Background

Manita Peć Cave: A Subterranean Wonder

Discover the enchanting underground world of Manita Peć cave in Paklenica National Park, a realm of stunning formations and unique wildlife.

4.8

Explore Manita Peć, the only cave open to the public in Paklenica National Park. This stunning cave, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and unique formations, has been enchanting visitors since 1937. A guided tour reveals its spacious chambers and diverse underground fauna.

A brief summary to Manita peć

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear for the 1.5-hour hike to the cave entrance from the parking lot.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave temperature remains around 9°C (48°F) year-round.
  • Purchase tickets for the cave tour at the entrance, and remember to bring cash.
  • Check the cave's opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main parking lot in Velika Paklenica canyon, the hike to Manita Peć cave takes approximately 1.5 hours. Follow the trail leading into the Velika Paklenica gorge. After about 20 minutes of walking there is a place to fill up water bottles. Pass Anića Luka, a green, semicircular plateau. Continue for another kilometer, then ascend the steep trail to the cave entrance. The cave tour costs 5 EUR for adults, payable in cash.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to Starigrad-Paklenica. From the bus station, walk to the main entrance of Paklenica National Park. From the entrance, follow the walking directions to Manita Peć cave. Bus tickets from Zadar to Starigrad-Paklenica cost approximately €6-€18. Park entrance fee is required in addition to the cave tour fee; day tickets for adults range from approximately 2.38 EUR to 10 EUR depending on the season.

Unlock the Best of Manita peć

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Manita peć

Manita Peć cave, situated within Paklenica National Park, is a captivating subterranean attraction that has been delighting visitors since 1937. As the sole cave in the park accessible to the public, it offers a unique glimpse into the underground wonders of the Velebit mountain range. The cave's entrance is located at an elevation of 570 meters, requiring a scenic 1.5-hour hike from the Velika Paklenica parking lot. The trail itself winds through the stunning Velika Paklenica gorge, offering glimpses of rocky waterfalls and lush greenery. Inside Manita Peć, visitors are greeted by spacious chambers adorned with a variety of cave formations, also known as speleothems. These include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones, each formed over millennia by the slow deposition of minerals. Some of these formations have been given imaginative names based on their shapes, such as the Helmet, the Organ, and the Witch. The cave is also home to a diverse array of underground fauna. Over 50 species of invertebrates have been identified within the cave, with 20 of them being true cave dwellers, adapted to the dark and humid environment. These creatures often lack pigment and visual sensory organs, relying on their other senses to navigate. Several species of bats also use the cave for hibernation during the winter months. Guided tours, lasting approximately 30 minutes, provide visitors with insights into the cave's geology, ecology, and history. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 9°C (48°F) year-round, so it's advisable to bring appropriate clothing, even during the warmer months.

Popular Experiences near Manita peć

Popular Hotels near Manita peć

Select Currency