Golubinka cave

A karst cave in the hinterland, its mouth in a sinkhole among vineyards.

Activity Hidden gem

Why it is worth your time

Golubinka Cave is a karst cavity in Umag's hinterland, one of many formed in the limestone of this part of Istria and which for centuries served as shelter, livestock pen and water source. The entrance is in a sinkhole, hidden in greenery, and the interior is cold and damp all year, with a temperature holding around ten degrees and with dripping that shaped the formations. The name comes from the pigeons that nested at the entrance, and local tradition ties the cave to hiding during wars, which for Istrian caves is a usual story because it really happened.

The cave is not arranged for tourism: there is no lighting, railings or steps, so entering without equipment and without someone who knows the terrain is not advisable, and the sinkhole itself is slippery after rain. For the visitor the best approach is to look at the entrance and the surrounding landscape from the rim: even that shows what the karst beneath the Istrian fields looks like.

Croatia Atlas tip

Do not go down without gear and company: the entrance is vertical.

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Tours and tickets

Guided tours and skip-the-line tickets for this spot.

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