One Day Excursions From Starigrad-Paklenica
We recently wrote about the things you can do when you visit Starigrad-Paklenica, and of all we mentioned a couple of places like Paklenica national park or Zrce beach. This blog will be all about these places and we hope everyone will find something that’s up to their taste.
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.
Plitvice lakes – simply breathtaking
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 10th 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 9th 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 16th 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.
Kayaking on Zrmanja river is fun and exciting.
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.
Argyruntum and Starigrad – Tale of a Town and a Half
Starigrad-Paklenica is a small town of just over one thousand inhabitants in northern Dalmatia. Sharing the common fate of small agricultural settlements in the twentieth century, it was faced with emigration as its people sought their fortune in large urban centers home and abroad. However, the road networks constructed in recent decades have reversed this trend. As the benefits of remoteness are no longer incompatible with easy access to modern comforts, the Starigrad community is now a prosperous center for rural tourism, sporting and recreational activities – such as climbing, hiking or mountain biking. But the name Starigrad (literally ‘old town’) hints at the existence of an earlier settlement at the location of the modern one – in this case, ancient Roman. It is fitting that ancient Romans whose patrician class ‘invented’ tourism also founded the original Starigrad, graced by its modern practitioners.
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.
Starigrad Paklenica Beach – Where Mountain Touches the Sea
Starigrad-Paklenica, a small village on the southern edge of Velebit mountain, offers its guests everything they need. Warm and clear Adriatic sea, ancient history and Roman culture on which Starigrad was built and an active vacation in the mountains for people who are into hiking or climbing.
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.
- It’s big and not crowded, so you won’t have problems finding a good spot even in the middle of summer
- It’s beautiful – clear blue sea with mountain Velebit right behind you
- It’s safe – you won’t have problems looking after you kids because there are no big obstacles on the beach
- It’s just a couple minute walk from Argyruntum Apartments
- 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?
An Invitation To Adventure In the Paklenica National Park
The Velebit mountain is part of the Dinaric mountain range running alongside the Adriatic. An observer from the coast can easily notice its barren appearance, rugged terrain and sparse, withered vegetation. This makes the comparatively lush nature of Paklenica national park all the more remarkable. Nestled between the mountain and the sea on Velebit’s southern slopes, the 96 km2 park comprises the twin canyons of Velika (Big) and Mala (Small) Paklenica and their surroundings.
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 Modri 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.
Top 10 Things When You Visit Starigrad-Paklenica
Some people like spending their vacations relaxing by the sea, swimming and sunbathing. Others prefer more action so they go mountain biking or hiking if there is a mountain nearby. And yet, there is a third group – ones that just want to experience something new and beautiful. Like a national park, maybe.
Great thing about all three types of vacationers is that little town of Starigrad-Paklenica, settled on the beautiful Adriatic coast with mountain Velebit behind, offers everything they need. You like hiking – Velebit is the place to be. You want to go clubbing – just hop to the island of Pag and visit renown party destination, Zrce beach. You want to relax? National park Paklenica is the place to be with its untouched beauty and blooming wildlife.
This article will show you top 10 things when you visit Starigrad-Paklenica.
1. Climbing in Paklenica national park
Paklenica national park is the most visited climbing center in all of Croatia. It’s pretty obvious why… You’re climbing in a close proximity to Adriatic sea which gives this site its special charm. Also, there are over 300 fully equipped climbing routes in Paklenica national park with various difficulty settings so each climber should find the one that suits him/her the best. Climbing season is right at the door – it begins in spring and goes on until late autumn.
2. Mountain biking across mountain Velebit
There aren’t as many things as joyful as mountain biking. The thrill, the adrenaline and adventure to the unknown, mountain biking on Velebit is one of the best ways to spend and active vacation. Although there are many great biking routes all across Croatia, Velebit is the place for everyone that seeks a bit of dangerous, thrill-filled adventure.
3. Hiking on mountain Velebit
As you can see, Velebit is a great place for everyone that is looking for an active vacation. And while climbing and mountain biking acquire some skill and strenght, hiking on mountain Velebit is something that any member of a family can do, of course, with proper safety precautions and tour guidance. Try it, you’ll love it. And bring a camera, Velebit and Paklenica national park have lots to offer.
4. Rafting on Zrmanja river
Great thing about rafting is that it’s suitable for everyone that knows how to swim. You don’t need to know anything about this sport so children of just 8 years old can enjoy it. Located only a 30 minute drive from Starigrad-Paklenica, Zrmanja river will offer great thrill for your family or friends. Not to mention that rafting in Croatia is considered a really fun activity for teambuilding – if you got a group of coworkers that need to unwind, this is a place to be.
5. Sea kayaking
Everything I mentioned before was somehow related to thrills and adrenaline. This one is perfectly suitable for people that love to spend their vacation near the shore and not in the mountains. So, kayaking across the beautiful blue sea will surely be a thing to remember because Starigrad-Paklenica offers great scenery where the mountain Velebit rises from the Adriatic sea. Also, there is a reason why they call Croatia a country with thousand islands – why not visit some of them by paddling…
6. Snorkeling in the Adriatic sea
One thing is for sure, you won’t find waters so clear and blooming with underwater creatures like the ones in Adriatic sea near Starigrad-Paklenica. Nice and cool underwater creatures, not the ones that will eat you. So, if you own a snorkeling license make sure to explore what’s happening beneath the surface, you won’t regret it.
7. History of Starigrad-Paklenica
This one is for everyone that need some history lessons while abroad. As you might know, Starigrad-Paklenica was once a Roman settlement named Argyruntum (hence the name of our apartments). In the fourth century the town was fortified with walls as it was one of the biggest trading centers on the Adriatic coast. Archeologist all across the world come here to explore that part of Roman culture and mostly all of the findings are now kept in Museum of Archeology in Zadar. Later on, when the Croats started settling in, they built the chapel of St. Peter which is pretty much preserved to this day. Also, this place was surrounded with WWII bunkers so make sure you visit them if you’re into that bloody part of human history.
8. Modrič cave – flora and fauna
Well, as you may see, Paklenica is great. And what’s even greater is Modrič cave, a real paradise for people looking for untouched beauty. Here’s why. It was found only three decades ago, and closed for tourists until 2004. Now, you can only visit it in small groups since it still doesn’t have stairs, marked paths or installed electric lights inside. It’s completely natural with all of its wildlife – bats, lizards, crabs and breathtaking scenery – stalagmites and stalactites. Once outside, feel free to wander around and search for one of 1,000 plant and more than 150 animal species that live on mountain Velebit. It will leave you breathless as long as you agree not to disturb them.
9. Bird watching in Paklenica national park
What most people don’t know is that Paklenica national park is one of the biggest nesting sites for over one hundred species of birds recorded to date. Grab a camera, a group of enthusiasts like yourself and try to find them all. Park is also populated with the endangered and rare bird species such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, short-toed eagle and goshawk. Forest areas are rich with woodpeckers, the rarest among them being the white-backed and middle spotted woodpecker.
10. Clubbing on Zrce beach
The last one is for all the party people that just want to have a great time dancing. Zrce beach, situated just an hour ride to the island of Pag, is probably the biggest party destination in Croatia, especially in summer. If you want to relax and swim during the day, but have a blast at night book an apartment here in Starigrad-Paklenica. You’ll have the best of two worlds.
What are you waiting for?
If this article about top 10 things when you visit Starigrad-Paklenica has helped you to decide where you want to spend your vacation, just contact us through e-mail or phone. We’re opened all year long.