Dragon's Cave Zmajeva Špilja
Discover ancient legends and breathtaking Adriatic views on a challenging hike to a mystical cave.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid intense midday heat
Dragon's Cave Zmajeva Špilja
Best Time
Avoid intense midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient legends and breathtaking Adriatic views on a challenging hike to a mystical cave.
"Zoran, the guide, made the Dragon Cave come alive with his incredible storytelling!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots are highly recommended for the rocky, steep trail. Sneakers might not provide enough grip or support.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water! The climb is strenuous, especially in warmer weather, and there are no facilities on the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dragon's Cave Interior
Inside the cave
Explore ancient carvings and hear captivating Slavic myths and legends brought to life by your guide.
Panoramic Adriatic Views
Along the hiking trail
Breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic Sea, Brac shores, and neighboring islands like Hvar.
Steep Vineyard Terraces
On the descent from the cave
Marvel at grapes grown on impossibly steep hillsides, a testament to local resilience and tradition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour in Advance
Prepare for a Strenuous Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots are highly recommended for the rocky, steep trail. Sneakers might not provide enough grip or support.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water! The climb is strenuous, especially in warmer weather, and there are no facilities on the trail.
🗺️ Use Offline Maps
Google Maps can be unreliable for this off-the-beaten-path hike. Consider apps like Maps.me or Organic Maps for navigation.
🗣️ Book Zoran for the Best Experience
Zoran is an exceptional guide. His storytelling makes the cave come alive; don't miss his insights!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots are highly recommended for the rocky, steep trail. Sneakers might not provide enough grip or support.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water! The climb is strenuous, especially in warmer weather, and there are no facilities on the trail.
🗺️ Use Offline Maps
Google Maps can be unreliable for this off-the-beaten-path hike. Consider apps like Maps.me or Organic Maps for navigation.
🗣️ Book Zoran for the Best Experience
Zoran is an exceptional guide. His storytelling makes the cave come alive; don't miss his insights!
🚶♀️ Pace Yourself on the Climb
Take your time on the uphill sections and stop for photos. The views are a great reward for your effort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Dragon's Cave for its stunning sea views and the incredibly insightful guided tour provided by Zoran, who brings the cave's legends and history to life. The hike itself is described as strenuous but rewarding. Some visitors were disappointed by the locked gate when attempting to visit independently.
"This is a very strenuous hike, up hill, for about a mile on a rocky trail. Beautiful views of the sea as you climb. The cave has a locked gate, so you need to call ahead and arrange a tour to enter. It’s really worth the climb!"
John Schettino
"Slavic myths & legends mixed with the histories of people migration & of Brac island itself, religious "takeovers," and modern-day informed speculations/ knowledge shared by ethnologists, linguists & art historians. This is what you get when you visit the Dragon Cave with Zoran, "The Guide." I don't think I've received a better guided tour by anyone anywhere in the world. He is a Croatian national treasure, having accumulated so much knowledge over the 23 years (since 2000) he's been conducting tours of the Dragon Cave. Zoran popularizes what the more obscure branches of academic study so much, that those scholars embrace him for his storytelling. And we, the tourists, are enriched by it.
The weaver of tales made the Dragon Cave come alive in our imagination. The climb itself consists of 20% - 30% grade hills (the way up) in places that are, thankfully, not terribly long. The way down is longer and easier grade, on which you see wine grapes literally grown on hills so steep you wonder how they harvest them! Sturdy shoes (hiking boots are helpful, as sneakers would barely cut it) and bottles of water are essential, or you risk, well, health & safety! I found it necessary to use my hiking stick on the way down, for balance and my knees. Food too.
The views are beautiful, To be able to see far out beyond the Brac shores to Hvar & other islands. Our day was mostly cloudy, so we didn't get to see the brilliant colors of the Adriatic (the sea was navy blue, not green or aqua blue as we've seen on sunnier days). But the tradeoff was a not intensely hot climb.
The point of this visit, though, is primarily in the telling of tales. You'd be remiss not to pay the €12 pp (unless your group is too small, in which case Zoran asks for more - our family of 4 paid €20 pp for a last-minute, custom tour) to come all the way out here and miss the stories behind what's up there on the walls. And believe me, there are layers upon layers of history & stories that you'll want to hear."
Chiucat / Angel
"We had no trouble finding the way. Remember that Google Maps is not designed for hiking off the beaten track and with an app like maps.me or organic maps, treks like this are a piece of cake. We were rewarded with a beautiful view, but unfortunately there is a locked gate keeping the intrepid independent hiker out of the cave, hence only 3 stars."
Jock McSporren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dragon's Cave is located near the village of Murvica on Brac Island, Croatia. The hike starts from Murvica. You'll need to reach Murvica first, likely by car or taxi from Supetar or other towns on the island. The trail itself is about 1km long and steep.
Parking is available in the village of Murvica. From there, you'll begin your hike up to the cave.
While you can hike the trail independently, the cave entrance is locked. You need to book a guided tour with Zoran to enter the cave.
It's recommended to use offline map applications like Maps.me or Organic Maps, as Google Maps may not be accurate for this off-the-beaten-path trail.
The hike up to the cave entrance takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour, including stops for photos and enjoying the scenery. The descent is longer but easier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to book a guided tour to enter the cave as it has a locked gate. Contact Zoran, the official guide, in advance to arrange your visit.
The cost is typically around €12 per person, but Zoran may ask for more for smaller, last-minute groups. For a family of 4, it was €20 per person for a custom tour.
You'll need to find his contact information, likely through local tourist information or by asking in Murvica. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Tours are typically arranged by appointment with Zoran. It's best to discuss timings directly with him when booking.
No, the cave entrance is locked, and you cannot enter independently. A guided tour with Zoran is mandatory for access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find ancient carvings and hear fascinating stories blending Slavic myths, legends, and local history, expertly narrated by Zoran.
The hike is considered moderate to strenuous, with steep, rocky sections. Sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water are essential.
No, there are no facilities on the trail. Be sure to bring all necessary supplies with you.
You'll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, the Brac coastline, and neighboring islands like Hvar.
The hike up takes about an hour, and the tour inside the cave with Zoran can last another hour or two, depending on your group's engagement.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always best to check with your guide, Zoran, upon arrival. Be mindful of the cave's delicate environment.
The panoramic sea views from the trail are stunning. Inside the cave, focus on capturing the ancient carvings and the atmosphere.
The cave can be dimly lit. Consider using a tripod for stability and a wider aperture to capture more light. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
Drone regulations can be strict in Croatia. It's advisable to check local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone near the cave or the island.
For the sea views, morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. Inside the cave, the lighting is consistent, but be prepared for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
🏛️ History & Mythology Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Guide: Zoran
His tours are described as some of the best guided experiences worldwide. He doesn't just show you the cave; he immerses you in its narrative, making the ancient carvings and the very stones of the cave speak. His passion for the subject is infectious, and his storytelling skills ensure that the legends and history of the Dragon's Cave will stay with you long after you've descended the mountain.
The Challenging Ascent and Rewarding Views
As you descend, you'll also encounter striking landscapes, including steep hillsides where local vineyards are cultivated. These terraces, growing grapes on seemingly impossible slopes, offer a glimpse into the agricultural traditions and resilience of the islanders.
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Cave
Zoran, the guide, expertly deciphers these visual narratives, connecting them to Slavic mythology, historical migrations, and the island's rich past. He explains how the cave might have been used by hermits or monks, and how its imagery reflects deeper cultural beliefs and historical events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit