Odysseus Cave: A Mythical Grotto on Mljet

4.8 (1176)

Discover the mythical Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island: swim in turquoise waters and explore the legendary grotto where Odysseus found refuge.

Home
Croatia
Istria
Odysseus Cave

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.

A brief summary to Odysseus Cave

Babino Polje bb, Babino Polje, 20225, HR
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

The best time to visit is during the summer months for warm water and optimal sunlight, which creates stunning colors inside the cave.
Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the underwater world inside the cave.
Wear appropriate footwear for the hike to the cave entrance, as the terrain can be rocky and steep.
If you're not comfortable swimming, consider renting a small boat to access the cave.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The island of Mljet

Mljet Island: Croatia's Green Paradise

Mljet

Mljet Island: Croatia's Green Paradise

Plaža Sutmiholjska

Discover the Serenity of Plaža Sutmiholjska

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.

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.