Kukovac

Kukovac is a mountain peak above Cesarica, in Lika-Senj County, set within the landscape of southern Velebit right above the Adriatic coast. It rises over the small coastal village of Cesarica, at a spot where the steep, rocky slopes of the mountains drop almost straight down to the sea — a scene typical of the entire Velebit range.

Where exactly is Kukovac?

The peak sits at coordinates 44.594167, 15.035556, within Velebit Nature Park — Croatia's longest and most recognizable mountain range, running along the Adriatic coast for nearly 150 km. Cesarica lies on the so-called Podgorje, the seaward slope of central Velebit stretching from the shoreline up toward the higher ridges near the peak of Kurozeb. Kukovac sits precisely in this belt, between the sea and the high mountain crest.

What will you see around it?

The area around Cesarica and Kukovac is rugged and rocky, characteristic of southern Velebit. The slopes are covered with Mediterranean scrub and sparse forest lower down, giving way to stone screes and bare rocky ridges higher up. From here, views stretch across the blue Adriatic and its nearby islands on one side, and the raw, jagged peaks of Velebit's interior on the other.

Since 2011, Cesarica has served as the starting point for a popular hiking loop known as the Podgorske staze (Podgor Trails) on central Velebit, established by the Kamenjak mountaineering club from Rijeka. The route covers nearly 25 km, passing through Stari put (the Old Road), Pejakuša, the Skorpovac mountain shelter, the peak of Kurozeb, Radlovac, the chapel of St. Roch, the peak of Stipčev, and the valleys of Smojveruša and Badnjina. It's one of the more rewarding, though still relatively quiet, trekking areas on Croatia's coast.

How do you get to Kukovac?

The starting point is the village of Cesarica, reached via the coastal road connecting Karlobag with Jablanac and onward toward Senj. Marked mountain trails lead inland from Cesarica, forming part of the Podgor Trails loop mentioned above — this is also the easiest access point for heading toward Kukovac and the higher sections of central Velebit. Because the terrain is rocky and steep in places, sturdy hiking boots and enough water are essential, especially in summer.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best times to hike around Cesarica and Kukovac, when temperatures are milder than in the height of summer and the trails aren't baking under direct sun. In summer, the terrain can get very dry and hot, which makes longer ascents without shade considerably harder.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kukovac? It's a mountain peak located above the village of Cesarica, in Lika-Senj County, within the Velebit range on Croatia's southern coast.

Are there hiking trails nearby? Yes — since 2011 the area has hosted the Podgor Trails (Podgorske staze) loop, roughly 25 km long, passing several nearby peaks and valleys.

How do you reach Cesarica? The easiest way is via the coastal road linking Karlobag and Jablanac, which leads directly to the village that serves as the trailhead.

Is the route demanding? The terrain is rocky and steep in places, typical of Velebit — sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and avoiding the midday sun are all recommended.