I N T R O

Tucked away in the rugged beauty of southern Croatia lies a surreal, otherworldly spring that looks like it belongs more in a fantasy novel than in real life. Locals call it “Izvor Cetine,” but it’s affectionately known by travellers as the Eye of Cetina, and for good reason. From above, it looks exactly like a giant eye set into the earth, with swirling shades of blue and green that shift from shade to shade depending on the light.

This incredible spring marks the source of the Cetina River, which flows over 100 kilometres through dramatic canyons and lush valleys before meeting the Adriatic Sea near the town of Omiš. However it's the very beginning of the river, at the base of the Dinara mountain range, that captures many folk.

The Eye of Cetina is a karst spring, meaning it emerges from underground limestone caverns, which is why the water is so clear and so cold—it stays at a brisk 8°C year-round. The spring is deceptively deep too. While it appears small and tranquil at the surface, divers have descended over 150 meters into its depths, and the full extent of the spring is still not entirely mapped. It’s both beautiful and mysterious. Maybe a little creepy too.

Despite its dreamlike appearance, the Eye of Cetina remains a relatively quiet spot. It’s located near the tiny village of Cetina, in a rural part of Croatia, near the border of Bosnia. Most tourists tend to pass over in favour of the coast or more popular parts of Dalmatia like Split and Dubrovnik. For those who make the detour, it’s well worth it. There’s even a small stone church, St. Salvation Church, just a short walk away, which dates back to the 9th century.

Visitors often stop by to admire the view, snap a few photos, or cool their feet in the icy water, though it’s not exactly a swimming hole I did have a little dip. It’s a great pit stop if you're road-tripping through the Dalmatian hinterland or exploring Croatia beyond the usual tourist trail. Be warned it is very cold and deep so please be cautious if you do swim.

Final word

So if you're ever in the area and looking for something a little magical, go and seek out the Eye of Cetina. Croatia's quiet, mesmerising reminder of the natural wonders hidden in plain sight.