Blue Cave of Croatia: An Ethereal Subterranean Marvel
The Adriatic coast, with its sapphire waters and ancient towns, has long captivated travelers. Yet, off the coast of Croatia lies a hidden gem that beckons with a luminous allure: the Blue Cave (or 'Modra špilja' in Croatian). Located on the small island of Biševo, this enchanting sea cave offers visitors a unique, otherworldly experience that remains imprinted on their memories forever.
My Trip To The Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is a waterlogged sea cave located in a small bay called Balun. I went on a tour which went to several islands, stopping at the Blue Cave. To get into the cave, you arrive at the island and buy a ticket which has a number on it. You wait for your number to be listed in the range to board a smaller boat. On this smaller boat, you continue into the Blue Cave, the tour lasts about 20 minutes, you are in the Blue Cave for only about 5 minutes.
Sometimes, the water is too choppy to enter the Blue Cave. The wait can be minutes to hours, I waited around an hour and a half to enter the cave. There are some bars and restaurants on the island while you wait. You need to enter the cave between around 10am and 2pm to see the light in such a way that it illuminates the cave.
Boating Tour
You can get to the Blue Cave from Split or Hvar. I decided to depart from Hvar with Amazing Hvar, doing their Blue and Green Cave tour which started at 9am and generally lasts 7-9 hours. We made 3 other stops to swim and relax on the beach. You can contact the tour organizer with WhatsApp to locate the boat and group.
The Magic Within
The magic of the Blue Cave lies in its surreal blue glow. Each morning, when the sun reaches the perfect angle, its rays penetrate through an underwater opening in the cave. This sunlight reflects off the white limestone floor, filling the cavern with a mesmerizing blue light. The waters inside shimmer with silver and blue hues, creating an ethereal ambience that feels almost dreamlike.
History and Discovery
While local fishermen had always known about the Blue Cave, it wasn’t until the 19th century that it garnered wider attention. An Austrian artist, Baron Eugen von Ransonnet, is credited with its discovery for the outside world. After his visit in 1884, he described its wonders in such compelling terms that it soon began to draw more visitors. Over time, the entrance was widened to allow small boats to enter, making the cave more accessible.
Visiting the Blue Cave
Tours to the Blue Cave typically embark from the nearby town of Komiža or the island of Vis. Visitors are transferred to smaller boats, designed to pass through the cave's narrow entrance.
A few things to remember when visiting:
-
Timings: The best time to experience the cave's iconic blue light is between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. However, this is also the peak time, so expect crowds.
-
Duration: A visit inside the cave usually lasts around 15 minutes, but the memory of the ethereal blue light lasts a lifetime.
-
Safety: For safety reasons, swimming inside the cave is generally not allowed.
Beyond the Cave
While the Blue Cave is undoubtedly the star attraction, the island of Biševo offers other beautiful caves, beaches, and spots worth exploring. The Green Cave, with its verdant-hued rays of light, and Monk Seal Cave, once home to the Mediterranean monk seal, are other noteworthy caverns on the island.
Conclusion
Croatia, with its rich history, stunning coastline, and myriad islands, offers countless attractions for travelers. Yet, the Blue Cave of Biševo stands out as a testament to nature's unparalleled artistry. A visit to this luminescent marvel is not just a visual feast but an experience that touches the soul, reminding us of the wonders that lie just beneath the surface.
No Comments
