Discover Croatia's "Eye of the Earth" – The Cetina River Spring
From the glittering Adriatic coastline to the rugged peaks of the Dinara Mountains, Croatia is a land of extraordinary natural treasures. One of its best-kept secrets is the Cetina River Spring (locally known as Izvor Cetine)—an astonishing, emerald-green karst spring also called the Eye of the Earth. A stunning sight in aerial photos, this spring is fast becoming a must-see location for nature lovers, adventurers, and photographers alike.
Though once a local secret, the Cetina River Spring’s vivid hues have made waves on social media, luring explorers from around the world to capture its beauty firsthand. If you’re one of the lucky few making the pilgrimage to see this natural wonder, here’s what you need to know to truly appreciate the magic of Croatia’s Eye of the Earth.
About the Cetina River Spring
Nestled at the foot of the Dinara Mountain Range, this clear spring serves as the primary source of the Cetina River, Croatia’s longest river in Dalmatia. Flowing for over 100 kilometers (63 miles) all the way to the Adriatic Sea near the village of Omiš, the Cetina winds through dramatic landscapes, including the iconic canyons of Zadvarje and its well-known waterfalls.
Though the Cetina River Spring appears like a modest pool at first glance, it conceals a hidden depth of more than 155 meters—discovered by daring divers who ventured down into its chilly, crystal-clear waters. The surface colors range from shimmering turquoise to emerald green, and the spring’s unusual circular shape gives it the illusion of an eye staring up from the earth’s core. Locals refer to it by its traditional name, Veliko Vrilo Glavaš (or "Great Spring Glavaš"), but to the rest of the world, it’s a marvel of nature with a distinctly mystical allure.
Croatia’s Karst Landscapes and the Magic of Karst Springs
Croatia is home to some of the world’s most stunning karst landscapes—a geological wonder that forms when soluble bedrock, like limestone, dissolves over time, creating unique features like sinkholes, underground rivers, and springs. This phenomenon has shaped Croatia’s diverse scenery, including the famous Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park, both celebrated for their breathtaking beauty.
The Cetina River Spring is one of Croatia’s most extraordinary examples of this landscape, and its steady flow makes the Cetina River the most water-rich in the country. Much like Mexico’s cenotes, the karst springs here draw adventurers who are drawn to their ethereal quality and geological significance. While the Cetina may look otherworldly, it’s a natural result of the landscape’s limestone layers dissolving over eons.
Why Is It Called the “Eye of the Earth”?
The Cetina River Spring earned its “Eye of the Earth” nickname for good reason. Viewed from above, the spring’s shape and color patterns resemble a striking blue and green eye, with a dark central “pupil” set against the shimmering turquoise and emerald “iris.” Whether seen through drone photography or by a careful hiker from the edge of the bank, this natural marvel seems alive, as if the Earth itself were gazing up from the depths of time.
If you’ve got a drone, this is the place to take it for a spin! The aerial view highlights the vivid colors and contrasts that have made this spring famous worldwide. Just remember to be respectful—locals hold this site in high regard as it provides their drinking water, so swimming is frowned upon, and the frigid temperatures are enough to keep most visitors on the shore!
Finding the Cetina River Spring
Located near the small town of Cetina in southern Dalmatia, the spring is approximately 80 kilometers (49 miles) north of Split, close to the Bosnia & Herzegovina border. At an elevation of around 385 meters (1,263 ft) above sea level, the spring is nestled beneath the shadow of Dinara, Croatia’s tallest mountain.
To reach this hidden treasure, simply plug “Cetina River Spring” or “Izvor Cetine” into your navigation app and follow Highway 1. After a turn at Restaurant Ivan, a winding road leads to the village of Cetina, where you’ll spot a small parking area near the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Salvation—a perfect starting point for your adventure.
The Cetina River Source from Split and Dubrovnik
For travelers starting in Split, the journey to the spring takes about 1.5 hours. It’s a straightforward route on Highway 1 through the town of Sinj, and, thankfully, there are no border crossings. From Dubrovnik, however, the trip is a longer 3.5-hour drive covering 266 kilometers (165 miles) and requires passing through Bosnia & Herzegovina, so make sure to bring your passport!
While the distance from Dubrovnik makes it a challenging day trip, consider making a weekend excursion, staying overnight to explore the nearby Dinara Mountains and the tranquil Peruča Lake—an ideal complement to a visit to the Eye of the Earth.
Nearby Highlights to Complete Your Journey
A trip to the Cetina River Spring is more than just a photo op; it’s an immersion into Croatia’s mesmerizing natural landscape. After soaking up the beauty of the spring, explore the region further. Drive a bit deeper into the Dinara Mountains, where Croatia’s tallest peaks and pristine nature await, or head to Peruča Lake, a quiet gem nestled in a landscape of rugged hills. As you journey through this rural stretch of Croatia, you’ll pass small, traditional villages, a reminder of the region’s rich heritage and timeless charm.
After a day exploring the treasures around the Cetina River Spring, you’ll leave with a profound connection to Croatia’s hidden natural world. This unique spring, with its hauntingly beautiful gaze, captures the essence of Croatia’s wild heart—unpredictable, captivating, and full of mystery. So set off on an unforgettable adventure to the Eye of the Earth and let the journey surprise you at every turn.
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