We have already written about Mljet Island in few articles on our blog and this one will focus on what we believe to be one of the unique places of this island – Odysseus Cave on Mljet. We have visited this mythical location on our first trip to Mljet Island, during the Coronavirus pandemic, and we were one of the few visitors on the island at that period.
We have spent 2 days on Mljet Island. First day was reserved for exploration of all the places worth visiting that are not part of the Mljet National park, while the second day was solely for the exploration of the national park area. So if you’re planning on visiting Mljet Island, put the Odysseus Cave on your itinerary.
Here’s all you need to know about it for the best experience.
How to Get to Odysseus Cave on Mljet First things first, in order to visit the Odysseus Cave on Mljet, you need to reach the island first. There are numerous ways to do it, and the best one for you depends on your starting location and preferences.
1. Reaching Mljet Island There are few ways of reaching the Mljet island and here are some of the most usual ones:
From Dubrovnik :
Take a catamaran ferry from Dubrovnik to Sobra, the main port on Mljet Island. These catamarans operate regularly during the summer months and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once you reach Sobra, you can rent a car for a day on Mljet.
From Split :
A catamaran from Split to Pomena or Polače on Mljet is also available if you are coming from Split but it’s less frequent than one from Dubrovnik. Split is also much further from Mljet than Dubrovnik.
From Pelješac Peninsula :
A short ferry ride from Prapratno (Pelješac) to Sobra is a convenient and best option if you plan to explore southern Croatia by car. This is the only ferry on which you can put our car on since the other lines are passenger ferries only.
2. Getting to the Cave Perfect, you have reached the Mljet Island. First step is done. Now you need to get as close as you can get to Odysseus Cave on Mljet and walk to the cave entrance. As you will see, Mljet Island is not as large as some other Croatian islands and it’s possible to visit quite a few places on it in just one day.
So how to reach Odysseus cave once you’re on Mljet:
By Car or Scooter :
From Sobra, drive for around 25 kilometers to Babino Polje village which is located in central part of the Mljet island. Parking is available near the trail to the Odysseus Cave.
By Bicycle :
For a more adventurous among you, cycling to Babino Polje is also an option. Be prepared for some hilly terrain, but the ride will be the rewarding one.
By Local Transport :
Public buses connect Sobra to Babino Polje, though schedules may be very limited so use this as the final option.
From Babino Polje, a 20-minute walk on a well marked trail leads you straight to the cave entrance. The trail includes some rocky terrain, so proper footwear is a must, especially if you’re going to descend into the Odysseus Cave, which you probably will.
Featured Tours from Dubrovnik to Mljet Island
Exploring Odysseus Cave Once you reach the cave, you’ll be amazed by the surrounding cliffs and overall look of this part of Mljet coastline. There are 2 main ways to enter the Odysseus Cave on Mljet – by hiking down the steep slope or by swimming into the cave from the outer side. Which one you’ll choose, again, depends on your preferences.
Beware that the descent into the cave is very steep, although not so hard or long, but extra caution and proper footwear is advisable.
The Myth and Legend of Odysseus Cave on MljetOdysseus Cave is said to be the location where the Greek hero Odysseus was shipwrecked and held captive by the beautiful, but quite possessive nymph Calypso. While the story is mythical, the cave’s beauty makes it easy to see why it’s associated with this tale. There are some other, more promoted places such as Odysseus Cave on Malta, but we believe this one in Croatia is better and unfortunately underrated.
What to Expect Once you’re in the Odysseus Cave on Mljet, you’ll be amazed by the blue color of the Adriatic Sea inside the cave.
Natural Beauty :
The cave’s entrance is basically a large hole in the cliff which leads to an emerald sea pool illuminated by sunlight filtering through the rock. Something out of this world.
Swimming and Snorkeling :
The clear, calm waters of the cave are perfect for both swimming and snorkeling. We advise you to bring your own gear to explore the underwater world of Odysseus cave and nearby cliffs outside the cave.
Photography :
The vibrant colors and unique rock formations make the cave a dream for photographers. Visiting the cave early in the morning or late in the afternoon provides the best light and photography opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Odysseus Cave As most places in Croatia, Mljet Island together with all places to see on it, are most visited during the summer months. And that’s also the best period to visit the Odysseus Cave on Mljet. Preseason and postseason periods will also mean less people and way less heat, while the peak season will mean open bar near the Odysseus Cave, warm sea and very hot weather.
Summer (June to September) :
The warm weather and calm seas make this period perfect time for swimming and snorkeling which is a must if you’re visiting this mythical cave.
Early Morning or Late Afternoon :
Visiting during these times offers softer light and less people around, which enhance the overall experience of the location.
Tips for Visiting Odysseus Cave Here’s a list of our advices when it comes to visiting this stunning location on Mljet Island.
Wear Proper Shoes :
The trail to the cave includes rocky sections that require good footwear. If you plan to descend down, then good shoes are a must. Otherwise, we suggest you swim into the Odysseus Cave from the outer side.
Bring Water and Snacks :
There are no shops near the cave, so pack refreshments. There used to be one bar on the nearby cliffs, but still, it’s better to come thee prepared and with your own supplies.
Pack Snorkeling Gear :
The underwater of Odysseus Cave on Mljet is worth exploring, so we advise on bringing your own snorkeling gear.
Respect the Environment :
Avoid leaving trash and be mindful of the delicate ecosystem. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles wherever you go to.
Be Cautious While Swimming :
The sea inside the cave is generally calm, but there might be some currents at some parts of the day so caution is advised.
Other Activities Near Odysseus Cave While you are on the Mljet and visiting Odysseus Cave, you might explore this green island even further. As we already said, the Mljet Island is not as large as some others and you’ll be able to visit many different locations in just one day. Even the visit to the Odysseus Cave won’t take much of your time.
Visit Babino Polje :
Explore this central village of the island, known for its traditional stone houses and relaxed island way of life.
Mljet National Park
Located on the western part of the island, this national park offers stunning lakes, hiking trails as one to Montokuc peak , and diverse wildlife. Mljet national park is the southernmost of all national parks in Croatia .
Sea Kayaking :
Rent a kayak or book a kayaking tour to explore coastline of Mljet island and discover secluded beaches and bays which are not easily accessible by land.
Wine Tasting :
Enjoy local wines produced on the island and pair them with fresh seafood. Eat like a locals when you’re visiting Croatia and enjoy in Croatia gastronomy.
Where to Stay on Mljet If you plan to stay overnight, which is a great idea, Mljet offers a range of accommodations. Staying on Mljet Island for a 2 days is a good idea if you want to explore the island thoroughly and experience each of the places you visit in non rushed manner.
Pomena and Polače :
Ideal places to stay if you’re visiting Mljet National Park, with options ranging from hotels to private apartments.
Sobra :
Convenient because of the ferry access.
Babino Polje :
Perfect for exploring Odysseus Cave and central parts of the island. This way you’re staying in the middle of the island and you can spend 1 day in exploring the southern part, and second day exploring the northern part of the Mljet island. This is the place where we slept when we were visiting the island.
Before you venture to Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island As you can easily see from the images in this article, Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island is one of the most unique places on greenest island of Croatia . If you pair the visit to the cave with visiting some others great places of this island, you’ve got yourself a nice day full of adventures, nice landscapes and relaxation. Just make sure to stay safe while visiting the cave.
Enjoy your visit of Odysseus Cave on Mljet and Mljet Island as a whole!
