Attractions and Places To See around Starigrad - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Starigrad include a diverse range of natural monuments and historical sites. Located near the Velebit mountain range and the Adriatic Sea, Starigrad offers a landscape characterized by deep gorges, mountains, and coastal features. The region is a gateway to outdoor activities, blending significant natural beauty with cultural heritage. It provides opportunities to explore both rugged terrain and historical landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Starigrad
- The most popular attractions is Paklenica National Park — Gorges and Waterfalls, a gorge that is a very beautiful national park located in the Dalmatia region. It is known for its deep gorges and offers opportunities for hiking and exploring diverse landscapes.
- Another must-see spot is Mirila burial site, a historical site. These sites were created between the 17th and 20th centuries by pastoral nomads of the Velebit Mountains, marking places where the deceased were rested on their journey to the cemetery.
- Visitors also love Manita Peć Cave, a cave. This is the only cave in the park area that is open and equipped for visitors, featuring spacious chambers and formations that have delighted visitors since 1937.
- Starigrad is known for its national parks, historical sites, and natural caves. The region offers a variety of attractions, from challenging hiking trails to cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Starigrad are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 550 upvotes and over 235 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Paklenica National Park — Gorges and Waterfalls
Highlight • Gorge
We were there in April and it was nice and empty.
I can only recommend the low season for traveling and hiking. There are some places on the main path to fill the bottles with fresh spring water!
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Paklenica National Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
The highest peaks are Vaganski Vrh at 1,757 m above sea level and Sveto Brdo (1,750 m above sea level).
Source: Wikipedia
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Mirila burial site
Highlight • Historical Site
Source: Wikipedia
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Manita Peć Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Ramica Dvori Mountain Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Večka Tower Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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Ivančev Dom Mountain Hut & Pool
Highlight • Mountain Hut
The food is very good and there are several dishes at Ivančev Dom.
e.g. goulash with pasta, ham and cheese platter, bean stew and macaroni. The hut owner is very nice and takes his time with his guests. He speaks English and also German. The prices are absolutely fair.
Maybe also interesting:
All the food and whatever else is needed in the hut comes up on the donkey.
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Paklenica Underground City
Highlight • Cave
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Trail to Planinarski Dom Paklenica with scenic views
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Drinking water fountain
Highlight • Rest Area
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Mirila were created between the 17th and 20th centuries, when the inhabitants (pastoral nomads) of the Velebit Mountains lived mainly from livestock farming and kept mostly sheep. The deceased had to be carried from the often very remote hamlets and farms along mountain paths to the village church and then to the village cemetery. It was customary that the bearers were only allowed to rest once along the way and set the dead down on the ground. At such specific places, "the deceased said goodbye to the sun for the last time." Thus, family rest stones were created, which preserved the memory of the deceased and were more important than the grave itself, because it was believed that the grave contained "merely" a body without a soul, which remained on the mirilo.[7] The bodies were wrapped in an ordinary linen cloth and transported on a wooden stretcher. The mirilo, i.e. The place of burial, the burial site, was marked with stones as follows: "Flat stones were placed beneath the corpse, exactly corresponding to its length and width. A stone was placed at the foot, which was naturally rounded or later shaped accordingly, and a similarly shaped but somewhat larger so-called headstone was placed at the head."[8] The ritual of building the Mirilo took place at sunrise, and the corpse lay with its head facing east, toward the sun.[9] The laying out in the open air could last up to three days. Source: Wikipedia
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A great cave. The entrance fee is €5, but there's only a limited viewing window, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on opening days. You should inquire at the national park entrance before climbing.
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The national park is subject to a fee. A five-day ticket for climbers currently costs €24. Those who want to climb to the last parking lot pay an additional €5 per day. In return, there are approximately 500 climbing routes of all lengths and difficulty levels. Many easy, long, gradual climbs stand out.
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Paklenica National Park is a national park located in the Velebit mountain range, 30 km northeast of the city of Zadar on the Croatian Adriatic Sea and approximately one kilometer from Starigrad-Paklenica. It encompasses Mediterranean, continental, and alpine climate zones and was declared a national park in 1949. The highest peaks are Vaganski Vrh at 1,757 m above sea level and Sveto Brdo (1,750 m above sea level). Source: Wikipedia
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The Večka Kula tower, built for defense against the Turks, belongs to the village of Vuče. It was first mentioned in 1508. The beach there, with its crystal-clear water, is ideal for swimming.
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Very pretty, but we left too late, so it was too hot, so we had to cut the walk a little short. It's best to start around 7 a.m. (June)
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At the Kosirica junction, there's a beautiful viewpoint. If you walk around the rocks, you can sit and enjoy the view.
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National Park Paklenica is one of the most visited National Parks Hr
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Starigrad?
Starigrad is rich in history. You can visit the Mirila burial site, ancient stone memorials created by Velebit pastoral nomads. The Večka Tower Ruins, a 16th-century Venetian defense tower, also offers a glimpse into the region's past. Additionally, the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Hvar island, showcases ancient Greek agricultural divisions, and the Tvrdalj Palace in Stari Grad is a notable 16th-century fortified residence.
Are there any caves or unique natural formations to visit?
Yes, the region features several impressive natural formations. The Manita Peć Cave in Paklenica National Park is the only cave open to visitors, known for its spacious chambers and formations. You can also explore the deep gorges and waterfalls within Paklenica National Park itself.
What outdoor activities can I do near Starigrad?
Starigrad is a gateway to diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking on trails like the 'View of Velebit Nature Park loop from Starigrad' or 'View of the Velebit Channel – Stari Grad Paklenica loop from Kozjača'. For hiking, options range from easy walks like the 'Starigrad-Paklenica Harbor – Starigrad Waterfront Trail loop' to more challenging mountain hikes such as the 'Cica Voda Spring – View of Paklenica Gorge loop'. Find more routes on the MTB Trails around Starigrad, Easy hikes around Starigrad, and Mountain Hikes around Starigrad guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Starigrad?
Absolutely. Paklenica Underground City is a family-friendly historical site. The Večka Tower Ruins are also suitable for families. For a refreshing stop, there's a drinking water fountain available, which is convenient for families exploring the area.
Where can I find the best viewpoints around Starigrad?
For panoramic views, consider hiking to Glavica Hill, which offers stunning vistas of Stari Grad and its surroundings. Within Paklenica National Park, the Veliko Rujno Plateau provides expansive views, and the Ivančev Dom Mountain Hut & Pool also offers a great vantage point.
What is the best time to visit Starigrad for outdoor activities?
The low season, such as April, is often recommended for visiting Paklenica National Park as it's less crowded. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region without the intense summer heat.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The 'Starigrad-Paklenica Harbor – Starigrad Waterfront Trail loop from Starigrad' is a short and accessible walk. Another easy option is the 'Novigrad Harbor – View of the Velebit Mountains loop from Municipality of Novigrad'. You can find more details on the Easy hikes around Starigrad guide page.
What cultural heritage sites are there in the broader Starigrad region?
Beyond the immediate vicinity, the town of Stari Grad on Hvar island boasts significant cultural heritage. This includes the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Greek field divisions, the 16th-century Tvrdalj Palace, and the Church of St. Stephen. The Stari Grad Museum, located in Biankini Palace, also offers a deep dive into the area's 2400-year history.
What do visitors enjoy most about Starigrad's attractions?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the opportunities for outdoor adventure, particularly in Paklenica National Park. Many appreciate the diverse landscapes, from deep gorges to coastal features, and the blend of challenging trails with historical landmarks. The tranquility during the low season is also a highlight for many.
Are there any places to eat or rest during a hike in the mountains?
Yes, for those exploring the mountain trails, the Ramica Dvori Mountain Hut and Ivančev Dom Mountain Hut & Pool offer facilities where you can rest and potentially find refreshments. It's always a good idea to check their operating hours in advance.
How can I visit Paklenica National Park?
Paklenica National Park is easily accessible from Starigrad. The entrance fee is typically around €10 per adult, with additional fees for vehicles. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure parking. For specific opening times for attractions like Manita Peć Cave, it's advisable to inquire at the national park entrance.
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Most popular attractions around Starigrad
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