Manita peć, Paklenica Riviera Travel Guide

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.