The island of Mljet
Mljet Island: Croatia's Green Paradise
Odysseus Cave: A Mythical Grotto on Mljet
Discover the mythical Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island: swim in turquoise waters and explore the legendary grotto where Odysseus found refuge.
Odysseus Cave, located on the island of Mljet, is a stunning natural grotto steeped in Greek mythology. Legend claims Odysseus sought refuge here after a shipwreck and was captivated by the nymph Calypso for seven years. Today, visitors can swim into the cave and experience its mesmerizing beauty.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Odysseus Cave
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Car/Scooter
From any of Mljet's ferry ports (Sobra, Pomena, or Polače), rent a car or scooter. Drive towards Babino Polje, the largest village on the island. Look for Tommy's Supermarket; parking is available nearby. From there, follow the signs for a 1.2 km (0.75 miles) hike along a craggy cliff to reach the cave. Car rentals vary, but expect to pay around €30-50 per day. Scooter rentals are slightly cheaper.
Public Transport
Take bus line 18 or 19 from Sobra to Babino Polje. From Babino Polje, follow the hiking trail to Odysseus Cave, approximately 1.2km. A single bus ticket costs around €2-3. Note that bus schedules may be limited, especially outside of peak season.
Taxi
From any ferry port, take a taxi to Babino Polje. From there, hike to Odysseus Cave. A taxi ride from Sobra to Babino Polje will cost approximately €25-€35. Always confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.
Local tips
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The best time to visit is during the summer months for warm water and optimal sunlight, which creates stunning colors inside the cave.
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Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the underwater world inside the cave.
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Wear appropriate footwear for the hike to the cave entrance, as the terrain can be rocky and steep.
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If you're not comfortable swimming, consider renting a small boat to access the cave.
Discover more about Odysseus Cave
Odysseus Cave, near Babino Polje on the island of Mljet, is more than just a scenic spot; it's a dive into ancient legend. According to local lore, this is where Odysseus, the hero of Homer's *Odyssey*, found shelter after his ship was destroyed. The nymph Calypso, captivated by Odysseus, is said to have held him here for seven years, promising him immortality if he stayed.The cave itself is a large, egg-shaped grotto accessible primarily from the sea. A narrow, rocky sea passage opens into a spacious cavern illuminated by the azure glow of the Adriatic. Sunlight filtering through the water creates a breathtaking spectacle of blue and green hues, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and photography. For the adventurous, there are cliff jumping spots around the cave.While access by land is possible via a steep path, most visitors prefer to approach the cave by water. Swimming into the cave through the sea entrance offers an immersive experience, allowing you to follow in the wake of legend. The cave is also used by local fisherman as a shelter for their boats.
A brief summary to Odysseus Cave
Use Odysseus Cave as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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