Have you ever wondered what it would be like to swim into a cave where a mythical hero was once held captive? The Odysseus cave on Mljet is said to be that very place. It’s a short hike from the village of Babino Polje, and the trail leads you to the edge of a cliff, where the view of the Adriatic Sea is breathtaking. At this point, you can imagine Odysseus, shipwrecked and in danger, searching desperately for shelter.
The Odysseus cave, sometimes called the “Pit”, is a peculiar sight. It’s an egg-shaped cave with a tunnel entrance that leads to a chamber with an open ceiling. The tunnel is about 20 meters long, and the water inside is deep, reaching depths of 8 to 10 meters. Sunlight streams in through the opening, illuminating the water and the cave with a magical glow.
Legend has it that the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus prisoner in this cave for seven years—his heart ached for his wife Penelope and his homeland, Ithaca. Calypso is said to have been a beautiful and alluring goddess, but Odysseus’s passion for her never matched her own. He was always dreaming of escape, to return to the home he loved.
While the cave is certainly a beautiful and intriguing place, it’s also a testament to the power of the sea. It’s a reminder that Odysseus was not just a hero, but also a man, capable of both great strength and profound longing.