Plava Grota

Plava Grota is a cave, cool, dark and ancient, with formations shaped over hundreds of thousands of years.

What to know

Plava Grota stands in Kvarner, one of the six regions that make up the Croatia most visitors fall for. From the Adriatic shore to the karst mountains and the quiet inland valleys, this part of the country gives you something worth the detour.

Book ahead in peak season, and check whether a tour is compulsory, many caves are.

Practical info

• Entry: confirm entry fees and hours on the official site before you set out. They shift with the season, and some places shut altogether off-season.
• How to get there: Use the map above for directions. Town parking is usually paid and signposted, watch for the blue P zones, and allow extra time if a ferry is part of your route.

When to go

Plan Plava Grota for May to October, with June and September the quietest warm months. July and August bring the crowds and the heat; winter is cheaper and handsomer than people expect, especially in the inland cities.

Photograph by John covers Croatia honestly. Every spot here is real, mapped and free to read. If this guide helped, pass it on to someone planning a trip.