Two to Five Days in Lika-Senj County
Lika-Senj County rewards a longer stay, because the best sights are far apart. This plan runs in order from Plitvice to the coast, and you can stop after any day. Prices are in euros.
Day 1: Plitvice
Arrive early and walk a longer programme such as K1 (16.5 km from Entrance 1) or K2 (17.5 km from Entrance 2). Each takes 6 to 8 hours. Then sleep nearby. Hotel Jezero is next to Entrance 2, and the Korana and Borje campsites are also close.
A two-day adult ticket is 15 euros in the winter months, 39 euros in spring and in October, and 60 euros over the summer. Guests at Hotel Jezero, Korana and Borje get free entry on later days once they have a first-day ticket, which they extend at reception.
Day 2: Plitvice, then Smiljan
Use the second morning for a shorter route, for example Programme B (4 km with an electric-boat ride) or a rowing boat on Lake Kozjak at 15 euros per hour. Then drive towards Gospic, the county seat, for the Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan. It is closed on Mondays. Adult entry is 10 euros.
Day 3: Senj and the coast
Continue to Senj on the D8. Walk the old centre and visit Nehaj Fortress, built in 1558. Hours and the ticket price: ask Gradski muzej Senj on +385 53 881 141. Bura can close or restrict the D8, so check the HAK road report and the DHMZ forecast first.
Day 4: Pag
The Jadrolinija ferry from Prizna to Zigljen takes about 20 minutes, and one ticket covers any departure that day. Visit the Lun olive garden, with about 1,500 wild olives, or spend the evening at Zrće Beach, 2.5 km from Novalja.
Day 5: Velebit
Return to the mainland and head for Northern Velebit National Park. Passes cost 7 euros for one day, 10 euros for two days and 15 euros for three days. The park is usually open from early May to mid-November. The Premuzic Trail runs 42.6 km from Zavizan to Baske Ostarije and can be walked in stages between mountain huts. Call the Zavizan hut on +385 53 614 209 to ask about a bed. The Alan hut is another stop.
Tips
- Phone the Zavizan hut before you plan a Premuzic stage.
- Strong bura can cancel ferries.
- Stay on marked paths. UK travel advice mentions unexploded mines in remote parts of Plitvice.
Read more: Romantic getaways in Lika-Senj County suggests a gentler version for couples. Check hotels on Booking.com . Hut and trail information is on the Velebit Nature Park Premuzic page , and the park tickets are on the Plitvice Lakes price list .