City of Gospić - Village Bilaj
This picturesque village on the Lika River is placed only a few kilometres from Gospić. It has rich history filled with wars and battles, the most famous of them being the Battle of Bilaj, that happened in 1809 between the Napoleon's and Austro-Hungarian army. On the hill Gradina, there are the remains of a Turkish tower, since Bilaj was one of the most important settlements in the area during the Ottoman Empire. Every year on 29th Aug, a holy mass is held in a cave/chapel of St. Stephen, next to St. Jacob's church, as a remembrance of the attack on Bilaj during the Croatian War of Independence.
Bilaj - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: In the summer months, the visitors can go swimming, having a picnic, fishing, or strolling next to the stunning Lika River. For those interested in historic and cultural itineraries, Bilaj has many tales to offer, the most famous one being about the Battle of Bilaj, when Šime Starčević spoke to General Marmont in fluent French, telling him not to enter the church with his horse. The visitors can also learn more about the Croatian War of Independence from the locals and visit St. Stephen's cave, where they used to find shelter and hid during the war. The cave was named after the local priest Stjepan Zeba, who played an important role in providing support to the villagers during the war.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: From a few hours to one day
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Tourist Board Gospić
Cultural material heritage: Historical centre, Religious building
Cultural immaterial heritage: Historical itinerary, Local traditions or legend, Legendary or historical persona or character
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries, Hills, Medical herbs, Rivers, Flora, Fauna, cycling trails, Hiking trails
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams, Pathways
Hidden intangible patrimony: Local customs, Community tales, Knowledge related to agriculture and wild herbs, Family tales
Experiences: Showing around, Cycling through nature, Cycling, hiking, trekking, adventure motor, jeep safari, rafting, walking, exploring, Swimming, sunbathing, gastronomy, Road trip, Fishing, Swimming, Walking, Picnic, Sport activities, Sport fishing, Introduction with historical and cultural heritage of Lika area
Form filler: Anita Ladišić
Municipality of Lovinac - Lake Sveti Rok
Lake Sveti Rok is located a few minutes from centre of Lovinac, at the entrance of the village Sveti Rok. It is an ideal place for swimming, which is why the local citizens call it Lovinac's riviera. It is rich in fish so one can go fishing there.
Sveti Rok 2 Sveti Rok - Croatia/ Lika-Senj county
Tourist experience: All those who decide to spend their vacation in the municipality of Lovinac, do not have to give up enjoying sunbathing and swimming, because Lovinac has its own riviera at Lake Sveti Rok. There is a beautiful beach where every summer not only locals, but more and more tourists come to enjoy.
If you get hungry, you can enjoy good food and drinks in a nearby hostel Sveti Rok.
Experience duration: 1 day
Opening: Accessible non-stop
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Siniša Radulović Lovinac Tourism Forum
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes
Experiences: Swimming, sunbathing, gastronomy, Fishing
Form filler: Tamara Božić Smojver
Municipality of Lovinac - Rivers
There are numerous rivers in the Lovinac area where you can go for fishing and swimming.
The Ričica is a small river with beautiful natural surroundings that is one of the favourite spots for fishing.
The Opsenica is a local river that flows into Lake Sveti Rok.
On the Banica river, there are old mills and one can still see how flour is milled on this river.
The Suvaja is a local river with amazing surroundings that often gets dry, which is why it got its name (locals say "suvo", meaning "dry").
Lovinac - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: The Lovinac area is rich with water, including water springs, creeks and rivers.
On the rivers in Lovinac you can go fishing, some parts are suitable for swimming, but most important you can enjoy silence and beautiful nature.
Experience duration: 1 day
Opening: Accessible non-stop
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Siniša Radulović Lovinac Tourism Forum
Natural heritage: Rivers, Flora, Fauna
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams
Experiences: Fishing, Swimming
Form filler: Tamara Božić Smojver
Municipality of Perušić - Ćojluk
This hidden site placed next to the Lika River is one of the most popular picnic places for the locals. They love going swimming there in the summer months or just relaxing at the riverbank. Once a year, the local rowing club organises rowing regatta.
Kaluđerovac Perušić - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: A place where one can go to have a picnic or do water sports. Once a year, usually in the second half of June, the local rowing club organises Rowing Regatta. Accompanying Regatta, there is an event called Green Fair, during which the local family farmers present and sell their products, there are also workshops for children and live music.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: From a few hours to one day.
Opening: Always available
20-40 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Perušić Tourist Board
Cultural immaterial heritage: Local markets, Tourist manifestation, exhibition of traditional and agricultural products
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries, Flora, Fauna
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams
Experiences: Cycling, hiking, trekking, adventure motor, jeep safari, rafting, walking, exploring, Road trip, Fishing, Swimming, Walking, Picnic, Sport activities
Form filler: Anita Ladišić
Municipality of Perušić - Lake Kruščica
Lake Kruščica is the most popular artificial lake in the Municipality of Perušić. It was built on the River Lika in 1971 for the needs of the hydroelectric plant Sklope-Senj. Its name originates from the name of a village that was evacuated and flooded during the construction of the plant. When the lake is drained due to the maintenance of the plant (every 10 years or so), the remains of the former village are visible.
Kosinj - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: Adventure tourism; active tourism. The lake is popular for swimming, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing. With a proper permit, it is possible to catch large species of carps, pikes and catfish.
If one goes down the River Lika's canyon, it will take them to Lake Kruščica. There is an interesting dam, but it is not open to the public.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: One day
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Limited accessibility for people with mobility problems
Tourist contact: Perušić Tourist Board
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries, Lakes, Rivers, Flora, Fauna
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes
Experiences: Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, canoeing
Form filler: Anita Ladišić