PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK

Before embarking on a hike or a day in the park, get information from the official office in Starigrad or at the two entrances, Velika and Mala Paklenica. Before the main entrance (Velika), you pass through the old hamlet of Marasović, where a building has been restored to house a small eco-museum. Here, you'll find a collection of objects from the daily lives of former mountain dwellers, as well as standing stones found at Mirila in the Velebit massif. Dating from the pastoral era (^17th-20th centuries), they preserve the memory of shepherds who died at altitude and were brought to the church and then to the cemetery. A funeral cult unique in Croatia.

A natural western setting. Two torrents have carved out the mountain range, forming two deep, steep gorges. The rock faces have an impressive natural unity that has served as the backdrop for numerous westerns. For example, the adventures of Winnetou, the Apache chief hero of a 1960s TV series adapted from the stories of German novelist Karl May. The Starigrad tourist office offers hikes in the footsteps of the great Indian warrior!

Fauna and flora. Biodiversity is enhanced by the different climates. Along the coast, the climate is Mediterranean, while the Velebit peaks are swept by cold, harsh winds. Most of the forests are beech (72%), pine (18%), followed by oak, oaks and Levant hornbeam.

Fauna also varies according to altitude and habitat. Numerous invertebrates (snails, insects, butterflies) and endemic turtles can be found: the park is a birdwatcher's paradise. No fewer than 200 species of Mediterranean birds can be found on the plains: passerine, orpheus, melanocephalus bunting, zizi bunting... Higher up towards the peaks, griffon vultures, griffon and golden eagles, Bonelli eagles (formerly Hieraaetus fasciatus), Biarmicus falcons as well as peregrine falcons, jean-le-blanc circaètes or snake eagles. In the reptile family, only the viper is dangerous. The area is home to several species of garter snake, some of which are endangered. Small mammals are well represented, including many insectivores and rodents: shrews, mice, voles, but also hares, squirrels, bats, weasels, foxes, martens, wildcats, lynx, deer, wild boar, bears and wolves.