Journey Through the Small Giants Land – Following the Water’s Path

Source of the Cetina River – the origin of life and symbol of mountain power.

The first day of your journey through the Small Giants Land begins at the sources of the Cetina, Krka, and Čikola rivers—places where their power and mystique are born, and where water sculpts the landscape and gives life...

Located at 385 meters above sea level, this hydrological natural monument marks the beginning of Cetina’s journey to the sea. Often called the “most beautiful eye of Dalmatia,” the Cetina spring is one of the most striking natural wonders in Croatia—an ideal spot for a day trip.

Its crystalline depths are not only breathtaking but serve as a vital source of drinking water for a large part of Dalmatia.

Source and Canyon of the Čikola River – where water shapes the wild.

Here, water carves cliffs, feeds ecosystems, and tells the story of how rivers shape both the land and the communities around them through the centuries.

The Čikola Canyon stretches 13 kilometers—from the edge of Petrovo Polje to the Krka National Park—and has been a protected landscape since 1967. With cliffs plunging up to 130 meters, this dramatic karst canyon runs wild and fast in winter, but in summer nearly dries up completely.

It offers stunning opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and canyoning.

Krčić Waterfall – the hidden birthplace of the Krka river.

One of nature’s rare wonders: here, a waterfall flows into the very spring of a river.

Beneath the Krčić Waterfall lies a cave—the source of the Krka River. Just downstream, two more springs feed Krka from the left bank, only 50 and 150 meters away. The color of the water defies description—icy emerald blue, perfectly clear—a sight to remember.

Photo: @islandors

On the third day, we explore the majestic waterfalls of the Krka River in their full glory—along with the traditional watermills that stand as living symbols of the river’s strength and vitality. These sites illustrate how water has shaped not only the natural landscape, but also the cultural and everyday life of local communities.

Roški Slap & Traditional Watermills

A cascade of waterfalls surrounded by historic mills shows how people have harnessed the power of water for centuries—not only for milling grain, but also as a foundation of the region’s cultural and economic history.

The watermill complex at Roški Slap is one of the most valuable and fascinating ethnographic monuments in Dalmatia and Croatia, offering insight into the way water shaped traditional rural life.

Manojlovački Waterfall – The Tallest Waterfall on the Krka

Here, water plunges more than 60 meters into the canyon, offering a spectacular example of the raw energy and vitality of the Krka River. A powerful image of how water sculpts the landscape—and history.

Visovac – A Monastery Island on Calm Waters

Floating gently in the middle of the river, Visovac Island is a symbol of peace, spiritual reflection, and the timeless connection between people and nature.
Surrounded by serene waters, it has been home to Franciscan monks since the 15th century, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage and natural harmony.

Skradinski Buk – The Icon of Krka National Park

The most famous and most visited waterfall in the park, Skradinski Buk is more than a breathtaking natural wonder—it’s a witness to the rich history and culture of the region.

Here, you can explore the remains of 19th-century watermills, traditional folk costumes, and an ethnographic collection that tells the story of life in harmony with nature, where people once relied on the river’s power to meet their daily needs.

Photo: Krka National Park

On the final day of our journey, we head toward Šibenik and the Adriatic Sea—to discover the first public fountain that brought fresh water to the city's people, to witness the magical meeting point of river and sea at the St. Anthony Channel Visitor Center, and finally, to follow the coastal road south to uncover the legend of the Dragon’s Eye.

Four Wells Square, Šibenik

A medieval water supply system that provided the city with fresh drinking water for centuries.

This site stands as a symbol of the people’s care for health and community life, and a testament to how vital water has always been for urban survival.

Rodičevac Fountain, Šibenik

The first public fountain in Šibenik, which once brought accessible drinking water to the citizens and became a place of daily life and social rituals—from everyday chores to neighborly encounters.

St. Anthony’s Channel Promenade & Visitor Center

A 4.5-kilometer panoramic coastal trail where the Krka River meets the sea.

The Visitor Center presents the cycle of water, its ecological significance, and its impact on the lives of local communities. This scenic walk offers breathtaking views, cultural insight, and moments for reflection on the connection between nature and humanity.

Dragon’s Eye Lake, Rogoznica

A unique hydro-geomorphological phenomenon surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, this coastal saltwater lake is as mysterious as it is beautiful. Known for changing colors—from emerald green to deep black, it is deeply tied to local legends and ancient folklore.

According to the most famous legend, the lake was formed by the mythical dragon Murina, who once lived in this region. It’s said that the Dragon’s Eye opens whenever Murina swings its tail, creating mesmerizing shifts in the lake’s colors.

A perfect ending to a journey celebrating the power, magic, and mystery of water.