora & fauna of Velebit UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Traditional cuisine of Lika region & Mediterranean coast
• ‘Walk high, sleep low’ – hike on the mountains, sleep on the coast

An exciting adventure discovering the highlights of Velebit, Croatia’s grandest mountain. We start with National Park Northern Velebit, continue across Nature Park Velebit and then round the tour up with a 2-day adventure in National Park Paklenica. From northwest to southeast, from the mountains to the Adriatic – Velebit!

• Itinerary

• DAY 1 – National park Northern Velebit (Veliki Zavizan 1676m)

  Start in the morning from Krasno polje village, Lika region. Daily hiking trip in NP Northern Velebit. Afternoon drive to Karlobag, a small town on the Adriatic coast, beneath Central Velebit. Overnight.

  NOTE:

  If you wish an early start on Velebit, we recommend an overnight in the local family pension, the evening before. See more under OPTIONAL SERVICES below the itinerary.

• DAY 2 – Panoramas of Central Velebit (Visibaba 1158m)

  Breakfast in hotel and drive up to Velebit mountain, near Baske Ostarije village. Circular hiking tour in the area of Dabarski Kukovi, with an ascent to nice panoramic peaks of Budakovo brdo and Visibaba. Afternoon drive to Starigad Paklenica, a coastal town beneath NP Paklenica and southern Velebit. d

  NOTE: if you prefer sleeping on the mountain, we recommend overnight in Hostel Baske Ostarije in the village of the same name, up on Central Velebit. A bit less comfort (multi-bed rooms and shared showers and toilets) but very good food and ambiance, since it is built in an old renovated school and they offer local products. In this case, the discount for accommodation (Baske Ostarije instead of Karlobag) is:

  MAY-JUNE / OCTOBER – 20,00 EUR in DBL room / 25,00 EUR in SGL room

  JULY-SEPTEMBER = 30,000 EUR in DBL room / 40,00 EUR in SGL room

• DAY 3 – Paklenica National Park D1 (Vidakov Kuk 845m)

  The first part of a 2-day adventure in the realms of Paklenica National Park and southern Velebit. Today we visit old villages and burial sites as well as enjoy splendid views when descending to Velika Paklenica canyon. Arrival at our mountain hut situated in the upper end of the canyon and accommodation (multi-bed rooms and shared shower/toilet).

  We enjoy the fresh mountain air, views of the canyon, and a great dinner accompanied by some local wine or ‘rakija’ (schnaps).

  NOTE: for experienced hikers comfortable with some light scrambling we recommend an additional ascent to Vidakov Kuk 845m – a prominent rocky peak offering amazing views of NP Paklenica (more info in the roadbook).

• DAY 4 – Paklenica National Park D2

  Breakfast and descent to Starigrad by the Velika Paklenica canyon. Option to visit Manita Cave on the way. In the afternoon, the end of the program.

  NOTE: If you wish to book an additional night in Starigrad Paklenica or other destinations (Plitvice, Krka, Trogir, Split, etc.), after the tour, please see under OPTIONAL SERVICES.

• Price & Info

• Optional extensions

N.B. If you are interested in extension options below or any other additional service, advice, and info on travel options after your ‘Velebit Mountain Adventure’, feel free to contact our office – we will be happy to share ideas and be creative with you.

• Krupa river canyon (Nature Park Velebit)

  A great half-day hike in the canyon of the karstic beauty, river Krupa. Visit Kudin most (stone bridge) and option to swim in the river. Together with the Zrmanja river, Krupa marks the southeast end of Velebit mountain and is a nice way to end your ‘Velebit reconnaissance. The trip can easily be done from Starigrad Paklenica (morning start) and is well combined with a visit to Zadar, one of the ancient towns on the Croatian Adriatic coast and the center of Northern Dalmatia. After Krupa and Zadar, you can either come back to Starigrad Paklenica or continue towards north (Plitvice and Zagreb) or east and southeast (NP Krka, Split).

• Rafting Zrmanja river

  Suitable for beginners but exciting for all! A refreshing day on the Zrmanja river, with many options for swimming and lunch at the end of the rafting. Same as with Krupa river, you can combine this rafting experience with Zadar and afterward either return to Starigrad Paklenica or continue towards Plitvice/Zagreb or NP Krka/Split area.

• NP Plitvice

  A full day visit to one of the most beautiful natural spots in Croatia and the world (listed in UNESCO world heritage list). Practical if you are traveling back to Zagreb after the Velebit mountain adventure. In this case, we recommend driving to the Plitvice area on the afternoon of DAY 4 of the above itinerary, so that on the next day (5) you can profit from an early start in the park, to avoid the crowds.

• NP Krka & Cikola river canyon

  A full day visit to Krka National Park and Cikola river canyon. Practical if you are traveling to central Dalmatia after your ‘Velebit adventure’. In this case, on day 4 of the above itinerary, we recommend driving to Skradin, a nice small town on the banks of river Krka and at the entrance to the National Park. This allows you to profit from an early start on day 5, in the usually relatively crowded Skradinski Buk area. In the second part of the day, the option to hike in the Cikola river canyon.

• Hiking profile

Number of days walking: 3
Level: moderate
Distance & Duration: 14 km (8,7 miles) / 6h-7h (including cultural stops)
Terrain: Well marked and maintained hiking trails / Rocky limestone

• Weather & Terrain

• What about wildlife?

• Who is guiding the tour?

30 years of experience in the organization of hiking programs in Croatia and around the world, combined with a team of well-versed tour guides who are passionate about nature and cultural and historical heritage, this is the recipe that results in every tour concocted in the VMD adventure lab being a successful ‘experiment’. Let us introduce you to the secrets of adventurous Croatia in a safe and interesting way! More about our tour leaders and the office crew here: VMD GUIDES