Tito's Cave – Historical Location on the Slopes of Hum

Tito's Cave is located in the interior of the island of Vis, on the slopes of Hum above the areas of Borovik and Žena Glava. It is one of the more well-known historical sites on the island and an interesting excursion from Komiža, especially if the visit is combined with a drive to Hum and the Church of St. Spirit.

Although it is most commonly referred to in the singular, there are actually two smaller natural caves, or depressions in the limestone rocks. They do not have the cave decorations that attract visitors to classic tourist caves – their value is primarily historical. The Croatian Mountaineering Association describes them as two small undecorated caves with partially walled entrances.

The site became important during World War II. After Josip Broz Tito arrived on Vis on June 7, 1944, two caves about one kilometer from the then village of Borovik were chosen for his stay and work. The lower cave was designated for his closest associates and meetings of the political leadership, while a shelter for Tito was arranged in the slightly higher cave. At that time, the political and military leadership of the partisan movement was stationed on Vis, and important discussions and negotiations with the Allies and representatives of the Yugoslav government in exile took place during this period.

How to Get to Tito's Cave

The starting point for the hike can be reached by car via the road leading from the interior of Vis to Hum. Access is through the areas of Podšpilja and Žena Glava, and a well-maintained path with stone steps leads from the road to the caves. The official Tourist Board of Vis also states that the two caves are accessed via the stone staircase from the road to Hum.

There is a space near the start of the trail where a few vehicles can be parked, but one should not expect a large organized parking lot. After that, the ascent is on foot. It takes approximately 10–15 minutes of walking up the steps, depending on the pace. Historical data about the site indicate a total of 299 steps from the base to the caves.

The ascent is not long, but due to the large number of steps, it can be strenuous in the summer heat. It is advisable to wear closed or at least sturdy footwear and to bring water. The site is not suitable for strollers or for individuals who have difficulty with steep steps.

What Can Be Seen

Upon arrival, both caves and the remnants of stone walls that adapted their natural entrances and spaces for wartime purposes can be explored. The lower and upper caves are about a hundred meters apart. There is no reconstructed wartime command center as existed in 1944, so one should not expect a classic museum or a large organized exhibition.

This simplicity speaks volumes about the location itself. When the steep slopes, rocks, and the sheltered position of the caves are seen, it is much easier to understand why this site was chosen as a protected headquarters in 1944. The area around the caves also offers views of the southern part of the island.

Tito's Cave can be visited as a separate short excursion, but it makes more sense to connect it with a continuation towards the Church of St. Spirit on Hum. The hiking trail from the caves continues towards the area of St. Spirit, about 564 meters away, from where there is a view of Komiža, Biševo, and a large part of the island. The summit of Hum, which is 587 meters high, is further east and is not accessible to the public due to a radar facility.

At the site itself, one should not expect a café, restaurant, restrooms, or other typical tourist facilities, so it is best to bring water and everything needed for the visit. The official tourist pages list Tito's Cave as a freely accessible historical location and do not publish specific opening hours for the caves.

For visitors from Komiža, Tito's Cave is particularly interesting as it allows for a relatively short excursion that connects completely different aspects of Vis – its wartime history, the rocky landscape of the interior, and panoramic views below the highest peak of the island.