Things to Do in Lika-Senj County

Lika-Senj County is the largest county in Croatia, at 5,353 square kilometres, and it stretches from the Velebit coast inland to the Plitvice Lakes. Most trips are built around four areas: Plitvice, the Velebit mountains, Smiljan (the birthplace of Nikola Tesla) and the northern end of Pag island, which also belongs to the county. All prices below are in euros.

Plitvice Lakes boardwalk walks

Plitvice is the main draw. The park runs marked walking programmes labelled A, B, C, E, F, H, K1 and K2, from a 3.5 km loop of 2 to 3 hours up to 17.5 km all-day routes. The ticket includes the electric boat and the panoramic train. Adult day tickets cost 10 euros from 1 November to 31 March, 23 euros in April, May and October, and 40 euros from June to September (25 euros after 16:00, or after 15:00 in September). Buying online is recommended, though tickets are also sold at the entrances unless sold out.

Rowing boats can be hired on Lake Kozjak at the P1 dock for 15 euros per hour, for up to 4 people, from 10:00 to 15:00. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park.

Hiking in the Velebit mountains

Northern Velebit National Park is usually open from early May to mid-November, depending on snow. A one-day park ticket costs 7 euros. The Premuzic Trail, built between 1930 and 1933, now runs 42.6 km from Zavizan to Baske Ostarije along a steady gradient at about 1,500 m. Day walkers can start at Zavizan and turn back whenever they like.

Zavratnica Cove, inside Velebit Nature Park, is reached on foot from Jablanac. Entry is 5 euros per person. Stay on the existing trails, and note that no lifeguards are documented there.

Smiljan and Kuterevo

The Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan is closed on Mondays. In summer it opens Tuesday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. An adult ticket costs 10 euros, and a transformer demonstration runs every hour on the hour. The Kuterevo Bear Refuge is a seasonal stop, with free entry and donations welcome. Check opening times before you go.

Zrce Beach

Zrce is a party beach 2.5 km from Novalja on northern Pag. The clubs include Papaya, Aquarius, Kalypso, LIFT Beach Club, Symbol and Nomad, and the festival season runs through summer. It suits a night out rather than a quiet day.

Practical notes

  • Pag by ferry: the Prizna to Zigljen crossing takes about 20 minutes, and the ticket is valid for any departure that day. Strong bura winds can cancel sailings.
  • Paths: stay on marked paths. The UK government lists unexploded mines in some remote areas, including parts of Plitvice, and advises against walking on uncultivated land.

Read more: Sightseeing in Lika-Senj County covers each landmark in more detail. Compare tour options on GetYourGuide . Current tickets are on the Plitvice Lakes price list , and park details are on the Northern Velebit visitor page .