Lika Highlights Tour

7-day journey through Lika's mountains and national parks

7 days • Moderate difficulty • Est. €405

Day 1: Arrival in Gospić & Adrenaline Adventure

Arrive in Gospić, the capital of Lika. Spend the afternoon exploring the adventure park and settling into the city center.

  • 10:00

    Arrival and Check-in

    Arrive in Gospić, check into hotel, and freshen up.

  • 11:30

    Likos Adrenaline Park

    Experience the zipline and climbing rock. Great for an active start to the trip.

  • 15:00

    Gospić City Center Walk

    Stroll through the central square and visit the local market.

  • 19:00

    Dinner in Gospić

    Traditional Lika cuisine at a local konoba.

Meals: Lunch at Near Adrenaline Park , Dinner at Gospić Center

Where to stay: Stay in Gospić city center for easy access to restaurants and the park.

Getting around: Car recommended for day trips, but walkable center.

Day 2: Northern Velebit & Premužić Trail

Explore the rugged beauty of Northern Velebit National Park, including the historic Premužić Trail and the village of Krasno.

  • 08:00

    Drive to Krasno

    Drive from Gospić to Krasno (approx. 45 mins).

  • 09:30

    Premužić Trail Hike

    Hike a section of the famous 57km trail. The view from the peaks is spectacular.

  • 13:30

    Picnic Lunch in Krasno

    Enjoy a packed lunch or local specialties in the village of Krasno.

  • 15:00

    Northern Velebit Exploration

    Visit the UNESCO beech forests and karst peaks. Stop at the Velebit Cave if time permits.

  • 18:00

    Drive to Otočac

    Drive south to Otočac for the night.

Meals: Breakfast at Gospić Hotel , Lunch at Krasno Village

Where to stay: Stay in Otočac. Good selection of hotels and guesthouses.

Getting around: Car essential for this day due to remote park locations.

Day 3: Otočac History & Gacka Heritage

Discover the cultural heart of Lika in Otočac, visiting the museum, church, and local nightlife spots.

  • 09:00

    Museum of Gacka

    Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Gacka region. Highly rated 5.0/5.

  • 10:30

    Crkva Sv. Ivana Krstitelja

    Visit the historic parish church in Otočac.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Otočac

    Traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

  • 15:00

    Otočac Old Town Walk

    Relax and explore the charming streets of the old town.

  • 20:00

    Evening at Caffe Bar Picasso

    Experience the top-ranked nightlife in Otočac.

Meals: Breakfast at Otočac Hotel , Lunch at Otočac Center

Where to stay: Continue staying in Otočac.

Getting around: Walkable city center.

Day 4: Zrmanja River & Baške Oštarije

Drive to Baške Oštarije, explore the Zrmanja River canyon, waterfalls, and historic bunkers.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Baške Oštarije

    Drive from Otočac to Baške Oštarije (approx. 30 mins).

  • 10:00

    Wartime Bunkers

    Explore the Cold War-era underground military bunkers.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Baške Oštarije

    Lunch at a riverside restaurant.

  • 13:30

    Berberov Buk Waterfalls

    Hike to the tufa waterfalls and rimstone pools on the Zrmanja River.

  • 16:30

    Pržunac Fortress Ruins

    Visit the fortress ruins perched atop the Zrmanja cliffs for panoramic views.

  • 19:00

    Drive to Korenica

    Drive north to Korenica.

Meals: Breakfast at Otočac , Lunch at Baške Oštarije

Where to stay: Stay in Korenica. Look for hotels along the main road.

Getting around: Car essential.

Day 5: Korenica & Plitvice Lakes Approach

Explore Korenica's dining and lodging scene, then head towards Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 09:00

    Korenica Main Road Exploration

    Explore the diverse dining and lodging options along the main road.

  • 10:30

    Recreation Center Baške Oštarije

    Return briefly to enjoy outdoor activities or relax at the hub.

  • 13:00

    Lunch in Korenica

    Lunch at a local konoba.

  • 15:00

    Drive to Plitvice Lakes

    Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance.

  • 17:00

    Check-in and Relax

    Settle into accommodation near Plitvice.

Meals: Breakfast at Korenica , Lunch at Korenica

Where to stay: Stay near Plitvice Lakes. Falling Lakes Hostel is a budget-friendly option.

Getting around: Car recommended.

Day 6: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site, focusing on the Great and Lower Lakes.

  • 08:00

    Enter Plitvice Lakes

    Enter via Entrance 1 or 2. Buy tickets in advance.

  • 09:00

    Great Cascades

    Visit the iconic staircase waterfalls between Plitvice lakes.

  • 12:00

    Picnic Lunch

    Picnic at one of the lakeside restaurants or bring your own.

  • 13:30

    Lower Lakes

    Hike through the limestone canyon lakes with cascading waterfalls.

  • 16:30

    Boat Ride & Train

    Take the electric boat and tourist train to cover more ground.

Meals: Breakfast at Plitvice Area , Lunch at Plitvice Park

Where to stay: Continue staying near Plitvice Lakes.

Getting around: Park shuttle buses are efficient.

Day 7: Pag Island Beach & Departure

Drive to Pag Island for a relaxing day at Plaža Ručica before departure.

  • 08:00

    Drive to Pag Island

    Drive from Plitvice to Pag Island (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours).

  • 10:30

    Plaža Ručica

    Relax on the calm, pristine beach on Pag Island's coast.

  • 14:30

    Lunch in Novalja

    Seafood lunch in the nearby town of Novalja.

  • 16:00

    Pag Town Visit

    Quick visit to Pag town to buy local cheese and lace.

Meals: Breakfast at Plitvice Area , Lunch at Novalja

Where to stay: Departure day. No overnight stay required.

Getting around: Car essential for this leg.

Practical Information

Lika, located in the heart of Croatia, offers a distinct mountainous landscape that differs significantly from the coastal regions. The best time to visit is from late May to early October. Summer months provide warm days ideal for hiking and exploring karst landscapes, while winter transforms the region into a hub for skiing in Gospić and Otočac. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, though rain is more frequent. Temperatures can drop sharply at night, even in summer, so layering is essential. Getting to Lika is easiest by car, as public transport connections are limited. The region is accessible via the A1 highway, with exits at Gospić, Otočac, and Senj. Once in Lika, a private vehicle is virtually mandatory for a 7-day itinerary, as attractions like Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Korana River canyon, and remote villages are spread out and poorly served by buses. If you do not have a car, consider staying in Gospić or Senj and joining organized day tours, but flexibility will be severely restricted. For accommodation, base yourself in Gospić for central access to northern Lika or Senj for proximity to the coast and Velebit Mountain. Smaller guesthouses and family-run apartments in villages like Korenica or Donji Lapac offer authentic experiences and often include homemade breakfasts. Booking in advance is crucial during July and August, as these are peak tourist months. Budget considerations should account for the self-drive nature of this trip. Costs for fuel, tolls, and parking at Plitvice Lakes (which requires advance online booking) add up quickly. Food and wine are reasonably priced compared to coastal resorts, but remote areas may have limited dining options, so carrying snacks is practical. Pack sturdy hiking boots, as terrain can be rocky and uneven. Bring a waterproof jacket and layers for unpredictable mountain weather. A good camera is essential for capturing the dramatic waterfalls and dense forests. Finally, carry cash, as many small rural shops and family-run accommodations may not accept credit cards. Always check road conditions in winter, as mountain passes can close due to snow.

Book your stay

More Itineraries

← Back to Itineraries