Velebit  is no different in that sense. It has many local legends associated with it. Its deep gorges and rugged slopes are portrayed as the abode of spirits in tales and poems. Stretching along the coast from the Vratnik mountain saddle to the canyon of the Zrmanja river in the south in an imposing way, Velebit acted as a bulwark against an exploration of the interior of Croatia. Owing to the splendor of its natural environment and the large role it played in the pastoral and nomadic life of the region, the storied mountain has become one of the most potent symbols of modern Croatia, which captures some of the qualities of its people.

Don’t Be Menaced By Routine While Mountain Biking on Velebit

Possibly the best  way to appreciate the expansive mountain scenery is from atop a mountainbike. Even as you are speeding downhill, the secluded valleys, small mountain villages and the stooping trees are hard to miss. The distant panoramas of neighboring peaks and the Velebit Channel islands tend to crawl along no matter how fast you peddal. The feeling you get while gliding on your hardtail and spraying scree on all sides on a Velebit afternoon has no substitute. The cycling fashion trends are a downside, but everyone who is there to see you will be similarly attired and in no position to judge.

For two years running, Velebit has hosted an annual mountain bike marathon. The event took a slew of mountain bikers across a long stretch of recently plotted cycling paths. Similar events feature three categories of difficulty – ultra, challenger and recreational based on a gradation of the slope. Using the lovely town of Starigrad as a starting point, the route of the marathon took the participants all the way to the Zrmanja river via Libinje, Bukve, Tulove grede and Mali Alan. The endurance athletes braving the 80 km trek often single out the mountain biking Velebit stage as their favorite stomping ground.

As the track starts to climb, the view expands and the scenery gets better and better. Despite some patches of forest along the track, the view is unobstructed and the route weaves around tunnels and narrow ravines. Regular supply stops make carrying loads of baggage unnecessary. By the time you hit the technical part of the route, with upward and downward slopes, the large cluster of bikes disperses and you are alone with the mountain. The cinematic terrain tempts you to whip out the cameras or the easel. The piece of equipment that bears the greatest load is still the mountain bike. Some downhill sections of the marathons are strenuous, lined with rough stones, and put great strain on the suspension and consequently, the rider.

Mountain Biking Routes on Velebit

To kick us off on a short tour of the cycling routes of Velebit, an easy one. The bike path from Starigrad to Reljani is a short  course great for people who wish to get acquainted with the local history. It is a short trip through charming villages and millenia of rustic culture. Information panels will fill you in on the most interesting local customs and lead to the Paklenica National Park reception area to round off an educational experience. Should you veer towards the coast, you can reach some lovely natural beaches, as well as the forlorn Večka tower and a tenth century church dedicated to Saint Peter.

The Veliki Kamenjar route starts at a crossroads in Maslenica. A gravel road takes cyclists through a quarry. All the while there are mountaintops in view and low foliage fluttering in the gasps of wind. Coming up to the village of Zelenikovac herds of sheep graze on the gentle slopes in the summer months. As you leave the walls of unmortared stone behind you a few kilometers later, you follow the highway until you reach an underpass. The main road leads to the observation point of Pariževačka glavica. It is a tranquil spot with a great view of the canyon the river Zrmanja has burrowed in the landscape. The quaint villages of Šarlići and Jasenice offer some lovely photo-ops and a chance to admire some examples of medieval sacral architecture and artisanship. As the road loops back to Maslenica, there are some idyllic olive groves along the way whose cultivation stretches back for centuries.

The last route we are looking at in this piece runs from Golubić to Muškovci and is a testament to the ingenious ways of nature. The fairly long asphalt route of 28 kilometers writhes across broken terrain alongside the Zrmanja river. The area is criss-crossed with canyons, springs, bridges and waterfalls. Zrmanja’s tributaries such as Krupa feed a natural garden, and the river’s liveliest portion delights swimmers with its purity. Taken together, these havens for those of us in search of some distance from stress and labor represent a soupçon of the finest mountain biking Velebit has to offer.

The post Mountain Biking on Velebit Has a Lot to Offer first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.

In order to reap the health benefits of walking, you need to engage in its more strenuous form. Once the extended walks start taking upwards of two hours and your heart rate starts to pick up, we are entering hiking territory. Hiking retains the enjoyment that walking holds while adding a sporting aspect and acting as a low intensity workout. When done in a meditative natural setting it also stimulates thinking and reflection. This virtuous trifecta is why Paklenica hiking is one of the most pleasurable ways to spend your time.

Out on the Trail in Paklenica national park

A remarkable feature of Paklenica hiking trails is the wealth of paths available for travel. You can tailor the route according to time constraints. If you can only spare a couple of hours because you have other activities planned or have to adhere to a bus schedule, that isn’t a problem. If you set aside all day for hiking, you can effortlessly structure a loop that takes six or seven hours to complete using the widely available Paklenica National Park maps or GPS. The trails range from gravel roads where you can walk comfortably and take it easy to demanding footpaths hugging the rock.

The trails have markers – arrows and white dots within red circles –  although in the case of a handful that see little traffic they might be harder to locate. Trails not charted on some Park maps require a little prep work in advance, otherwise a couple of hours could be lost getting back on track. That is a small price to pay for a glimpse of the divine nature in the Park’s canyons and pine forests. The same can be said of the lack of standard tourist accomodation on Park grounds. Ivine Vodice, Vlaški grad, Struge and other renowned mountain lodges and shelters welcome tired travellers and hikers who want to spend the night, but can’t match the comfort of a hotel. This will make the return to your rented apartment in Starigrad all the sweeter.

Experienced hikers enjoy the comradery as much as wild nature and majestic mountain slopes, so they will think to bring some friends along for company. Still, it is worth reminding anyone to keep a short checklist of items essential for a carefree hike. Hiking boots for comfort, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a waterproof coat, a flashlight, first aid kit and the Paklenica national park entry ticket. That’s a lot to remember! A map and compass can be left behind on shorter trips, along with sleeping bags. There are fresh water springs and streams scattered around the NP Paklenica: Kontinovo vrilo, Crno vrilo, Vratrovac springs; Velika Paklenica stream and some others. The water is of a high drinking quality. Still, bring along some bottled water for convenience.

The Thrills of Paklenica Hiking

The steeper trails waste no time in getting you to the lofty vantage points, with breathtaking views. The town of Starigrad and the Velebit channel stretch in the palm of your hand. Behind you the serrated mountain peaks and forests of beech and pine are bathed in morning mist. Some interesting landmarks await hikers, chief among them the cave of Manita peć and the tiny village of Tomići. A stroll down the village path bordered by walls of rough-hewn, unmortared stone is a haunting experience. An ascent from the mountaineers’ shelter of Vlaški grad leads to Sveto brdo – the second-tallest of Velebit’s peaks. Once you have stood level with the clouds at the very top, it is easy to comprehend the pious spark which prompted men to carve the Ten Commandments into a rock at the summit.

A long route favored by hiking enthusiasts starts off by going down the gullet of the Velika Paklenica canyon, to the Paklenica mountain hut. By way of the bowl-shaped Velika Močila valley hikers will reach the ominously named Crni Vrh – Black Peak – at an elevation of 1110 meters above sea level. From there the route slopes downwards through Jurline and forests of hornbeam in an arc. The starting point is reached in 6 hours following Naismith’s rule of equivalence between distance and climb (typically up to 8 hours in practice). Along the way parties are treated to abundant karst, panoramic views and close encounters with the local wildlife and plant species, of which around forty are endemic. The most frequented trail, however, leads to Borisov dom – the mountain hut synonymous with Paklenica hiking. The shorter duration and gentler incline render it a great starting point for getting to know Paklenica from Starigrad and the Park entrance.

The post Paklenica Hiking – Walking Your Troubles Off first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.

The sandstone crags holding up bolted climbing routes and the coastal location invite comparison with Spanish rock-climbing destinations near Malaga or Benidorm. These long-time favourites of seasoned climbers offer their best conditions for a climb between autumn and spring. The timetable in Paklenica is pretty much the reverse, so this type of climbing environment is available year-round. The licensing fees, prices of food, accommodation and fuel compare favourably with those in Spain as well.

We hope you will be able to use the information in this entry as handholds to help you reach a decision and visit Paklenica. Please keep reading and by the time the letters run out, you will know what to do.

Paklenica climbing is in season

The scenic canyons of Paklenica are accessed from the small town of Starigrad Paklenica, in the nook of the Velebit channel.  To find it on the map, search for the town of Zadar on the Croatian coast. Zadar is a beautiful town with a rich heritage and less than 50 km away from Starigrad. The roads leading to the Paklenica national park are visibly and conveniently marked. They will take you all the way to the Park entrance. In fact, several climbing routes are within short walking distance of the parking lot itself.

March is a fantastic time to plan a rock climbing trip to Paklenica! The season stretches from April all the way to late October, but late April / early May is arguably peak season. This is the date of the annual Big Wall Speed Climbing Paklenica event, scheduled for May 1 – 4 in 2014. The climbing contest is part of a larger International climbers’ meeting that has been organized by hiking and climbing enthusiasts since 2000. With an ever increasing following, the event is starting to morph into a tradition.

Why Paklenica is the foremost climbing site in Croatia?

The first climbing route in Paklenica was completed in 1940 on the rock of Anića kuk. Decades ago climbing was more of a hobby than a sport in the region. Since then, domestic climbers have led the effort to map many more routes alonside their Slovenian colleagues (neighboring Slovenia is an Alpine state, hence it led the way in Yugoslavian winter and mountain sports). As a result Paklenica offers in excess of 360 improved routes, the majority of which are equipped with bolts.

The routes vary in several important ways, which results in the fact that all kinds of climbers – from novices to rock-climbing aces – can come up with a great itinerary for their stay in Paklenica.  The routes belong to different grades of difficulty, however most are moderately challenging. The longest routes are some of the classic ones on Anića kuk, such as Mosoraški, Funkcija and Klin. While they measure up to 350 m, most other routes are shorter. They are also distributed among three climbing styles: single- and multi-pitched sports routes, and trad routes which require climbers to affix nuts and cams. Single-pitched sports routes are clustered in the vicinity of the Paklenica national park entrance.

Some Paklenica climbing Dos and Don’ts

We would like to end with some common sense climbing tips that are nonetheless worth repeating.

DO use protective gear – Something as basic as a helmet greatly increases a climber’s safety. Check your climbing gear for fractures, wear and other indications that it may be unsafe. When buying, look out for the certificate confirming that the product has been tested. Tired as we are of hearing it, safety is paramount.

DON’T climb alone – The Paklenica national park authorities have a good reason to insist on climbing as a group activity. Experienced climbers will tell you a climbing partner is essential. Hiring an instructor is likely a terrific option for beginners. Basic technique and maximizing your endurance are best taught out on the rock. Also, you want someone to witness your undertaking.

DO plan ahead – Browse our website to rent an apartment in Starigrad Paklenica in advance. Inquire about the characteristics of your climbing route. Make sure the grade of difficulty, length and quality of the on-site gear that await you conform to your expectations. It might be a good idea to purchase a local climbing guide. Recent editions are fairly exhaustive and will set you back about € 20. It is definitely a good idea for your party to have a review session to make sure you can handle your equipment properly. Every minute spent planning saves an hour down the line.

DON’T oversleep – if you are barely able to drag yourself out of bed for lunch, you probably do not count yourself among the top sports climbers on the continent. Still, since it gets quite hot in Dalmatia in the height of summer, it is advisable to make the most of the morning hours when Paklenica climbing. A pair of shades will keep you looking cool, but will likely not stop you from sweating. And if you ever feel the need to take a break from climbing (it happens), you can always take advantage of the sun at the Starigrad Paklenica beach and distract yourself with water sports.

The post A Bird’s Eye View of Paklenica Climbing first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.

Picture taking a stroll through a traditional Dalmatian village. You’re coming down a small rocky hill, your sandals gently smacking against the cobbles. You can even imagine some folk music playing in the background, or just the sound of a battalion of crickets. It’s late in the afternoon, but the air is still shimmering with heat in the distance. There is no one about, and even the local sheepdog is snoozing in the shade.

As you turn from the main street, the walkway shrinks to barely a couple of meters. You can see the houses are made of white stone, the courtyard walls are unmortared and inside you glance an old-fashioned well. You can tell the winch would creak as you wind it. The red-tiled roofs you were admiring from the hilltop are not steep. The few small windows are blocked by quaint pine shutters.

As you descend to the marina, you can’t help but notice that it lies in a secluded cove where the boats are protected, even if the high tide does not rise more than a couple of feet. You untie your dinghy and push out into the sea just in time to catch the sunset.

Traditional Dalmatian architecture revolves around the Mediterranean weather patterns. The narrow streets make for thick shade and shelter from the wind in winter. The thick walls provide insulation against extreme heat. The roofs don’t need a steep incline as snow is practically unknown, and the shutters rattle prettily in gusty weather. The Adriatic is a calm sea, but sudden gales may be too formidable for inexperienced navigators and small vessels.

Starigrad Paklenica retains some of the hallmarks of Dalmatian architecture, but enhances the experience for visitors with sprawling terraces and restful rows of pine and spruce trees. These help transform a living space into a zone of relaxation. There are also the recreational areas, hiking and cycling trails leading away from the village, and a long beach where crowding is not an issue.

Dalmatian pršut – courtesy of Starigrad Paklenica weather

The local Starigrad Paklenica weather is distinguished by its position at foot of the coastal Velebit mountain and the nearness of the sea. The sea smooths the transition between seasons acting as a huge reservoir of heat and tempering summer heat and winter frost. Velebit is a natural barrier to the weather patterns in the interior.

If you’ve ever searched for images of the Croatian coastline, you were probably overwhelmed with pictures of sunny beaches, sunlit panoramas, and villages basking in the sun. Now, this is hardly unusual for any summer destination, but it is also true to life. With an average of over 2500 hours of sunshine every year, Dalmatia is one of the most inviting places in Europe with regard to weather. The wide variety of outdoor activities available in the neighborhood of Starigrad Paklenica takes advantage of this fact. I mean, have you tried mountain biking in a downpour? I presume bird watching does not improve either. Still, even a rain of fire and brimstone could not deter partygoers from hitting their stride on Zrce beach.

From November to March the weather takes a turn for the worse as gales create traffic difficulties, bringing intense showers and sleet. The sea in the Velebit channel turns choppy and is hard to navigate in this part of the year. The northern Bora (bura) wind in particular lives on in folk infamy, and even a synonym for stormy weather (burno) is derived from it. Bura is a cold wind that significantly lowers air temperature. This is what makes it indispensable in the production of a local delicacy.

Pršut is a native Dalmatian cousin of Italian prosciutto. Having been cleaned and salted, high-grade ham is smoked for over two months before starting the drying process. Bura is instrumental in the initial phase, keeping the product cool and drying it consistently. This contributes to the recognizable taste of pršut produced in the Velebit region, where bura hits hardest.

When you visit Starigrad, you will undoubtedly be treated to pršut from a reputable local producer, courtesy of bura and Starigrad Paklenica weather.

The post Is It Spring Already? – Starigrad Paklenica Weather first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.

One day excursions from Starigrad-Paklenica

So, you’re here and you would like to take your family or friends to one day excursions from Starigrad-Paklenica (you just want them to be as near as possible). Hopefully, as we mentioned earlier, and what we like to brag about, Starigrad is right there in the middle of everything cool there is to see on Croatian coast. But first, let’s start with mountains. Mountain Velebit to be exact.

Mountain Velebit and Paklenica national park

We won’t go in too much detail because we have a whole blogpost dedicated to it. But, Velebit and Paklenica must be mentioned in this article. Almost everyone who come to Starigrad are obliged to visit this national park – some of them come for hiking, some of them for climbing, and some of them just want to experience its beauties and maybe take a picture or two. But everyone is amazed by the nature and wildlife with promises that they’ll return here as soon as possible.

Kornati national park

Yes, it’s true. Starigrad is right there in the middle of three great Croatian national parks, with Kornati and Plitvice lakes being the other two. There is a saying that when God created the world he used the remaining stones and land (which he couldn’t use elsewhere) and scattered them in the Adriatic sea. Thus, Kornati archipelago emerged with its simply breathtaking blue waters and white islands. If you come here in Starigrad, make sure you book a one day boat trip to Kornati. You’ll never forget it, we promise.

Modrič cave

This one is for our adventure lovers. Modrič cave is a prime example of untouched nature: found only two decades ago it is almost intact by men. To keep this beautiful cave in shape for further generations you can only visit it in small groups so make sure you book your visit in time.

Krka national park

Krka river, located just 100 km from Starigrad (situated near the old town of Šibenik) is a nice place to take your family and friends on a one day trip. Its clear blue and green waters offer great scenery for taking pictures and there’s also a place inside the park where people come to bathe and swim. So, after you return home, you’ll have a story of how you swam in a river that’s also a national park.

Plitvice lakes national park

There are two things Croatia is known for abroad: Dubrovnik and Plitvice lakes. You’ve probably seen it in nature and wildlife magazines or TV shows about our country. And what’s the greatest thing – everything they said it’s true. And even more. More than one million people every year come here to see the most beautiful 16 lakes arranged in cascades in the world. Founded in 1949 it is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. Plitvice lakes national park is located just 135 km from Starigrad-Paklenica or just a two hour drive from here.

Historic towns – Zadar, Nin, Šibenik

If you’re up for some culture and history then these three towns offer a treat. Travelling from Starigrad you could visit them all in one day. First on your route should be Nin, just 50 km from Argyruntum Apartments. It’s a place blooming with history and culture, one of the first towns Croatians founded upon arriving to Dalmatia. Later on in 10^th century Nin was famous for being sort-of-a-capital of Dalmatia with first Croatian bishop presiding here. Next stop for you should be Zadar, the largest city in central Dalmatia, and a place where all the cultural findings of this area are kept. We recommend you visit the Church of St. Donatus, built in 9^th century this is the largest pre-romanesque building in Croatia. Also, while here, go and see (and hear) the ‘Sea organ’ – musical instrument played by the sea waves. Next stop, of course, is Šibenik, located just 50 km south from Zadar. Here you’ll find the Cathedral of St. James, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list as well as four fortresses located near the sea that are built in the 16^th century by Venice.

Island of Pag and Zrće beach

Most internationally famous thing about Pag is its Zrće beach. The beach is a well-known Croatian summer destination for partygoers, with several all-hours discotheques and beach bars operating during summer months. It regularly features gigs by internationally known house and trance DJs (Armin van Buuren to tell you just one name) at the peak of the Croatian summer season in July and August. Zrće is particularly popular among young club goers, while other pebble and sand beaches on the island are more family-oriented. If you’re young and up for some partying, we highly recommend you visiting Zrće – it’s just an hour and a half drive from Starigrad.

Zrmanja river

Zrmanja river is probably one of the most beautiful rivers in all of Europe. It is famous for rafting trips that take place in spring and autumn, and also kayak and canoe trips that are used during low water level period of July and August. Also its canyon and estuary was used as a set for many movies, with Karl May’s ‘Apache Gold’ about Native American hero Winnetou being the most famous. If you fancy these films you should definitely come here and book a visit to places where most of the scenes in it were taken.

So, here you go. As we promised, there’s something for everyone. If you need any more information please send us an e-mail (argyruntum@yahoo.com) or leave a comment below this post. We would be most happy to respond. Also, if you liked this post, please share it on social networks – let the world know about Croatia and its beauties. Thank you in advance.

The post One Day Excursions From Starigrad-Paklenica first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.

The predecessor to Starigrad was dubbed Argyruntum and it rose to municipal status in the 1st century AD in the reign of Emperor Tiberius. This occured shortly after the founding of the Roman province of Dalmatia, a portion of the rebellious Illyricum. The town dominated local life, initially by serving as a market for locally grown agricultural products and cattle. Even though the coastal rivers run dry in the summer months, the karst landscape and man-made wells retained enough water for livestock and their keepers. The land was arable and made for good pasture. A multitude of coves provided safe anchorage and facilitated the transportation of goods in a period when heavy loads were impossible to transport overland. The central settlement, placed on a peninsula which is joined with the mainland today, also served a strategic purpose overlooking the Velebit channel waterway.

All semblance of town life appears to have ceased in the fourth century, as the Roman Empire faltered under threat from external pressures and institutional decay. Control of distant provinces was relinquished first, but even in nearby Dalmatia Rome lost control in this late period. The local inhabitants reverted to the pre-Roman agricultural way of life on the slopes of Velebit which offered greater security to a civilian population. The natural wealth of the region had drawn the first settlers and remains a constant today, harboring a potential for olive groves, orchards, vegetable gardens, fisheries, beekeeping and cattle rearing. Hopefully these traditional industries will continue to yield high-quality local food products, forging another link with the past.

Argyruntum ghost stories

In an interesting turn of events, scientific interest in the Starigrad area revolves around the funeral customs of both its modern and ancient residents.

The people in the Velebit mountain area have always been scattered, with few major population centers. This led to a situation where several remote villages would gravitate to a single parish church, and considerable distances between a person’s home and their burial site, such that could not be traversed without stopping to rest.  So the pallbearers were allowed a break halfway to the cemetery, where they would lay the remains on the ground and place stones near the head and feet of the deceased. Since this resembled a crude form of measuring height, these sites are known as ‘mirila’ (measures). Carved headstones and stone slabs would later be added by relatives and the sites, judged to be the true resting places of the souls, were revered more than the consecrated cemeteries. This practice continued from the 17th to the 20th century, and these folk monuments and customs relating to them are a protected cultural property and an iconic feature of the Paklenica landscape.

Most of what is known about life in Argyruntum is likewise derived from objects left to honor the town’s dead.  The richest site of archaeological study is the necropolis situated along the ancient road entrance to the town. Since 1908, when Mihovil Abramić and Anton Colnago conducted the first excavation, ritual objects and offerings have been retrieved from four hundred vaults. These include jewelry made of bronze, silver, bone and amber, metalware, weapons, tools and ceramic and glass vessels of varying shape. The bulk of these treasures is kept in the Archaeological museum in Zadar. Objects such as numerous oil containers with as many as 25 different manufacturer’s seals point to the town being an important trading center. The most valuable ornamental objects were not products of local artisans. They originate from Cyprus, Egypt, Syria, Rome, Capua and Aquileia.

The continuity between the ancient and modern settlements does not stop there. The chapel of Saint George rests on the spot where a Roman temple used to stand. It’s not excluded that other parts of town retain their functionality. It is also likely that existing northern county limits reflect ancient Roman and even pre-Roman territorial divisions, as the mountain passes form natural obstacles to travel. Unlike the necropolis, not much of the ancient residential areas was preserved; only a short stretch of the ruined defensive wall.  Despite the loss, we can reconstruct much of the life in Argyruntum through analogy and imagination, since we still share a lot of the same living conditions. Looking around Starigrad, we can remain neighbors with the ancients – living next door, but millenia apart.

The post Argyruntum and Starigrad – Tale of a Town and a Half first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.

But, there is one thing every guest will simply love – beaches. Starigrad Paklenica beach is more than a mile long sand and pebble delight which every family will simply adore.

1. It’s big and not crowded, so you won’t have problems finding a good spot even in the middle of summer
2. It’s beautiful – clear blue sea with mountain Velebit right behind you
3. It’s safe – you won’t have problems looking after you kids because there are no big obstacles on the beach
4. It’s just a couple minute walk from Argyruntum Apartments
5. There are many bars and shops near so you can grab a refreshment whenever you want

Starigrad Paklenica beach – legend of king Pasoglav

One of the most famous places in Starigrad is the old fortification called Večka Tower, situated a couple of meters from the sea, on the Kulina beach. Just ask any locals and they’ll point you to that place. There is even a legend going around about this old ruin, which can be a pretty epic place for sunbathing, swimming and taking photos for your Facebook profiles.

So, the legend says there was once a king named Pasoglav who had a human’s body and a dog’s head. He lived in Večka Tower and every once in a while he would demand someone to bring him a young guy who would shave him. Each time he was shaved by a different young man who the king then had killed so as to protect his secret. But, the rumour spread and one mother didn’t want his son to be killed so he gave him a loaf of bread made of her breast milk to offer to Pasoglav. The king ate it all! It was so delicious, and through the mother’s milk it made the young boy king’s brother. The king decided to let the boy go, but ordered him not to tell anyone the secret. Young boy promised he wouldn’t tell it to any living creature, but after a while, he simply couldn’t keep it to himself. Because of his promise, he decided not to trust this secret to anyone but the Earth.

He dug a hole in the ground, bent over, and whispered: ‘Darkest earth, our king has a dog’s head’. An elder tree grew from the ground instantly and a shepherd passing by made a flute from its wood. When he played his flute, instead of a tune, all that could be heard were the words: ‘Our king has a dog’s head!’ The secret spread like wildfire across the kingdom and the king was left to live unshaven and isolated until his death while young men from the kingdom were liberated from the fear of dying in the king’s tower.

So, there you have it – legends and pure untouched beauty. Who wouldn’t spend their vacation here?

The post Starigrad Paklenica Beach – Where Mountain Touches the Sea first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.

The area had been a home to nomadic pastoralists since before recorded history. The settled Bronze Age cultures that succeeded them used stone to construct fortifications and dwellings for their nobles. The remains of this Liburnian architecture take the form of oval mounds, while the accompanying stone heaps have been identified as burial sites of local rulers.

The conquering Romans in their turn used fortified defences on two occasions in an (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to maintain control of the Dalmatian coast. Their efforts can be admired or mocked by visiting Modrič or Sveta Trojica, where ruined forts and towers dating to the 6th century are located.  Roman presence in the vicinity of Paklenica was centered around the commercial town of Argyruntum. Having provided modern-day archaeologists with a sizeable collection of glassware – housed in nearby Zadar – as well as examples of ancient jewelry and metalwork, the site of Argyruntum (modern Starigrad) remains an enduring Roman legacy.

The knowledge that Croats are only one link in a chain of custodians of the area contributes to the atmosphere of timelessness and humility that surrounds the Park grounds.

Getting your bearings in Paklenica national park

The Park itself is an example of karst relief formation, which features many ravines, pits and sharp drops which draw the eye and dare explorers and wanderers. It is separated into three main patterns of local geography.

Flow of water through porous rock and soil has sculpted the dual canyons of Velika Pakenica and Mala Paklenica. Both are hemmed in by steep cliffs rising hundreds of meters into the air. Mala Paklenica is less wide and at 12 km in length, two kilometers shorter. The canyon shrinks to a mere 10 meters in the narrowest section, and the torrents running through it during the wet winter months are much less violent.

The rotund valley of Velika and Mala Močila rests in the tamer central area of the national park. It is encircled by scenic hills offering views of the valley floor, and a forest of black pine to the south whose resin (paklina) gives the Park its name. The rich forest environment is the most ecologically precious feature of the Park and its conservation was the motive behind the granting of national park status back in 1949.

The eastern zone of the Park transitions from a rugged, inhospitable terrain of dry thickets to the karstic tablelands around Veliko and Malo Libinje.

Making sure you do not trip over anything on Velebit mountain

The most convenient way to get around in a sanctuary of nature is on foot. There are over 150 km of marked trails to hike along, in the shade of pristine forests of oak, beech, hornbeam and black pine. The foliage conceals diverse wildlife populations, from coveted woodpecker species to the equally elusive Orsini’s viper, or the roe deer. More inaccessible slopes above the treeline house populations of chamois. A possible source of refreshment for weary travellers can be found in year-round springs of delicious drinking water at Kontinovo vrilo, Crno vrilo, Velika Močila, Stražbenica  and Pećica.

If just dawdling at the foot of the Velebit mountain can take one’s breath away, the same can be said for making the climb. After all, the mountain’s highest peak – Vaganski vrh, at a vertiginous 1757 m above sea level – is within the Park’s grounds. Paklenica is a hotbed for climbing enthusiasts, with over 360 climbing routes catering to all skill levels. From spring to late autumn, the rocks and crags such as the famous Anića kuk are a draw for climbers and mountaineers. The combination of a challenging climb, fair weather and the invigorating air blown from the sea is a winning one.

Velebit’s ridges are also riddled with 37 catalogued caves and 39 pits, meaning that the views below ground are often just as spectacular. Manita peć is the cave that is most renowned for its palatial natural architecture, but other grottos offer wondrous arrangements of stone spires to visitors. Animals dwelling underground are another point of interest, providing a surprising contrast to the hundreds of bird species nesting on the cliff faces.

Naturally, traffic is forbidden in the Park’s interior. However, you can still take the elegant wheels of a bicycle for a spin along the trails – or down a slope. The bumpiest as well as the most exhilarating way of paying tribute to nature, mountain biking is another favorite pastime of the visitors to the Park. Rental apartments in Starigrad, Paklenica are the ideal camp from which to launch your daily excursions into the Paklenica national park, and whence to retire once daylight has been spent.

But at the end of the day, if you suspect you did not have time to experience everything you were hoping for, we extend our invitation to visit the Park anew in the future and resume the adventure.

The post An Invitation To Adventure In the Paklenica National Park first appeared on Argyruntum Apartments.