Vrata Velebita

This is an excellent base for exploring around Paklenica National Park (20 minutes’ drive). There are easy or trickier hikes, as well as trails fit for bike rides through the pines. Wildlife fans can try to find animals such as bats, deers and falcons in the park, as well as birds of prey in the educational centre. If you’re an experienced climber, you’ll be in the right place – there’s a handful of climbing locations around Paklenica National Park. A cave, too – just head to Manita peć (25 minutes). For historic sites, the park also has a 19th-century watermill named Marasovic Mill and an ethno house, which shows what life was like in older times. Those of you who consider beach days a holiday essential can head to more coves in and around Starigrad (20 minutes). Further on, though, there’s water of a different kind. Kanjon Zrmanje Od Obrovca Do Ušća (40 minutes) is a river canyon and a hot destination for river rafting.