Municipality of Gračac: Caves, Karst and Culture

Gračac lies in the central part of Gračačko polje at an elevation of 562 metres, on the sinking river Otuča. The valley is surrounded by mountains, and the Velebit shapes the landscape. There are several ways to plan a stay in the Municipality of Gračac: the Cerovac Caves, karst waters, walking and cycling routes, and cultural and historical landmarks.

Karst, Caves and Water

Otuča is a sinking river in Gračačko polje. It disappears beneath the Velebit and re-emerges as the Krupa. Near Srb is Vrelo Une, a hydrological natural monument at an elevation of 398 metres. There, the water emerges in a narrow gorge and forms a tranquil blue-green lake. The Zrmanja offers a different scale: its 69-kilometre course runs through the rugged karst below the Velebit.

The Cerovačke špilje (Cerovac Caves) lie on the slopes of the southern Velebit, beside Crnopac and within Velebit Nature Park. They are a natural phenomenon and Croatia’s largest cave-bear site; the cave system extends over four kilometres. In the visitor area, interpretive and educational content covers the caves, karst, and the natural and cultural heritage of Velebit Nature Park.

Visiting and Getting Oriented

Allow approximately three hours to visit both caves. The walk from the Cerovac Excellence Center to Lower Cerovac Cave takes around 15 minutes. The average temperature in the caves is about 7 °C. Visitors need warm clothing in several layers and sports shoes all year round. Visitor parking is available at the Cerovac Excellence Center. The cave site also has a visitor reception centre, reconstructed visitor infrastructure, and established paths to and inside the caves.

The caves are four kilometres from Gračac, on the road towards Knin. If travelling via the motorway, take the Sveti Rok exit; Gračac is 25 kilometres from there. Check road conditions and access before setting out.

Cultural History

There are several other cultural and historical points of interest. The archaeological site of the old town of Zvonigrad is a protected secular architectural monument. Stari most Otuča is protected cultural heritage. Starohrvatska gradina “Otuča” preserves traces of a medieval fortified settlement on Gradina. A later period is represented by the Parish Church of St George: the Baroque church dates from the 18th century and contains a late Baroque epitaph from 1781.

Hiking and Cycling

Hiking trails in the Gračac area explore the river regions of the Zrmanja and Krupa. A project brought together six hiking trails and three cycling routes in the Gračac area. The selected routes include challenging, less challenging and easy, family-oriented options. Cycling routes in the southern Velebit range from simple rides to challenging terrain.

One named cycling route connects the Gračac and Obrovac areas: the Cerovačke špilje–Vučjak–Duboki dol–vrelo Krupe–Manastir Krupa route. Its long name makes the individual waypoints clear; the connection between the two areas also provides a useful reference for planning a cycling trip.

Discover more destinations: Bruvno, Gračac, Neteka, Municipality of Pirovac, Municipality of Sali, Municipality of Stankovci, Municipality of Biograd Na Moru, Municipality of Škabrnja.

For the broader travel overview: Zadar County.