Regione di Zara

Caves and Pits

This collection features the diverse subterranean and coastal structures of the Zadar region, from the vast Cerovačke Cave system containing Ice Age fossils to the vertical Mamet Cave, a site for extreme BASE jumping. The list includes the stalactite-rich Manita peć in Paklenica National Park and several "potkops"—former Yugoslav military sea tunnels carved into the cliffs of Dugi Otok to hide submarines and naval vessels. These sites highlight both the dramatic karst geology of the Velebit mountains and the strategic 20th-century history of the Adriatic coast.

Caves and Pits — Mappa

Dragan Zeba / CC BY 3.0

A

Cerovačke Cave

A system of three different caves, well-known for the various animal and human remains found inside.

B

Manita peć

Located in Paklenica National Park, this cave features large chambers filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstones. It is accessible via a 1.5-hour hike from the canyon floor and requires a guided tour for entry.

C

Strašna pećina

Situated on Dugi Otok, this cave is notable for its monumental entrance and diverse speleothems. Archaeological findings at the site suggest it was used by humans during the Paleolithic period.

D

Modrič Cave

An unlit cave near Rovanjska, preserved in its natural state. Guided tours provide visitors with overalls and helmets to explore its narrow passages and untouched stalactite formations.

E

Mamet Cave

A massive vertical pit on the Velebit mountain range reaching a depth of 206 meters. It is well-known in the speleology community and gained international fame as a site for BASE jumping.

F

Potkop Paprenica

A former Yugoslav military sea tunnel on Dugi Otok, designed as a concealed shelter for naval vessels and submarines during the Cold War.

G

Potkop Bukašin

A Cold War-era military bunker and sea tunnel carved into the coastline of Dugi Otok for strategic naval concealment.

H

Potkop Zagračina

One of several military sea tunnels on Dugi Otok, built by the Yugoslav People's Army to hide submarines from aerial and naval detection.

I

Vela Pećina

A natural cave located on the island of Dugi Otok near the village of Brbinj.

J

Vranjača

A natural cave formation located in the Zadar hinterland near the Velebit mountain range.