This extraordinary karst spring is one of the sources of the Cetina – the longest river in Dalmatia, Croatia. It is also known as “the Eye of the Earth” due to its strong resemblance to an eye and spectacular shades of blue and turquoise. Divers have been able to investigate the spring up to a depth of 155 meters.
Croatia – a tiny country exploding with spectacular beaches, picture-perfect national parks, and one of the most unique hidden gems in Europe: The Cetina River Spring (Izvor Cetine).
The eye-catching blue and green hues from the water of this spring are said to resemble the eye of the earth and even a dragon’s eye, which is why it has been affectionately nicknamed “The Dragon’s Eye”. This naturally occurring freshwater spring reaches daunting depths of over 150m (over 500ft) and is the source of the River Cetina, the longest flowing river in Croatia.
If you want to witness this incredible karst spring first-hand, this post will provide you with all of the information you need to plan your visit. Keep reading to learn more about Cetina River Spring, how to get there, what you can do at Izvor Cetine, and where to stay!
The Cetina River Spring (Izvor Cetine) is a karst spring, a unique hydrological system omitting groundwater drawn from underground drainage. It is similar in theory to Cenotes in North and Central America. These unique karst springs can be found in Europe around the Balkan and Mediterranean area, but this specific spring in Croatia is undoubtedly the most visually impressive in the region.
Located at the foothills of the Dinara Mountain Range, the spring feeds into the Cetina River which supplies fresh and clean drinking water to Croatia‘s Dalmatia region.
Cetina River Croatia flows from the spring for 101 kilometers (63 miles) until it reaches the village of Omiš, which is well-known for Cetina River rafting and ziplining activities. During its journey, the river passes through deep canyons at the village of Zadvarje and forms some pretty epic waterfalls on its route.
Temperature of Cetina River Spring
The water here is icy cold! The temperature of the water that rises up from the depths of the spring can be as low as 4 to 8 degrees Celsius (39 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit).
Cetina River Spring Depth
When it comes to Izvor Cetine depth, divers have estimated that the spring is over 155 meters (377 feet) deep, though the exact depth of the karst spring is still unknown.
Where is the Cetina River Spring?
The spring is located just outside of the town of Cetina (where the river gets its name from) in southern Croatia along the Bosnia and Herzegovina border. Cetina is not a big town but a relatively small village of fewer than 200 inhabitants. There are minimal options for accommodation around Cetina, making the Cetina River Spring the perfect day trip destination from Split or Dubrovnik.
Best Time to Visit Cetina River Spring
This unique karst spring has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, which has led to an influx of tourists who wish to see the Eye of the Earth for themselves. The spring is busiest around midday, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and can become quite packed during high season.
For this reason, the best time to visit Cetina River Spring is during shoulder season, when there are fewer tourists in Croatia. If you do happen to be visiting during high season, I recommend going to the spring early in the morning around 8:00 AM (or earlier), when you can enjoy the stillness of the place before it becomes hectic.
How to get to Cetina River Spring
The village of Cetina is located just off of one of the major highways, Highway 1, and is easy to find. You should know there is no public transportation to this area and that you can only reach the spring by car.
