Riviera Paklenica

Where the Velebit kisses the Adriatic Sea

Two worlds coalesce at the Riviera Paklenica in Northern Dalmatia: The wild and deep gorges of the Velebit, Croatia’s largest mountain massif and UNESCO World Biosphere, touches the crystal clear water of the Adriatic Sea, which meanders in picturesque bays around the many islands off the coast. The mild climate of the Mediterranean blends with the rough Bora winds that blow down from the steep rock faces of the Velebit. It is where white pebble stone beaches meet forests full of black pines.

Roman heritage and cinematic summers in Starigrad

Starigrad is the maintown of the Riviera and a lively place for vacation that was built on the ruins of the ancient city Argyruntum. The history of the Roman settlement can be surmised from various sites throughout the city – for example the watchtower Vecka Kula that oversees the white pebble stone beach south of the city. In the summer a variety of events like the fishing days and the film festival take place in Starigrad. Whoever misses the cinematic festival may get a whiff of cinema history at the Winnetou-Museum in Starigrad, for the city was a location of the Winnetou films. North of Starigrad one finds beautiful destinations for trips such as Ladin Porat, Kozjaca and Tribanj Sibuljina. From these tranquil towns one may easily reach the island of Pag – home of the famous Pag cheese.

Crossing over the deep ravine of Velika, near Starigrad, one can reach the rough Velebit and the national park Paklenica from the sea. The karst landscape with its steep rock faces is a paradise for climbers, hikers, and mountain bikers. On the tracks of the Velebit marathon, a regional sport event, one can travel over the rocky hills to the canyon of the Zrmanja River. Here, visitors find both relaxation and recreational activity, such as rafting on the river. At the same time, the emerald green shimmering river with its 80 m high waterfall Visoki Buk creates an impressive surrounding for water enthusiasts and hikers.

A little farther south of Starigrad is Seline, which creates an apt framework for a near-nature and recreative vacation with its spacious pebble stone beaches "Pisak" and "Polje" as well as its regional specialties like Prsut or fish. Northeast of Seline lies Canyon Mala that grants an additional access to the wild mountain range. Southbound on the coastal road one arrives at Rovanjska. The fishing village also used to be a location for the Winnetou films and provides beautiful beaches, excellent bicycle tracks, and unique sunsets.

Cultural treasures and natural sites

One should take advantage of Rovanjska’s proximity to Zadar and Nin and plan for a trip. Zadar, whose history goes back over 2000 years, offers a variety of archeological and cultural treasures as well as more recent sites such as the "Sea Organ" right by the boardwalk and the "Greeting to the Sun." In Nin, about 15 km northwest of Zadar, one may visit the historic city that used to be the setting for coronation ceremonies, the "Smallest Cathedral on Earth" built around the year 800, and the remains of the Roman, formerly largest temple of Dalmatia. After that one can spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the wide sandy beaches in this environment. Because of the gently sloping beaches Nin is popular among families with children.

In this region Croatia is blessed with a clear, deep-blue, and clean Adriatic Sea, a plethora of sites, and a unique landscape. While on vacation here, one should therefore at least visit one of the national parks in Northern Dalmatia. The national park Paklenica is locates in Velebit, the national park Plitvicer Seen is located in the hinterland and the national park Krka is northeast of the city Sibenik. On the islands off the coast between Zadar and Sibenik one finds the popular maritime national park Kornati, which may be visited on organized boat trips.