Odysseus Cave — Attraction in Općina Mljet

A must-see on Mljet – stunning, adventurous, and full of character.

Most people coming to Mljet have at least heard of Odysseus’ Cave, and many don’t just come to see the island, but specifically to see this spot. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. The place is gorgeous, both from the inside and the outside. The natural tunnel leading into the cave is especially magical when the midday sun lights up the water in brilliant shades of blue.

Getting there is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to know. There’s a road that takes you fairly close, but let’s just say, if you care about your car, you might want to avoid it. A better option is to park by the Tommy supermarket, where you’ll find a marked walking path just a few meters up the road. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk. Sneakers are a good idea, mostly for peace of mind, though not absolutely necessary. If you’re bringing kids, keep a close eye, the terrain can get tricky at points, which is honestly part of the charm.

The path first takes you near a spot where you can climb down into the cave on foot, but that’s really only for the brave. The trail is steep, crumbly, and not much of a “path” at all. I’d recommend continuing just a minute further to reach the main, outer entrance. On the way, you’ll pass a bar with the fitting name “Kalypso”, a nod to the nymph who, according to legend, held Odysseus captive here for seven years.

The cave’s outer entrance faces the open sea, which means it’s very exposed to wind and waves. Getting into the water is the easy part, just jump. Getting out, on the other hand, can be more of a challenge. The exit isn’t exactly built for comfort, and if the waves are rough, it can get a bit tricky.

Timing matters here. Midday can be the most beautiful time visually, that glowing blue water is unforgettable, but it’s also when it gets the hottest and most crowded. Personally, I’d recommend going in the morning or late afternoon for a better balance of atmosphere and comfort.

If you’re into cliff jumping, this is your spot. There are plenty of ledges to jump from, starting at just a meter high and going all the way up to around 20–25 meters. It’s also a fantastic place for snorkeling, with deep, clear waters and marine life to spot right beneath the surface.

All in all, Odysseus’ Cave is an absolute must-see if you’re on Mljet. It’s not just a cave, it’s an experience that mixes adventure, myth, and some of the island’s best natural beauty. No wonder Mljet is often called...

Beautiful cave, and the sea is divine - the color, the clarity, the fish. The rocks are pink inside the water in the cave, and a sea turqoise when there is sun. It is posible to dive from various heights.The most beautiful place, but to be able to see it you need to know what to expect: Wear comfortable and stabile shoes, not flip flops. You need to hike to get there, and the last part to get there can be a bit tricky. You actually swim into the cave, the hiking trail is closed. So if you want pics from inside think ahead (waterproof bag, go pro etc) Besides hiking, you can reach it by boat, so if you are not comfortable walking on rocks and trails, that might be a better alternative. You do not need much stuff, the less the better. However, if anyhow possible bring diving mask, it is half of the experience to see under the water - the rocks, the fish, the color and perfect rays of sunshine underneath. It is the most beautiful in the morning, i.e. 9-11 AM, and when there is no wind There seem to be a small place where you can get a refreshment but not sure how and...

We had some adrenaline on the way from Sunset Beach/ plaja Sutmihojska because we paddled against the curent close to wild clifs but the view was incredibly beautiful and wild. It took us close to 2h with good weather (cloudy) ans small waves. And when we lost the hope to get there at all we've seen a lot of young people crowded on the stones of the entrance in the cave. They we're sunbathing, snorckeling and jumping from the clifs in the water. For us it looked like a pagan ritual for the demigod Ulisseus. They were just having fun! So, we visited first the cave, we left the SUP there and then joined the "ritual". The priest of Ulisse that overwathes the cave is a never-old guy, in the middle ages with quite a story to tell and cold beer to share for quite a good price given the wilderness around. He also has challenges for enthusiasts who want to win 2 beers for free! We had a good talk, I did some free water solo climbing and my wife took some amaising...