Along the Dalmatian coast lie structures that look like sets from a post-apocalyptic film – abandoned tuna traps whose stone walls crumble as the sea slowly reclaims them. These industrial ruins were once the heart of the Adriatic economy, and today they attract divers, photographers, and all those who see special beauty in decay.
While most tourists rush toward beaches and old town centers, a small group of curious explorers discovers an entirely different Dalmatia – one that tells stories of generations of fishermen, of the golden age of tuna fishing, and of how time changes everything.
A Brief History of Adriatic Tuna Fishing
Tuna traps, known locally as tunjolovke, tonjine, or cariche, were complex systems for catching tuna that operated in the Adriatic for centuries. They experienced their greatest boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Italian families brought advanced fishing techniques.
The system was brilliant in its simplicity – nets formed a labyrinth that guided tuna toward a central chamber called the "camera della morte" (chamber of death). When enough fish had accumulated, fishermen would raise the net and manually haul in the catch, sometimes tuna weighing over 200 kilograms.
Today's ruins bear witness to the industry's collapse – the combined effect of overfishing, colder sea currents, and the relocation of tuna migration routes marked the end of an era sometime in the mid-20th century.
1. Tuna Trap on Čiovo Island – Saldun
Just about ten minutes' drive from Trogir, on the northern side of Čiovo, lie the remains of a tuna trap that operated until the 1960s. The stone structure with its characteristic arches is now a favorite spot for sunset photography.
What You Can See and Experience
- Well-preserved stone structures accessible from land
- Crystal clear sea ideal for snorkeling
- Remains of wooden constructions visible below the surface
- Rich underwater life – octopuses, scorpionfish, starfish
Practical Information
You can reach the location via a gravel road from Saldun Bay. Parking is limited, so I recommend arriving in the morning or late afternoon. For those who want to explore in more detail, local diving centers in Trogir offer guided tours for around 50-60 euros per person, including equipment.
Accommodation tip: Apartments in Trogir or on Čiovo allow you to visit this location multiple times – once for photography, once for diving, once simply to enjoy the silence.
2. Punta Planka – Tuna Trap at Cape Ploča
On the dramatic cape that divides northern and central Dalmatia, right next to the lighthouse, lies one of the most photogenic abandoned tuna traps in the entire Adriatic. Cape Ploča (Punta Planka) is already a place where the sea behaves unpredictably – the meeting of currents creates conditions that once brought tuna, and today create a challenge for divers.
Why This Place Is Special
The combination of dramatic geology, strong currents, and industrial remains makes this a location for more experienced adventurers. The sea here can be rough even when it's calm elsewhere, adding a dose of adrenaline to the whole experience.
The ruins are partly underwater, partly on the rocks. You can see remains of foundations, metal hooks for nets, and parts of the former infrastructure.
How to Organize Your Visit
Access is possible from Rogoznica or Primošten. Local fishermen sometimes agree to take curious visitors by boat – inquire at the harbor in Rogoznica. Organized diving tours are available at diving centers in Primošten, and the price to dive here starts from 70 euros and up due to specific conditions.
Best time to visit: May, June, September – outside the season when there are fewer crowds, but still with pleasant weather. Be sure to check the weather forecast as calm seas are a necessary condition for a safe visit.
3. Lošinj Tuna Trap – Čikat Bay
Lošinj has a long fishing tradition, and the remains of a tuna trap near the famous Čikat Bay bear witness to times when this island was a center for catching large blue fish. Unlike the dramatic ruins on the open sea, these remains blend into the idyllic landscape of pine forest and crystal-clear sea.
The Diving Experience
This location is perfect for beginners – protected from wind, with a gradual descent and excellent visibility that often exceeds 20 meters. Underwater you'll find remains of stone anchors, ceramic fragments, and foundations of former constructions.
The diving center in Mali Lošinj offers tours that combine visiting the tuna trap with diving around nearby reefs. A package of two dives costs around 90-110 euros.
What Else to Do on Lošinj
The island is known for dolphins – the Blue World center organizes ethical observation of these mammals. The combination of diving at the tuna trap in the morning and watching dolphins in the afternoon makes for a perfect day on the water. You can end the evening in the konobas of Mali Lošinj with fresh fish and local Malvasia wine.
4. Tunera in Ližnjan – Hidden Gem of Istria
Although technically not Dalmatia, the tunera near Ližnjan deserves a place on this list because it's one of the best-preserved abandoned structures of this type in the entire Adriatic. Located south of Pula, this Austro-Hungarian era tuna trap offers a unique glimpse into the region's industrial past.
What Makes This Location Special
Unlike completely abandoned locations, the tunera in Ližnjan is occasionally used for cultural events – concerts, art installations, theater performances. This means access is easier and safer than at other locations.
The sea around the tunera is rich with life – this is a popular location for night diving when you can see lobsters, crabs, and nocturnal fish. Diving centers in Pula offer tours for around 60-80 euros.
Accommodation and Additional Amenities
Ližnjan and its surroundings offer excellent value for money in terms of accommodation. Apartments with sea views can be found at reasonable prices, especially outside the main season. From here you're at an ideal distance for both exploring Pula and visiting the beaches of Kamenjak.
Tips for Safely Exploring Abandoned Tuna Traps
Before you head to any of these locations, keep a few important things in mind:
- Never dive alone – these locations often have unpredictable conditions
- Check structural stability – abandoned buildings can be dangerous
- Respect the sea – currents and waves can surprise even experienced swimmers
- Leave only bubbles – don't touch or take anything from the site
- Photograph with respect – these are cultural monuments, not just Instagram backdrops
Why Visit Dalmatian Tuna Traps?
In a time when all beaches are occupied and all restaurants are full, abandoned tuna traps offer something rare – silence, authenticity, and stories you can't find in any tourist guide. Standing on the ruins of a tuna trap as the sun sets, it's easy to imagine the fishing boats, the shouts of workers, and the silver flashes of tuna.
These places remind us that the Adriatic is more than turquoise sea and stone towns – it's a space of millennia of human activity, rises and falls, industrialization and nature slowly reclaiming what's hers.
For true adventurers who want to experience Dalmatia beyond the beaten paths, abandoned tuna traps offer the perfect combination of history, nature, and that special melancholy that only ruins can provide.