Baredine Cave
Discover a 3.5-million-year-old underground world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and the rare 'human fish'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Baredine Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a 3.5-million-year-old underground world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and the rare 'human fish'.
"Guides are really gentle and they provide a lot of interesting information about the site, also in a funny way for children too."
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Steps can be steep and wet. Non-slip footwear is a must for navigating the cave safely.
Cool Cave Temps: Bring a Light Layer :cloud:
The cave stays a consistent 14°C, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Human Fish (Olm)
Bottom of the cave
See the rare, blind cave salamander, an ancient creature that can live up to 100 years. A truly unique sight!
Stalactite & Stalagmite Formations
Throughout the cave chambers
Marvel at spectacular underground sculptures formed over millions of years by water, creating crystalline wonders.
Vintage Tractor & Pottery Exhibits
Near the cave entrance
Explore a fascinating collection of old tractors and traditional pottery, adding a historical dimension to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Accessibility & What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Steps can be steep and wet. Non-slip footwear is a must for navigating the cave safely.
Cool Cave Temps: Bring a Light Layer :cloud:
The cave stays a consistent 14°C, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended for comfort.
Check Tour Times :calendar:
Guided tours are mandatory. Verify tour times and language availability in advance, especially during peak season.
Photography Friendly :camera_with_flash:
The lighting is strategically set to highlight formations, making for great photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Steps can be steep and wet. Non-slip footwear is a must for navigating the cave safely.
Cool Cave Temps: Bring a Light Layer :cloud:
The cave stays a consistent 14°C, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended for comfort.
Check Tour Times :calendar:
Guided tours are mandatory. Verify tour times and language availability in advance, especially during peak season.
Photography Friendly :camera_with_flash:
The lighting is strategically set to highlight formations, making for great photo opportunities.
Family Fun Guaranteed :child:
Guides often make tours engaging for kids, and the cave is generally family-friendly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Baredine Cave for its beauty, informative and engaging guides, and family-friendly atmosphere. The unique sight of the Olm and the impressive stalactite/stalagmite formations are major highlights. While generally well-maintained, some note that the paths can be steep and wet, requiring careful footing.
"Nice cave to visit with all the family. The guides are really gentle and they provide a lot of interesting information about the site, also in a funny way for children too. We spent there about 2 hours. Next to the entrance there is also a good bar that serves coffee, drinks in general and sandwiches. The parking is for free, so you have to pay only for the guided tour."
Luca Paiusco
"Small, but beautiful. If you're in the area, great opportunity to take some very nice photos and see proteus in person.
The girl at the cash register was wonderful, going above and beyond to orchestrate our visit (2 adults with a big dog that couldn't enter) and the formation of groups so that we can go one after the other with no waiting time nor overlap, so one person was with the dog while the other was in the cave, and neither had to wait for too long.
My guide (Ana) was embodiment of patience and calm, effortlessly switching between languages and answering all the extra questions.
Lighting showcases the best of mineral formations (a lamp strategically placed behind one of "elephant's ears", for example, shows a streak of red pigment within the otherwise milky white mineral).
Steep and wet, not good for people on wobbly legs. Temperature inside the first 3 or 4 rooms actually a bit higher than the advertised 14°C; on a hot day it felt refreshing rather than cold.
Plenty of parking under the shade of trees and large covered sitting area. Bar right next to the cave entrance, serves good coffee and real homemade lemonade."
Lucija Š
"Grotto Baredine is a cave full of stagmites and stalactites. To enter the cave you need to join a guided tour, so probably worth checking in advance for the times of tours in your preferred language. There are approximately 270 steps down into the cave as you move through each of the five chambers with your guide. The cave is pretty wide, but some of the steps/staircases are steep and wet so care should be taken. At the bottom of the cave live two olm salamanders. Worth visiting."
Nick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Baredine Cave is conveniently located about 5 kilometers from Poreč, making it an easy drive. Many visitors rent a car or take a taxi. If you're exploring Istria by car, follow signs for Višnjan or Tar. Parking at the cave is free. 
Public transport options to Baredine Cave are limited. It's best accessed by car or as part of an organized tour. Consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions like Rovinj or Poreč if using public transport for those cities.
From Poreč, head inland towards Višnjan. Baredine Cave is well-signposted from the main roads. The journey typically takes around 15 minutes from Poreč.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Baredine Cave, often shaded by trees. This makes it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Baredine Cave is a popular day trip from Rovinj, located about a 30-40 minute drive away. It can easily be combined with other Istrian attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is by guided tour only. While specific prices can vary, it's generally considered affordable. The cost covers the guided tour and access to the cave.
It's advisable to check tour times and consider booking in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure your preferred language and time slot.
Baredine Cave typically operates daily during tourist season, with tours running at regular intervals. It's best to check their official website or contact them for the most up-to-date opening hours.
Yes, English-speaking guides are usually available. The guides are known for being informative and engaging, often switching between languages to accommodate visitors.
No, entry to Baredine Cave is exclusively via guided tours. This ensures visitor safety and allows guides to share the cave's history and geological features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cave maintains a constant temperature of approximately 14°C (57°F) year-round, offering a cool respite from the summer heat.
A guided tour of Baredine Cave typically lasts around 40-60 minutes, allowing ample time to explore the five chambers and learn about the cave's formations.
Yes, Baredine Cave is very family-friendly. The guides are often engaging and humorous, making the experience enjoyable for children. The cave's accessibility is good, though caution is advised on wet steps.
The 'human fish' is the Olm (Proteus anguinus), a rare, blind cave salamander that lives in the cave's underground waters. It's a unique and protected species.
Photography is generally permitted inside Baredine Cave. The strategic lighting enhances the beauty of the formations, making it a great spot for photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a bar and eatery located near the cave entrance. They serve coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and sometimes homemade lemonade. It's a convenient spot to relax after your tour.
The food and drink options at Baredine Cave are generally considered reasonably priced, offering good value for visitors.
While there isn't a designated picnic area, the cafe offers refreshments. You can enjoy a drink or snack there after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Every chamber offers unique perspectives. Focus on the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, especially where the lighting accentuates their textures and colors. The 'elephant's ear' formation is a popular subject.
While flash photography is generally allowed, it's always best to be mindful of other visitors and the cave environment. The existing lighting is quite effective for capturing stunning images.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the formations, while a macro lens can highlight intricate details.
Beyond the natural formations, the cave has been used as a unique wedding venue, offering a dramatic backdrop for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Ensure everyone wears non-slip shoes as the steps can be wet and steep. The tour is about an hour long, which is usually a good duration for kids' attention spans. The nearby tractor exhibition also adds to the family appeal.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Photographers
Tips: Bring your best camera gear, especially a wide-angle lens, and be prepared for low-light conditions. Wear sturdy hiking shoes for navigating the damp and uneven surfaces. The strategic lighting is perfect for capturing dramatic shots of stalactites and stalagmites.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider visiting during a quieter time, like a weekday morning, for a more intimate experience. The cave's cool, constant temperature also provides a refreshing escape. For a truly unique experience, Baredine Cave has even been used as a stunning underground wedding venue, highlighting its romantic and dramatic ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Baredine Cave
+1The cave's depth reaches approximately 160 meters, with the publicly accessible part being around 60 meters deep. The guided tours meticulously navigate these chambers, highlighting the most impressive formations and explaining the geological processes behind their creation. The strategic lighting within the cave is designed to enhance the natural beauty and textures of the mineral deposits, making for a visually stunning experience.
Beyond the primary cave system, Baredine also features an underground lake where the famous Olm (Proteus anguinus), also known as the 'human fish,' resides. This rare, blind amphibian is a symbol of the cave's unique ecosystem and a major draw for visitors interested in natural history. The presence of prehistoric ceramic remains also hints at the cave's long-standing significance to human history.
+2A Family-Friendly Adventure
While the cave is generally accessible, it's important to note that some of the staircases can be steep and wet. Therefore, comfortable, non-slip footwear is essential for everyone, especially for children who might be more prone to slipping. The cave's depth and the number of steps are manageable for most children, but parents should be aware of their child's mobility.
In addition to the cave itself, the site often features other attractions that appeal to families, such as a vintage tractor exhibition and a pottery display. These add extra layers of interest and provide a well-rounded experience. The on-site cafe also offers a convenient place for snacks and refreshments, making it easy to spend a few hours enjoying the surroundings.
Photography Tips for Baredine Cave
Given the low-light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial for sharper images, though handheld shots are often possible due to the strategic lighting. Pay attention to how the light interacts with the mineral deposits; the strategic placement of lamps, like the one behind the 'elephant's ear,' can reveal subtle colors and textures.
While flash photography is generally permitted, it's courteous to use it sparingly and avoid disturbing other visitors or the cave's delicate environment. Experiment with different angles and compositions to showcase the unique shapes and textures of the formations. The presence of the Olm also offers a unique, albeit challenging, photographic subject.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit