The best hiking routes in Zadar County

Zadar County presents a sharp division between the stark, waterless karst of the Adriatic coast and the vertical limestone walls of the Velebit range. On the coastal plains and islands, walkers tread on sharp, exposed limestone pavements and dry red soil, where vegetation is limited to low, aromatic scrub and ancient olive groves. The terrain here is generally low-lying and rocky, offering little shade but straightforward navigation along old dry-stone wall boundaries.

In contrast, Nacionalni park Paklenica offers a steep, enclosed mountain environment. Here, the underfoot conditions change to steep, gravelly scree slopes, polished limestone steps, and shaded forest paths beneath black pine and beech trees. The landscape is dominated by two massive canyons carved by water, where towering cliffs rise directly from the valley floor, requiring steady footwork and sturdy boots to negotiate the rocky ascents.

Walking in this region is defined by these physical contrasts rather than gentle, rolling meadows. The coastal paths are open and rugged, while the mountain trails of Nacionalni park Paklenica demand physical effort to climb through narrow gorges. In autumn, particularly around October, the beech forests in the higher parts of the national park turn a deep copper color, providing a stark contrast to the grey limestone cliffs that remain bare all year round.