Imotski's Blue and Red Lakes from Split

Imotski is a town in the Dalmatian hinterland, 75 km east of Split on the road to Mostar. It sits on the edge of a limestone plateau carved by erosion into two remarkable geological features: the Blue Lake (Modro jezero) to the northeast and the Red Lake (Crveno jezero) to the west.

The Blue Lake

The Blue Lake is a collapse doline, a sinkhole 300m long, 150m wide, and 200m deep. The lake sits at the bottom. The water level fluctuates dramatically through the year: in winter after heavy rainfall, the lake fills to near the rim and the area is occasionally accessed by kayaks and swimmers. In summer, the water level drops 80 to 120 metres below the rim, leaving the blue lake visible at the bottom of steep limestone walls.

The standard viewpoint is from a path along the western rim. A metal staircase descends toward the water in the lower-level section, 200 steps down, 200 back up. The descent is feasible for most adults; it takes about 30 minutes down and 40 minutes back up. The staircase is modern and railed. Children over 8 can usually manage it.

Swimming in the Blue Lake is possible during high-water season (typically late autumn through early spring). In summer, the water is too far below the access point for swimming from the viewpoints.

The Red Lake

The Red Lake is 1 km west of Imotski town and is a collapsed karst pit 530m wide and 540m deep, one of the deepest pits in the world. The lake is visible at the bottom from viewpoints on the rim, but access down to the water is not open to casual visitors. The view from the rim is the main experience.

The red-brown colouring of the cliff walls (which give the lake its name) comes from iron oxide in the limestone. The contrast between the red walls and the dark-green water at the bottom is visually striking.

Time required

Blue Lake descent and ascent: 45 to 90 minutes. Red Lake viewpoint: 20 minutes walk from town, 30 minutes to view. Imotski old town: 30 minutes for a walk along the main square and the fortress walls above the town. Total: 3 to 4 hours in the Imotski area.

Drive from Split

The distance is 75 km via the A1 motorway to Zadvarje exit, then regional road through Trilj to Imotski. Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes. The return is the same route.

This is a natural half-day trip that returns to Split by early afternoon. It combines well with an afternoon activity, Split old town, beach, or connecting to a boat tour departure.