Gubavica Waterfall – viewpoint in Zadvarje

If your travels take you through Zadvarje, don’t be put off by the inconspicuous sign and the somewhat hidden turn-off for the viewpoint above the Gubavica waterfall. Although further on, as you leave Zadvarje in the direction of Dubci, you’ll come across a viewpoint by the cross, from there you won’t be able to see one of the most impressive waterfalls in this part of Croatia.

At 105 km long, the Cetina is the longest river in Dalmatia. It begins its journey at a spring of supernatural beauty that we have already written about, one which became something of a symbol of the neglect of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Things are slowly changing for the better, and one piece of proof is this very viewpoint in Zadvarje.

Brilliantly conceived in architectural terms and perfectly blended into the landscape, it is in itself something that has to be seen. If you add to that the dramatic Cetina canyon, plus the mighty waterfall as the icing on the cake, then you really will have missed a great deal if you don’t turn off in time.

The Cetina has two main sections of canyon. The one that begins at Blato na Cetini ends in a waterfall at this spot in Zadvarje. In fact, it is a case of two waterfalls in one!

Velika Gubavica is 49 metres high, and below it continues Mala Gubavica, 7 metres high. They are part of the significant landscape of the Cetina river canyon.

The water of these waterfalls is used by the Kraljevac hydroelectric power plant, built in 1912. The total drop of the water is 110 m.

A special attraction are the openings in the rock through which excess water is released when the Cetina swells after heavy rains. At such times you can see several waterfalls plunging into the depths, forming a cloud of water spray.

The viewpoint consists of several metal platforms overhanging the abyss of the canyon. It is worth descending to each of them, because the configuration of the canyon opens up different vistas. The approaches to the platforms are clad in stone, and they are all connected by a promenade along the edge of the canyon.

At the time of our visit (the first half of 2024), the project was still not fully completed, as you can see preparations for additional platforms, as well as electrical conduits for future lighting.

There is plenty of parking, and on the approach there are some very poorly integrated catering facilities which were not in operation during our visit.

This viewpoint has exceptional tourist potential, but somehow it seems to us that it is nowhere near as well used as it could be.

Apart from this viewpoint, there are a few other points of interest in the immediate vicinity. One of them is the already mentioned viewpoint with the cross right by the road, the remains of the Duare fortress, and the old pillory in the centre of the town.
More about some of these locations in future articles.