Introduction

Have you ever been to a country and felt like you just stayed on the coast and went to the ‘must-see’ popular tourist spots and didn’t really experience the local culture and lifestyle? Well, me too! But, Cromads are changing the way that you can travel in Croatia! They give you the opportunity to have authentic experiences off the beaten track and really get to know the culture and history of different regions in Croatia. The value that Cromads bring to their tours is second to none. I learnt more in one day about Croatian people and culture than I did in two months of being there!

Imotski Region

Imotski is a town in the Dalmatian Hinterland that isn’t currently visited by many tourists. It’s a small town with a lot to offer, you just need to know the right people to show you everything! The first hidden gems I have to share with you are the Red Lake, Blue Lake and Topana Fortress. Combined, these three sights provide the perfect blend of natural beauty and history, enriching your knowledge of the Imotski region.

Red Lake

Red Lake (Crveno jezero in Croatian) is a mysterious sinkhole with a roughly circular lake at the bottom, located near the city of Imotski. It’s known for its high cliffs, which reach over 242 metres above water level and continue below water level. The explored depth of the sinkhole is approximately 530 metres and the volume is roughly 25-30 million cubic metres, making it the third-largest sinkhole in the world!

Red Lake takes its name from the reddish iron oxide deposits on the cliffs and caves which gives the rocks their colour. It is presumed that Red Lake formed when a vast underground cavern collapsed, forming a sinkhole. It’s incredibly deep, with the deepest known point being 4 metres below sea level!

The lake is never dry as it is fed by underground springs rather than precipitation. It is thought that underground waterways beneath the lake floor are a passage of water drainage, as well as a way in which two endemic fish species navigate between the lake and surrounding springs. The Spotted Minnow and Dalmatian Roach.

You can only admire Red Lake from afar, as it is nearly impossible to reach the water without professional mountaineering gear.

Legends of the Red Lake

There are numerous myths and legends surrounding Red Lake…

The beauty of the water holds a frightening legend passed down through generations. It is said that many years ago, the soul of a devil disguised as a rich, greedy man called Gavan lived with his family in Imotski. His only interests were wealth and personal gain and he treated his servants and friends terribly.

One night, an angel disguised as a beggar came and asked for charity. The man’s wife, Gavanica, opened the castle door and refused the beggar food and water. The angel drew its sword in rage and a violent storm began shaking the earth and splitting it, swallowing the devil and his family along with all their wealth! Creating the sinkholes that are now the Red and Blue Lakes. Locals say that when the bura wind blows, the screams of Gavan and his wife can still be heard.

On a happier note, apparently, if you manage to throw a rock into Red Lake, you’ll be granted eternal happiness!

Whichever legend takes your fancy, one thing is certain. The mystical beauty of Red Lake will hold you in its grasp. So take your time. Stop and stare. Revel in the mystery and contemplate its secrets.

Blue Lake

Unlike Red Lake, Blue Lake (Modro jezero in Croatian) is dependent on rainfall and the water level varies between seasons. During periods of drought, Blue Lake is known to completely dry up and locals make an improvised sports arena in the lake basin. A stone trail built in the 20th century leads down to the lake so people can swim and sunbathe there during summer.

Blue Lake is a hotspot for locals to cool off and enjoy a dip in its azure water, using the nearby cliffs as makeshift diving platforms. My favourite view of Blue Lake is from Topana Fortress, with panoramas of the Dalmatian hinterland as well as a birds-eye view of the lake. Topana Fortress was built in the 10th century and dominates the city.

Blue Lake Holds Mystical Tales Of Its Own!

As you tread carefully down the meandering path, you’ll reach the so-called ‘Fairy’s Resting Place’ (Vilinska pećina), where fairies come out at dawn and dusk to bask in the beauty of the lake. According to local legend, humans have never set foot in this place!

Legend has it that many years ago, both good and evil spirits settled in the caves of Blue Lake. People who bathed in the lake on a day with good spirits around, became good themselves. Tales say that fairies dance around the lakeshore at night. On the other hand, evil spirits spread evil upon the lake, not even allowing children to reach the water’s edge and touch it.

When the lake dries out from time to time, locals play the traditional football game between ‘Elves’ and ‘Werewolves’, as a way to honour the local legends and preserve them for generations to come, as they are passed down through word of mouth.

Topana Fortress

Built in the 10th century, as the centre of the parish of Emotha, Topana was of great strategic importance throughout many historic events in the Imotski region. It was the centre of Turkish command during the Ottoman Invasion of 1493-1717 and the border between the two empires when the Venetians took over. After the Ottomans departed, the fortress slowly lost its importance and was abandoned in the 19th century when modern-day Imotski was formed. The Church of Our Lady of the Angels is located in the fortress and today it is a landmark treasured for its rich history and stunning panoramic views of Imotski and the Blue Lake.

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