Stari Obrovac

Stari Obrovac is a cultural landmark where centuries of Croatian history are written into the walls.

What to know

Stari Obrovac stands in Lika & Gorski Kotar, one of the six regions that make up the Croatia most visitors fall for. From the Adriatic shore to the karst mountains and the quiet inland valleys, this part of the country gives you something worth the detour.

A guided tour is usually worth the few extra euros, the stories are the point.

Practical info

• Entry: check the official source before you travel. Prices and opening hours change, and some spots close entirely out of season.
• How to get there: The map above gives exact directions. Expect paid, signposted parking in most towns (blue P zones), and pad your schedule if you are catching a ferry to an island.

When to go

Plan Stari Obrovac for May to October, with June and September the quietest warm months. July and August bring the crowds and the heat; winter is cheaper and handsomer than people expect, especially in the inland cities.

Photograph by John covers Croatia honestly. Every spot here is real, mapped and free to read. If this guide helped, pass it on to someone planning a trip.