Zavratnica Cove

Zavratnica is a fjord-like inlet about nine hundred metres long and very narrow, cut into the coast below the Velebit ridge, with steep white rock on both sides and water that goes from turquoise to deep blue. At its head, in shallow water, lie the remains of a German warship sunk here in 1943 - the hull is visible from the surface and is a standard snorkelling target. The cove is part of the Velebit nature park and is reached only on foot, along a path from Jablanac that takes about fifteen minutes. Swimming is off the rocks; there is no beach in any conventional sense.

What you actually see

• A narrow inlet under Velebit - about nine hundred metres of steep white rock.
• A wreck from 1943 - a German ship visible from the surface.
• Water turning turquoise to blue - with depth along the channel.
• A fifteen minute walk in - no road reaches it.

When to go

May to September. Two to three hours.

Honest expectations

There is no beach - entry is off rocks and ladders. The path in is exposed and hot at midday. The bura wind can make the cove unpleasant and the sea rough. Facilities are minimal and seasonal.

Nearby

Jablanac and the Rab ferry are next door; northern Velebit is above.