Gračac lies at an elevation of 562 metres in the central part of the Gračačko polje, beside the sinking Otuča River. The Otuča disappears beneath Velebit and re-emerges as the Krupa. The mountain landscape reflects this setting: Gračac lies in a valley surrounded by mountains, with Velebit shaping the view. Here, karst, underground waterways and a striking mountain backdrop come together.
Caves in the Southern Velebit
The Cerovačke špilje are located four kilometres from Gračac, on the slopes of the southern Velebit, next to Crnopac and within Velebit Nature Park. The cave system extends for four kilometres. The caves are considered a natural phenomenon and Croatia’s largest cave bear site—a special reason to see a visit not only as a journey underground, but also as an opportunity to explore the region’s natural heritage.
There is a visitor reception centre at the Cerovačke špilje site, with reconstructed visitor facilities and paths leading to the caves and inside them. The Cerovac Excellence Center has visitor parking. In the visitor area, exhibits provide information about the caves and karst, as well as the natural and cultural heritage of Velebit Nature Park.
Timing and Practical Information
Allow approximately three hours to visit both caves. The walk from the Cerovac Excellence Center to the Lower Cerovačka Cave takes about 15 minutes. These two time estimates refer to different parts of the visit: the short walk from the centre to the lower cave and the longer overall time needed for both caves. The average temperature inside is about 7°C. Warm layered clothing and sports shoes are recommended year-round.
The Cerovačke špilje are 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 information before setting out, so you can plan your journey accordingly.
Rivers, Springs and Karst Landscape
Near Srb, Vrelo Une lies at an elevation of 398 metres and is classified as a hydrological monument. The water emerges in a narrow canyon as a calm blue-green lake. The Zrmanja offers a different perspective: it flows for 69 kilometres through the rugged karst below Velebit. The tranquil lake at Vrelo Une and the long course of the Zrmanja represent two distinct features of this landscape.
The Otuča also illustrates the relationship between water and karst: the river disappears underground beneath Velebit and reappears as the Krupa. Hiking trails in the Gračac area lead to the river landscapes of the Zrmanja and Krupa. Those interested in landscapes and waterways can consider these hiking options as separate themes when planning their trip alongside a visit to the caves.
Cultural Traces and Routes
The Old Croatian hillfort “Otuča” preserves traces of a medieval fortified settlement on Gradina. The archaeological old-town site of Zvonigrad is protected secular architectural heritage; Stari most Otuča is protected cultural heritage. The parish church of St George is a Baroque church dating from the 18th century. Its late Baroque epitaph is dated 1781. Taken together, these sites span the traces of a medieval settlement, a Baroque church building and an epitaph from the late 18th century.
Some hiking trails in the Gračac area offer both challenging and less demanding options, as well as easy, family-friendly routes. Cycling in the southern Velebit also ranges from easy to challenging. The Cerovačke špilje–Vučjak–Duboki dol–vrelo Krupe–Manastir Krupa cycling route connects the Gračac and Obrovac areas. This makes it possible to compare activities when choosing what to do: hiking options include easy, family-friendly routes, while cycling ranges up to challenging terrain.
Discover more destinations: Gračac, Neteka, Bruvno, Municipality of Benkovac, Municipality of Stankovci, Municipality of Starigrad, Municipality of Zadar and Municipality of Obrovac.
For the wider travel overview: Zadar County.
