THE EYE OF THE EARTH: Croatia's Cetina River Springs

The Eye of the Earth, also known as Izvor Cetine, is a breathtaking karst spring in Croatia and the primary source of the Cetina River. Renowned for its striking, deep-blue, eye-shaped appearance, this 155-meter-deep spring is located near Vrlika, at the foot of the Dinara Mountains, offering a truly surreal natural spectacle.

KEY DETAILS:

Location: Near the village of Cetina, approximately 7 kilometers north of Vrlika in Dalmatia.

Appearance: The water displays brilliant turquoise and deep blue hues, forming a near-perfect “eye” shape.

Depth: A remarkable karst spring explored by divers to depths of around 155 meters (over 500 feet).

Water Source: One of the main sources of the 105-kilometer-long Cetina River.

Water Conditions: Crystal clear, fresh, and extremely cold (around 10°C).

Access: Easily accessible, with a small parking area nearby and a short walk to the edge.

Important Visitor Information:

Swimming Restrictions: Swimming or bathing in the central “eye” is strongly discouraged and often FORBIDDEN, as the water serves as a drinking source for local communities.

Surroundings: Located near the historic 9th-century Church of the Holy Salvation.

Best Viewing: Best experienced from above, making it a popular location for drone photography.

The spring is surrounded by the rugged, untouched landscapes of the Dalmatian hinterland, approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Split or about 45 minutes from KNIN.