Municipality of Zadvarje: Cetina Canyon, Waterfalls and Cycling Route

• Velika Gubavica is located in Cetina Canyon near Zadvarje and is 49 metres high.
• The municipality’s coastal stretch, about four kilometres long, lies in the protected Bay of Vruja.
• The “For sky fliers” cycling route is 89.1 kilometres long and leads to Zadvarje.

The Cetina Canyon near Zadvarje is designated a geomorphological natural monument. Velika Gubavica is located in the canyon section near Zadvarje. Biokovo Nature Park is also part of the regional landscape: it extends across seven municipalities, including the Municipality of Zadvarje, and two towns. Part of the municipality lies at the historically significant Dubci Pass within the nature park.

Vruja offers a different connection with nature. The municipality’s coastal stretch lies in the bay, which is protected as a hydrological natural monument. Steep coastal cliffs define it; freshwater springs emerge in the marine area, creating habitats for communities on underwater cliffs. The canyon and pass on the one hand, and the bay, cliffs and springs on the other, offer different reference points for planning nature experiences.

The 89.1-kilometre “For sky fliers” route leads to Zadvarje. A 3.4-kilometre climb to the village begins at kilometre 38. This describes both the route’s total length and a specific section of it.

The 68.3-kilometre “Cetina blues-rock” route passes near Zadvarje. Its descent by Zadvarje follows four hairpin bends to Pavić Bridge over the Cetina. The routes therefore have different key reference points: a climb to the village on one, and a winding descent to the bridge on the other.

Visitors can swim below the Velika Gubavica and Mala Gubavica waterfalls. The waterfalls are 49 and 7 metres high, respectively. A guided canyoning tour starts at the edge of Cetina Canyon in Zadvarje.

An operator based in Zadvarje also offers 11-kilometre rafting tours on the Cetina that take approximately three hours. If you plan to take this tour, check availability with the operator in advance.

The parish church of St. Ante in Zadvarje was built in the second half of the 18th century on the site of an earlier church. Another local tradition is the Pazar livestock and goods market, which has been held in Zadvarje for more than 300 years. The covered market is also designated for food sales.

Music is also part of the cultural scene: members of KUD “Duare” organise the klapa singing showcase “Zadvarju, gradu na kamenu”. Nearby Zadvarje, HE Kraljevac began generating electricity in 1912. Two units, each with a capacity of 12.8 MW, were installed at the facility—a further historical point of interest alongside the municipality’s natural and cultural attractions.

First, consider what matters most for your stay: the cycling routes, the canyon and waterfalls, or the local culture and market traditions.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Podstrana, Municipality of Vrlika, Gradac, Municipality of Dicmo, Municipality of Primorski Dolac, Municipality of Vis and Municipality of Imotski.

Which cycling route leads to Zadvarje?

“For sky fliers” leads to Zadvarje. The 89.1-kilometre route includes a 3.4-kilometre climb to the village at kilometre 38. “Cetina blues-rock” passes nearby and follows four hairpin bends to Pavić Bridge.

When is the Pazar market?

The Pazar market traditionally takes place on Tuesdays. The Pazar tradition also includes markets on the feast days of St. Ante on 12 and 13 June and St. Bartul on 23 and 24 August. If you are planning your visit around these dates, check the latest schedule in advance.

Can you swim at the waterfalls?

Visitors can swim below Velika Gubavica and Mala Gubavica. Velika Gubavica is 49 metres high, and Mala Gubavica is 7 metres high.

For the broader travel overview: Split-Dalmatia.