Located in Biokovo, Imotski is a Croatian town surrounded by natural beauty. The town is a nature lover’s dream. There are deep sinkholes to explore, disappearing lakes, and some of the tallest mountains in Europe to climb. Imotski is perfect for outdoor adventurers seeking new territory to explore. Imotski is also great for backpackers who want to take the scenic route through Croatia. Whatever your travel desires may be, Imotski in Croatia is the destination to visit if experiencing hidden gems in nature is on your bucket list.

Explore The Red Lake

boat floating on a lake in Croatia — Photo credit: Mystockimages

Although it’s not accessible, the Red Lake in Imotski is a true wonder. Red rocks caused by excessive iron and sulfur surround the lake sitting hundreds of meters deep into the ground. It’s considered the deepest lake in Europe and is a breathtaking sight. Even though you can’t swim in the lake, this Croatian water body displays all the beauty of the country’s landscape. Travelers can stand at the edge of the rocks and look down into the stunning Red Lake like gazing into an underground portrait. The Red Lake is the third largest sinkhole in the world.

Peek Into The Čepitška Cave

diver exploring underwater cave — Photo credit: Francisco Davids

Over time, many small caves have formed along the lakes in Imotski. Along the Red Lake, travelers can get a glimpse into one of the entrances of the Čepitška Cave. There are two entrances to the cave. One is underwater, so you can’t see it. But the other can be seen when viewing down into the Red Lake. The cave is 67 meters long and is home to a plethora of different fish and wildlife species.

Check Out The Blue Lake

lake surrounded by mountains — Photo credit: David Waschbüsch

Believe it or not, there is a football field at the bottom of the Blue Lake in Imotski. At the end of the summer months, the lake completely disappears. Travelers and locals can wander to the bottom to play football and sunbathe. Unlike the Red Lake, this Croatian sinkhole is accessible to the public and the crystal clear water is great for swimming in the spring. The lake also attracts many hikers looking to walk the trails around the Blue Lake and Sveti Jure.

Hike Sveti Jure

mountain by a lake — Photo credit: James Wheeler

For a panoramic view of Imotski and the rest of Biokovo, travelers can hike the Sveti Jure. The mountain is the highest peak in Biokovo and the second highest in Croatia. Keep in mind, that this can be considered an extreme hike. So travelers can also drive to the top when visiting Nature Park Biokovo. If you decide to ride motorcycles or drive up the mountain, pay attention to signs and sharp turns along the way. Even if you don’t reach the top of the mountain, there’s plenty of nature to experience along the way. Travelers can see great views of the Makarska Riviera, see the Chapel of St. George, and check out a variety of plants and animals in their natural habitat.

Visit The Topana Fortress

ancient fortress in Europe — Photo credit: Iain

Along the side of the Blue Lake built into the cliff, the Topana Fortress stands tall and mighty in Imotski. The fortress is only a short walk from the lake and was built between 846 and 865. Due to it being built into the mountainside, the Topana Fortress can look a bit odd compared to other ancient, European fortresses. However, it is a symbol of Croatian pride and worth checking out when exploring the area around the Red and Blue Lake. The fortress is a perfect example of medieval architecture in Croatia.