48 hours in Perušić: What to see and do

by croatiaweek
June 24, 2025
in Travel

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Tucked away in the Lika region of central Croatia, Perušić is a small settlement that offers a big experience.

From dramatic cave systems to beautiful rivers, rich history, and hearty local cuisine, it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers, culture buffs and curious wanderers.

Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Perušić.

Day One

Start at Cave Park Grabovača

Begin your visit at Cave Park Grabovača, the only speleological park in Europe. Located just 2.5 km from the centre of Perušić, it’s home to over 40 caves, some still unexplored.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

The main attraction is Cave Samograd, a spectacular limestone cave with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites shaped over thousands of years.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Guided tours descend stone-carved stairways into a 345-metre-long chamber.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Above ground, well-marked hiking trails, children’s play areas, and quirky features like a Hobbit house and wind-powered forest organ make the park a dream for families and nature lovers.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Step into the Past at Stari Grad Perušić

After a morning of fresh air and underground magic, check out the region’s interesting history at Stari grad Perušić. This16th-century fortress, once ruled by the Frankopan noble family and later occupied by the Ottomans, has recently been restored.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Just steps away, you should check out the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Uzvišenja Sv. Križa), a baroque-gothic gem, holds nine altars and is one of the most significant sacral structures in Lika.

Visit Historic Kosinj and Its Iconic Bridge

Take a short drive to Kosinj, a village proud of its deep historical roots. It’s believed to be the site of the first Croatian printed book in the 15th century.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Wander the sleepy lanes of Gornji and Donji Kosinj, connected by the stunning Kosinjski Bridge.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Built using dry-stone techniques, this 70-metre stone beauty is a marvel of historic engineering, especially during high water when its arches reflect in perfect symmetry.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Day Two

Hit the Lika River

Flowing gently through the region, the Lika River is the lifeblood of the area and a haven for biodiversity.

The second-longest sinking river in Europe, it’s perfect for canoeing or simply unwinding along its banks.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Head to Lake Kruščica or arrange a rafting tour for a tranquil ride through serene landscapes.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

A great place to relax and let the day go by.

(Photo: Lucijan Španić)

Rakija Tasting

Lika is famous for its rakija so a trip would not be complete without checking out its popular tasting house, Rakija Tasting House – Stilanova.

The Vlainić family distillery, located in the village of Prvan Selo near Perušić, has been crafting award-winning rakija for generations.

The tradition was founded by Ivica Vlainić – Stilan, who returned to his native Lika after time spent in the United States to begin producing high-quality fruit brandies.

Ivica Vlainić – Stilan

Knowledge and skills have been passed down through the family, with their first rakija award dating back to 1943.

Today, the former stable has been transformed into a charming tasting room, and guests can even stay overnight in on-site accommodation – a wise option if you plan to sample generously.

The distillery offers an impressive variety of rakijas and liqueurs, including plum (šljivovica), quince (dunjovača), pear (kruškovača), cherry (višnja) apple (jabukovača), honey (medovača), carob (rogačica), and herbal (travarica), to name a few.

Taste Traditional Lika

No visit to Perušić is complete without indulging in its local flavours. Feast on staples like Lički škripavac cheese, home-cured bacon, smoky sausages, Lička povatica with garlic and onion and the region’s signature pole (baked potato halves).