Strašna peć

Strašna peć is a karst cave in the central part of Dugi Otok island, right above the village of Savar, and one of the most striking natural attractions on the Croatian coast. Its entrance sits at roughly 70 meters above sea level and is an impressive 10 meters wide and 7 meters high — the dramatic scale of this rock opening is exactly what gave the cave its name, which translates loosely as "Terrifying Furnace."

How did this cave become famous?

The story of Strašna peć goes back to the late 19th century, when it was first described in 1898 in the Zadar newspaper "Il Dalmata." Real fame arrived in 1904, after an Austro-Hungarian tourist magazine painted such a vivid picture of the cave that it turned into the first organized excursion destination not just on Dugi Otok, but in the whole wider region. That same year, Emperor Franz Joseph I himself paid a visit and was so impressed that he ordered the entrance renovated: iron doors were installed, along with two lanterns, and a stone staircase was carved leading up from the sea. The cave remained a popular tourist stop until the outbreak of World War I, after which it was left forgotten for decades — it only reopened to visitors in 2007.

What will you see inside?

The cave is formed within well-stratified rudist limestone, typical of the Dalmatian karst landscape. Inside, visitors can admire a rich array of cave formations — stalactites, stalagmites, and characteristic draperies and flowstone shelves shaped over thousands of years. An interesting archaeological detail: a small prehistoric flint tool, a little knife dated to the Neolithic period, was found here, making it a rare find for this part of the Adriatic.

How do you get to Strašna peć?

The cave lies within the area of Savar, one of the villages on Dugi Otok, which is reachable by ferry from Zadar. A marked hiking trail leads from Savar up to the cave — given the entrance's altitude (70 m above sea level), it's worth wearing proper footwear and setting aside some time for the climb. Once you reach the entrance, the descent inside is made easier by the staircase originally carved during the emperor's renovation.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring, summer and early autumn are the best seasons to explore, when weather conditions are pleasant for hiking around the island and ferry connections to Dugi Otok are most frequent. It's worth checking local opening hours before your trip, since the cave is often accessible seasonally, and guided tours are also organized.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to hike to reach Strašna peć? Yes, a hiking trail leads from the village of Savar up to the cave entrance, located at about 70 meters above sea level.

Is the cave safe for visitors without caving experience? Yes, the cave is set up for tourist visits — a staircase leads inside, and the route doesn't require any speleological equipment.

Why is the cave called "Strašna peć"? The name refers to the imposing, dark entrance opening that resembles a giant furnace, which left a strong impression on the first visitors back in the 19th century.

Are there traces of ancient human presence in the cave? Yes, a Neolithic flint tool was discovered inside, showing that the site was already known to people thousands of years ago.