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January 10, 2025If you plan to spend your summer vacation in Rogoznica, Dalmatia, make sure not to miss visiting an unusual hydrogeomorphological phenomenon – the Dragon’s Eye Lake, located near one of the most beautiful marinas on the Adriatic, Marina Frapa.
Surrounding this 15-meter-deep saltwater lake are numerous legends about dragons, heroes from Greek mythology, and even – extraterrestrials!
Keep reading to discover why the Dragon’s Eye in Rogoznica is a must-visit destination during your summer vacation in Croatia.
Legends of the Dragon's Eye – Heroes, Dragons and Aliens
Several local legends are tied to this lake. The legend that gave it its name tells the story of the dragon Murin. Dragon Murin was the illegitimate son of the goddess Hera and the god of the sea Poseidon, who ruled the nearby island of Vela Smokvica and protected the people on the mainland. However, in return, he demanded the most beautiful girl as his bride, whom he would kill on their wedding night. One day, Aristoles, the grandson of the Argonaut Jason, appeared and fell in love with the girl destined to be the dragon Murin's next victim. Aristoles challenged the dragon to a duel with a spear forged by the god Hephaestus. Mortally wounded, in his final moments, the dragon clawed out his own eyes. One eye he threw behind the island of Mljet, while the other fell at his feet and melted the rock. The sea flowed into the newly created hollow. The happy ending for Aristoles and his beloved sparked a centuries-old belief that couples who bathe in this lake will be blessed with happiness and love for life.
Another intriguing, though less romantic, legend tells of two brothers, one of whom was blind. During the division of their inheritance, the other brother deceived the blind one, who cursed his unjustly gained property. The blind man cursed his brother, saying: "If you did not divide it fairly, let it all turn into a lake." Thus, the Dragon’s Eye was formed.
A more modern legend involves extraterrestrials. According to some, a spaceship crashed at this very spot. Every thirty years, the aliens from the spaceship send out signals to try to contact their home planet. These signals, it is said, are the reason the lake boils, causing the death of animal and plant species.
Dragon's Eye Lake – an unusual natural phenomenon
The scientific explanation for the formation of the Dragon’s Eye Lake is quite simple. It is believed that the lake was created by the collapse of a cave. After the last Ice Age, the hollow of the cave filled with seawater, forming the Dragon’s Eye Lake.
The lake consists of several layers of water. On the surface, the water appears green and blue, while in the middle layers it is yellow and green. In the lower layers, there is no oxygen, but rather a thick layer of hydrogen sulfide, which gives the water a pink hue. Occasionally, the layers of water mix, causing the color of the entire lake to change.
The phenomenon of the lake "boiling," which locals interpreted as the awakening of the fearsome dragon, also has a scientific explanation. During this process, oxygen-deprived conditions are created, which sometimes lead to the death of life in the lake. This has happened several times in recent years. However, over time, the living organisms in the lake have adapted to these unusual conditions.
No need to worry. The lake is suitable for swimming, especially due to its warm temperature. Cliff jumping from the rocks surrounding the lake is also a popular activity.
Rogoznica – the heart of Dalmatia
If you plan to visit the Dragon’s Eye Lake during your summer vacation, make sure to stay in Rogoznica. Rogoznica is a town located in the heart of Dalmatia. The inviting atmosphere of a traditional Mediterranean fishing village, excellent gastronomic offerings, and a 56-kilometer-long coastline make Rogoznica a popular tourist destination in Dalmatia.
It is also beloved by sailors. In Rogoznica, near the Dragon’s Eye, lies Marina Frapa, situated in the Soline Bay, which is protected from winds on all sides. The marina has 450 well-equipped berths and an area for 150 dry berths. Within the marina complex, there is a hotel, a swimming pool, and a conference hall.
Rogoznica also boasts several beaches ideal for guests with varying interests. The most popular is the pebble beach Šepurina, which features a café bar and a pizzeria; Miline Beach, located in the town center, is a favorite among families with children due to its entertainment options; while the concrete beach Črljine is perfect for diving into the water.
For active vacation enthusiasts, there are three marked cycling trails in Rogoznica and its surroundings, long walking paths along Rogoznica’s beaches, and several diving schools where you can explore the richness of Rogoznica’s underwater world. Popular diving spots include Cape Planka, Smokvica Shoal, and Hrid Mulo.