In the heart of southern Lika, between karst mountains, deep forests, and hidden springs, lies the Una Valley — a place that even today remains only partially explored.
Here, nature still keeps its secrets, and every new discovery reveals only a small fragment of what has been hidden for centuries beneath the stone, water, and dense wilderness.
Everything about the Una River feels mysterious. Even its magnificent spring, one of Croatia’s most fascinating natural phenomena, has only been partially explored. Divers have reached a depth of 248 meters, yet the end has never been found. No one truly knows how deep the Una Valley really is or what underground passages lie beneath it. That unknown gives the entire region an almost unreal atmosphere — the feeling that you are standing in a place where nature still has the final word. In such a small area, two completely different water worlds meet. Between them lies the mysterious mountain eye known as Lake Babića, with an estimated depth of around fifty meters. Even today, people wonder where its underground waters truly flow — toward the Una or toward the Zrmanja. In the karst landscapes of Lika, boundaries are never entirely visible, as water often disappears underground only to emerge again kilometers away.
The entire valley is filled with traces of the past waiting to be rediscovered. Medieval stećci tombstones were found in Kunovac, silent witnesses of life that once flourished in this region. Nearby stand the remains of the old fortress of Kunićgrad, a place so hidden and forgotten that almost no information about it exists online. Forest trails and ancient paths lead toward its ruins, while the view from above reveals untouched landscapes that appear almost unchanged for centuries.
That the Una Valley still hides major discoveries was confirmed only recently, when archaeologists explored the Raštele site beneath Srb and uncovered remains of a structure believed to have been a Roman villa. The finding opens an entirely new chapter about life in this region during the Roman era and confirms that the Una Valley has long been a meeting point of cultures, people, and ancient routes. The nature here is just as impressive as its history. The Dabašnica Canyon, the second deepest canyon in Croatia, is one of the valley’s most hidden and breathtaking places. Steep cliffs, wild vegetation, unexplored caves, and the silence interrupted only by the sound of water create scenery that feels untouched by time. The canyon itself remains hidden behind three ancient stone barriers known as Sklop, giving it the feeling of a lost world reached only by the most determined explorers and nature lovers. Throughout the valley there are more than two hundred springs and three mountain rivers flowing parallel through the landscape before joining the Una. Water is present everywhere — emerging from rocks, disappearing underground, shaping waterfalls, lakes, and canyons. Because of this, the entire area carries a rare sense of untouched wilderness and natural energy that is increasingly difficult to find in Europe today.
The Una Valley is not simply a destination. It is a place of exploration, adventure, silence, and discovery. A place where nature, history, and mystery come together in a truly unique experience. There are still areas without signal, trails that do not appear on maps, and stories that have never been written online. And perhaps that is its greatest value of all — it still remains undiscovered. This year, the Una Valley will become a gathering place for nature lovers, adventurers, and everyone searching for authentic experiences far away from mass tourism. Throughout the summer, a series of events will connect the river, mountains, local traditions, and the unique spirit of Lika into one unforgettable season. The summer program begins on June 13th and 14th with the cycling event “Biciklijada Vrelo Une”, bringing together recreational cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers eager to explore hidden roads, forest trails, mountain viewpoints, and the untouched landscapes surrounding the Una Valley. The routes pass through some of the most scenic parts of southern Lika, offering participants the opportunity to experience the region slowly, directly through nature, local villages, rivers, and mountain paths. More than just a cycling event, it is a chance to reconnect with landscapes that still feel wild and undiscovered.
On July 20th, participants and visitors will gather ahead of one of the most anticipated summer events — the Una Regatta. This year’s regatta brings an important novelty: for the first time, the descent begins from Suvaja, creating an entirely new experience on the upper sections of the Una River. The first stage ends near Martin Brod, one of the most beautiful river locations in the region, before the adventure continues downstream through crystal-clear waters, canyons, waterfalls, and untouched nature. The regatta is not only a sporting and recreational event but also a celebration of the river itself — a gathering of kayakers, rafters, explorers, photographers, and people connected by a shared love for the Una. Only a few days later, on July 24th, visitors will have the opportunity to experience one of the most authentic traditions of the region — the traditional “Ličko Prelo”, organized by the cultural association KUD Srb. Historically, prelos were evening gatherings where people came together through music, storytelling, dancing, and socializing. Today, this event preserves the spirit of old Lika through traditional songs, folk dances, local costumes, homemade food, and the warm hospitality for which the region is known. For visitors, it offers a rare opportunity to experience local culture not as a performance for tourists, but as a living tradition still deeply connected to everyday life. On July 25th follows the “Lički Višeboj”, a unique competition inspired by old rural skills and traditional ways of life in Lika. Participants compete in authentic disciplines that reflect the strength, endurance, and practical abilities once necessary for life in the mountains and countryside. These traditional games combine sport, community spirit, and heritage, creating an atmosphere unlike modern sporting events. It is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the character of the people who have lived in harmony with this rugged landscape for generations.
The summer season concludes on August 9th with “Rakijada”, a celebration dedicated to traditional homemade rakija and local gastronomy. Beyond tasting local drinks, the event brings together music, food, storytelling, and social gatherings that continue late into the evening. Rakijada reflects the relaxed and welcoming spirit of the Una Valley, where hospitality is still deeply rooted in local culture and every guest is treated as part of the community.
Together, these events create far more than a tourist calendar. They form a living portrait of the Una Valley — a destination where nature, tradition, adventure, and local culture exist side by side. Visitors do not come here only to see landscapes, but to experience a way of life shaped by rivers, mountains, and centuries of tradition.
This area is ideal for mountaineering and hiking, as mountain trails stretch through dense forests, ridges, and viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the Una canyon, springs, and distant villages. Each route offers a different experience of the landscape — from easy walks through valleys to more demanding ascents leading to hidden peaks and natural attractions. Cycling and trekking are especially popular, as a network of gravel and forest roads connects the entire region, enabling exploration of an almost untouched natural environment. Cycling through Lika and along the Una River brings a sense of freedom and a return to simplicity — no crowds, no noise, just nature, water, and open space. Trekking routes further reveal hidden springs, lesser-known canyons, and trails leading to local viewpoints and natural wonders. A particularly memorable experience is kayaking and rafting on the Una River. The Una is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and rapids that offer the perfect balance between adrenaline and pure enjoyment of nature. Nearby is the famous Štrbački Buk, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region and one of the highlights of rafting routes, as well as one of the most photographed locations on the river. What makes the Una truly special is the fact that rafting is possible throughout the entire summer in Croatia, which is rare for European rivers and significantly increases its attractiveness as a destination. Every descent along the Una is not just a sporting activity, but a journey through a landscape that feels untouched and timeless.
In addition to outdoor activities, the Una Valley also offers an exceptionally authentic gastronomic experience. Lika’s cuisine is simple yet deeply sincere — based on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Particularly notable are lamb and beef prepared in traditional ways, homemade cheeses such as škripavac and basa, as well as various jams, natural juices, and rakija still produced according to traditional recipes. Every meal here feels like a home-style feast, where quality matters more than presentation, and flavour is deeply connected to tradition and nature. In the immediate vicinity of the Spring of the Una, there is also a unique gastronomic experience organized by Dino Galvagno, who lives in the area and prepares exclusive tasting lunches in the form of ten-course menus. All dishes are based exclusively on local ingredients, with a strong emphasis on seasonality and authenticity. This approach combines fine dining with local identity, creating an experience that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the traditions of the regio Altogether, the Una Valley offers a rare combination of natural beauty, adrenaline activities, and authentic gastronomy — a destination that does not offer only a holiday, but a complete experience of place, people, and way of life.
Once you feel its power, silence, and untouched beauty, there is a strong chance it will completely win you over. Many who arrive as visitors leave as admirers of this region, and some even make the decision to stay. Because living in the Una Valley means having the privilege of daily contact with nature that is still almost untouched, authentic, and unique in Europe.
What makes this location even more exceptional is its excellent accessibility — it is only about an hour’s drive from the sea, while two international airports, Zadar and Split, are also nearby, ensuring easy access and strong connections to the rest of the world. This unique combination of secluded natural beauty and modern accessibility makes the Spring of the Una one of the rare places where peace, adventure, and quality of life come together.
You must experience the Una Valley — because some destinations are not just described, they are remembered.
For more information: www.visit-una.com