Anića Kuk

The 712-metre limestone tower of Anića Kuk rises like a stone monolith straight out of the Velika Paklenica gorge and is the most iconic natural feature in the national park — and one of the most famous big-wall climbing venues in southeast Europe. Over 100 marked climbing routes of every grade thread its 350-metre south face, drawing serious alpinists from across the continent since the 1930s; the classic 'Klin' route (V+, 350 m) was first climbed in 1938 and remains a rite of passage. For non-climbers, a well-marked hiking trail loops behind the tower via the historic Josip Poljak path and delivers you to the summit ridge in about three hours from the park entrance, with jaw-dropping views over the whole Velebit Channel, Pag, and on clear days as far as the Kornati. The name — Kuk means 'hip' in local dialect — refers to how the tower juts sideways from the ridge. Come early morning: by 11 am the south face is a furnace of reflected heat, and the return is best done in shade. Fixed water is not available on the trail so carry at least two litres in summer.