When mentioning Imotski, what typically comes to mind for most people are the Modro and Crveno (Blue and Red) Lakes. Since ancient times, travellers, passers-by, and visitors have regularly stopped by these immense water precipices, which truly fill everyone with awe and a certain chill…
The inhabitants of Imotski rightfully speak of the lakes as symbols and sources of pride for their town. It is less known that in the Imotski County, specifically in Lokvičići area, there are three more such lakes. Although these lakes are of smaller diameter and less accessible than the Blue and Red Lakes, they are no less attractive. These are Lokvičićko (or Mamića) Lake, Knezovića Lake, and Lake Galipovac, which until recently was known only to locals. These three lakes, together with Prološko Lake and the Imotski Plain, form a unique complex. It is considered that the lakes are connected to the plain because they do not dry out; there is water throughout the year, while water levels vary with the season and amount of precipitation.
Photo: Imota Tourist Board
Galipovac is the largest of these three lakes. Steep rocks surround the Galipovac water pool, which is about 140 meters long and 115 meters wide. Galipovac marks the northernmost point of this complex. There is a resting place and a viewpoint for visitors – an attractive and desirable spot for repose and enjoyment for all nature lovers, hikers, tourists, photographers, and 'accidental' passers-by. The rocks around Knezovića Lake are even steeper, and the lake as a whole is even more inaccessible, but visually it resembles the Red Lake, as if it were its smaller version. Knezovića Lake is approximately 40 meters deep, and its water is very clear for most parts of the year.
Photo: Imota Tourist Board
The entire area, including the surroundings of these lakes, fascinates with the beauty of karstic formations and their ruggedness, refined by diligent human hands. Everything is dynamically speckled with karstic sinkholes and hills with cascading vineyards. A testament to the long habitation of this area is the many archaeological, prehistorical, and ancient sites. Therefore, the area around these lakes is not just a place of unique natural beauty that excites and fills us with reverence but is also, in a cultural and historical sense, interesting and important. From all this, the idea of presenting the lakes and their surroundings emerged. This idea came to life, and a geological path was traced and constructed around the lakes, which is 3.9 kilometres long. The path is pleasant for strolling and leisurely sightseeing and, besides resting places and viewpoints, is equipped, of course, with educational info boards.
Photo: Imota Tourist Board
The Lokvičići Lakes geotrail follows a hiking path of the same name, which is 7.7 kilometres long and has an elevation change of 570 meters, previously constructed and marked by the Mountaineering Association 'Imotski'. While visiting the geotrail, visitors can not only enjoy the view but also learn about the geological specifics, rich and relatively well-preserved animal and plant life of this area, and about the traditions and rich heritage connected to the archaeological sites of Lokvičići Lakes. It is interesting and important to mention that the beauty and importance of the nature of this practically untouched locality were also recognized by UNESCO. At its 8th assembly, which took place on September 4th and 5th, 2023, in Morocco, Geopark Biokovo-Imotski Lakes was declared a part of UNESCO's global geopark. This makes this geopark the third Croatian geopark on UNESCO's list of global geological heritage.
Photo: Imota Tourist Board
A few words need to be said about the administrative aspect of the project. Biokovo Mountain and Imotski Lakes separately proposed the idea of creating a geopark to UNESCO in 2019. Afterward, it was proposed that these two ideas, because of their spatial and other connectedness, geological specifics, and mutual tradition, be joined into a singular complex as part of an united project and one geopark, which has been done in the end. As stated by the heads of the projects, without the support of the town of Imotski, it would have been difficult to fulfil the requirements made by UNESCO, but all the effort in preparing extensive documentation, which was done by both parties, was well worth it in the end.
Photo: Imota Tourist Board
At the aforementioned assembly in Morocco, Geopark Biokovo Mountain-Imotski Lakes was included in the prestigious UNESCO list. That is not just a formality but also tangible support for the growth of ecotourism, which has been booming all over the world in recent years. In that sense, the construction of a modern visitor centre has been announced, which is to cooperate with the local community and act as a stimulus to the local economy. Local farmers, service activity providers, and restaurateurs will act as direct or indirect associates of the geopark. There is no need to emphasize how all this will have a positive impact on the micro economy of the Imotski area. Finally, it must be mentioned that by being included on the UNESCO global geopark list, a unique perspective for future collaboration in exploration and scientific research with other geoparks in Croatia and abroad has been opened.
If you are a nature and geology enthusiast, if you like to explore your surroundings or ecotourism destinations and get to know the specific plant and animal life of a certain area, may Croatian youngest geopark, 'Geopark Biokovo Mountain-Imotski Lakes,' be a new spot on your itinerary.