Velebit National Park covers an area of 2,200 KM2, which extends from Vratnik in the northwest to the Zrmanja Canyon in the southeast, a distance of 145 km. Velebit National Park is the largest protected area in Croatia and it received its protection status for its natural values ​​and the importance of conservation of biodiversity. In 1978, Velebit was included in the network of international biosphere reserves by UNESCO. Within the boundaries of the park are also two national parks, Paklenica National Park and Northern Velebit National Park.

The largest part of the park comprises of sedimentary rocks, limestone and dolomite. The whole area of the park is marked by great wealth and diversity of underground and surface karst forms, from the tiniest countless rocks, numerous karst sinkholes, valleys, bays, to the large cones, beams and caves and deep pits. In the area of ​​the park there are different habitats for many species of flora and fauna. The most famous is Velebit degenia.

Numerous remains of monuments, religious buildings, old apartments and mountain villages shows the intensity of people’s lives on the mountain. These monuments, such as the written stone, many mills, Miriam, shepherds’ dwellings shows us the customs and habits of the former residents.

One of the most beautiful bays is certainly Zavratnica which is protected as an important landscape. In the early 20th century in Zavratnica was built upper slopes with a lookout point, and a seafront promenade. In the southern part of the Velebit National Park are located Cerovacke Caves that are among the best known and most important in caves in Croatia. The complex consists of three caves (Lower, Middle and Upper) with 4 km of explored channels.

more information :www.velebit.hr