Paklenica National Park is located slightly inland from the coast of North Dalmatia, situated about 47km north (northeast) from Zadar. The nearest coastal town to the park is Starigrad Paklenica. The Park is situated south of the Velebit range of mountains (the largest in Croatia) and covers an area of just under 100 square km, with a mixture of high peaks with stunning views, deep gorges and beech and pine forests. The Park is an ideal place to visit for the adventurous – there are several challenging hiking trails, and climbing is also popular here. For those who like things a little more laid-back, there’s more gentle walks available too, with just as much to explore. Paklenica is well known for its two canyons, Velika (Big) Paklenica and Mala (Small) Paklenica. Velika Paklenica is 14km long and between 500 to 800m wide. Mala Paklenica is, unsurprisingly, smaller but is still 12km long and between 400 to 500m wide. The Park’s highest peak is Vaganski vrh, which is 1,757 metres high. A number of caves also exist in the National Park of various sizes, one of which can be visited (see below).

The Park is well known for its numerous geological highlights, and contains a wide range of plant and animal species. Amongst the wildlife in the park are various types of bird (including falcons, eagles and owls); deer; bears; foxes; wild cats; and lynx. Suggested excursions in vicinity : National Park Krka (Krka Waterfalls) Kornati Islands National Park National Park Paklenica (Velebit)

The history of Zadar is as fascinating as it is long! There’s evidence of a settlement in the area from as far back as the 9th century BC, although the town developed rather well under the control of the Romans when they conquered the region in the 2nd century BC – the layout of town, its city walls and gates, and important buildings were all constructed during this period. From the end of the 9th century, Zadar fell under some sort of control by Croat rulers from the interior, where a Croatian state had emerged. This period saw a migration of Croat citizens to Zadar and the town became reasonably successful in trade. Its emergence caused Venice to see it as a threat, meaning that Zadar was attacked – and liberated – numerous times, before it was finally sold off to Venice by the Hungarian King Ladislas of Naples in 1409. Under Venetian rule, Zadar was subjected to attacks from the Ottomans, so city defences were fortified as the building of new walls commenced in the 16th century. Although economically the town stagnated somewhat – Zadar was only allowed to export to Venice – it grew culturally with a number of poets and writers emerging during this time. Following the fall of Venice, and after a brief eight year rule under the French, Austria conquered Dalmatia in 1813 and established Zadar as the administrative centre of Dalmatia.

The town underwent an age of Italianisation with Italian becoming the main language. This period also saw an upsurge in some Slavic nationalisation in the town. Old Town peninsula - It goes without saying, it’s the heart and soul of the city. Crowded onto the peninsula, fortified in its entireity but eternally under attack by foes through the ages, parts of the city have been destroyed and rebuilt so many times over three millennia that few places on Earth can rival it for its eclectic mix of architecture. As well as the dizzying number of churches, monasteries and historical monuments, it’s also the commercial centre, with an ever-increasing choice of boutiques and galleries, and, of course, it’s the centre of social life and cafe society. The main shopping street Široka (known locally as Kalelarga) is a busy thoroughfare for people with things to do, even if that’s only strolling in good company. In summer it’s crowded with pavement cafes. It’s surrounded by shady parks on top of the ancient fortifications. The outer promenade beyond the ferry port, known as the Riva, is a relaxed place to stroll and swimStarigrad-Paklenica.

Zadar has great nightlife--unpretentious and varied-and the best part is that most Zadar nightlife is located in the town's historic centre. As soon as the winter chill leaves Zadar's streets,  the city's teeming population of students fill outdoor cafes and spill out of its bars. There are a couple of super-hip nightclubs but the biggest disco on the Croatian coast, Saturnus, is about 16km northwest of Zadar in Nin. Arsenal is unique in Croatia, in terms of size, ambience and the sheer variety of events and attractions. These include a gallery, cocktail bar and a popular à la carte restaurant upstairs. The spacious stage hosts world music, local klapa choral singing, name DJs and local bands. The sound is superb, thanks to installation by the Garden crew, and there’s a show of some kind most evenings. Tables between the stage and the bar allow for lounging, sipping and snacking from the extensive menu – the space is cleared for gigs and dancing.