Top 9 Caves in Zadar County
Best caves in Zadar County offer a captivating underground world with unique geological formations and rich history. This region in Croatia is known for its diverse natural landscapes, from the Velebit mountains to the Adriatic coast. Zadar County provides opportunities to explore both accessible show caves and more adventurous speleological sites. The area's caves reveal intriguing biodiversity and traces of prehistoric life.
Best caves in Zadar County
- The most popular cave is Manita Peć Cave, a cave that is open and equipped for visitors. It features spacious chambers and impressive formations, delighting visitors since 1937.
- Another must-see spot is Karišnica Spring Cave, a natural monument. Visitors can explore the source of the small Karišnica River within this accessible cave.
- Visitors also love Mamet Cave, a challenging natural monument. This cave is notable for having one of the largest entrances in Croatia, measuring 60 by 70 meters.
- Zadar County is known for show caves, spring caves, and large pit caves. These sites offer a variety of experiences, from guided tours through well-lit paths to more challenging explorations of natural formations.
- The caves in Zadar County are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 highlights and 136 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 31, 2026
Manita Peć Cave
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Paklenica Underground City
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Rocky path to the cave in Paklenica National Park
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Karišnica River Valley: Nature and Historic Watermills
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Karišnica Spring Cave
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Submarine Tunnel of Dragove
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Mamet Cave
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Cave Access Gate
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Mamet Pit (Jama Mamet)
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Jama Mamet is such a daylight shaft or pothole, a wide almost circular opening in the barren karst, 45m by 55m wide, which is more than 200m deep. The vertical shaft opens in a depth of about 70 meters, the diameter increases and it looks like the inside of a bell. The floor is pretty huge, 81m from north to south and 77m from east to west. The croatian term jama means pit, which is in contrary to the Slovenian term jama, which normally means a horizontal cave. Horizontal caves would be called Špilja or pecina in Croatian.
The biggest pits on earth are often a destination for base jumpers. There have been various such events in Mexico's Sotano de la Golondrinas. And in Europe it is Mamet Cave, which is the dream destination of all base jumpers. The most famous event was in 2004, when Austrian base jumper Felix Baumgartner jumped into the pit.
Obviously this 200m deep pit is extremely dangerous, even for good climbers and cavers. So we do not recommend to enter it, we even recommend to be very carefull at the rim. Nevertheless we recommend a visit to the impressive entrance, although it requires some mountaineering. The view is breathtaking as it is possible to see the bottom of the pit.
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Golubinka Cave
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Tips from the Community
A great cave. The entrance fee is €5, but there's only a limited viewing window, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on opening days. You should inquire at the national park entrance before climbing.
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At the Kosirica junction, there's a beautiful viewpoint. If you walk around the rocks, you can sit and enjoy the view.
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The tickets are quite expensive for the offer they offer
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In our case the cave was not accessible, but rather a wildly bubbling spring. So much water coming out of the rock. Very impressive and just as worthwhile :-)!!!
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Great cave Golubinka by the sea can unfortunately only be reached from the water. Kayaks can be rented on the small beach next door. €20 an hour. You can swim wonderfully in the cave.
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The cave has the largest entrance in Croatia (60 x 70 m) and is bell-shaped towards the bottom, the dimensions of which are 87 x 157 m at a depth of 206 meters. Sunlight only reaches the bottom. http://speleologija.eu/mamet/index.html
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one of the submarine tunnels; here there is a smaller bay in front of the entrance than the neighboring one; there is also a passage to the interior of the bunker with an entrance slightly to the left of the main opening
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There is interesting information about the history of the gorge here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which caves in Zadar County are most accessible for general visitors?
For general visitors, Manita Peć Cave in Paklenica National Park is a great choice. It's the only show cave in the park with guided tours and well-maintained pathways. The Cerovac Caves also have the first 700 meters of their Lower and Upper Caves prepared for tourist visits with guided tours.
Are there family-friendly caves in Zadar County?
Yes, Manita Peć Cave is suitable for families, offering an educational experience with guided tours. The hike to the entrance is about 1.5 hours. The Cerovac Caves are also family-friendly, providing a blend of natural wonder and archaeological insight. Additionally, the Paklenica Underground City, a man-made historical site, is categorized as family-friendly.
What unique geological formations can I expect to see in Zadar County's caves?
Zadar County's caves are rich in speleothems. In Manita Peć Cave, you'll find stalagmites, stalactites, columns, and flowstones. Modrič Cave is known for its pristine, untouched formations. The Cerovac Caves boast diverse stalactites and stalagmites in magnificent colors and shapes, while Strašna Peć Cave features fused stalactites and stalagmites that resemble Gothic basilica vaults.
Do any caves in Zadar County have historical or archaeological significance?
Absolutely. The Cerovac Caves are one of Croatia's largest cave bear discovery sites, with visible claw marks and archaeological findings from the Late Bronze Age and early Paleolithic human presence. Modrič Cave has yielded fossil remains of a Bronze Age human and cave bear remains from the last Ice Age. The Paklenica Underground City and the Submarine Tunnel of Dragove are also significant historical sites.
What is the best time to visit the caves in Zadar County?
Many caves, like the Cerovac Caves, are open year-round. The year-round temperature inside Manita Peć Cave is around 9°C, offering a cool respite during warmer months. Modrič Cave maintains a constant 17°C. Visiting during spring or autumn can offer pleasant hiking weather for caves requiring an approach hike, such as Manita Peć.
Are there any adventurous or unique caving experiences available?
For an authentic caving experience, Modrič Cave offers guided tours by speleologists through its untouched corridors, requiring headlamps and protective gear. Golubinka Cave, a sea cave, is primarily accessible by kayak, offering a unique adventure with stunning light effects and a small beach inside.
How can I reach the caves in Paklenica National Park?
To reach Manita Peć Cave, you'll need to hike approximately 1.5 hours from the main parking lot in Velika Paklenica canyon. The cave entrance is at an altitude of 570 meters. It's recommended to inquire about opening times at the national park entrance before climbing.
What kind of wildlife can be found in Zadar County's caves?
The caves are home to fascinating adapted wildlife. Manita Peć Cave has 52 taxa of invertebrates, including 20 true cave species, and several bat species use it for winter hibernation. Modrič Cave hosts blind crustaceans, spiders, snails, and occasional bats. The Cerovac Caves are notable for their significant cave bear remains.
Are there any caves associated with local legends or folklore?
Yes, Strašna Peć Cave on Dugi Otok island, also known as 'Frightful Furnace,' has a local legend attributing its formation to fairies who were trapped inside when dawn broke. This adds a mystical dimension to the visit, complementing its natural beauty and gothic ambiance.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves in Zadar County?
Near the caves, you can find various outdoor activities. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous options, including road cycling routes like the 'View of the Sea from Barbenjak – Coastal Road on Vir Island' or gravel biking routes such as the 'View of Vransko Lake' loop. You can explore more options in the Cycling in Zadar County guide.
Are there hiking trails near these caves?
Yes, many caves are integrated into hiking experiences. The ascent to Manita Peć Cave is a 1.5-hour hike through Paklenica National Park. The Karišnica River Valley offers a hiking trail leading along the river to the Karišnica Spring Cave. The Rocky path to the cave in Paklenica National Park is another challenging trail with phenomenal views.
What should I wear when visiting caves in Zadar County?
Given the year-round cool temperatures inside most caves (ranging from 5°C to 17°C), it's advisable to wear layers, even during warmer months. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential, especially for caves with natural paths or approach hikes like Manita Peć Cave or Modrič Cave.
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