Tito's Cave – A Historical Site on the Slopes of Hum

Tito's Cave is situated inland on the island of Vis, on the slopes of Hum above the areas of Borovik and Žena Glava. It is one of the more notable historical sites on the island and makes for 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 commonly referred to in the singular, there are actually two smaller natural caves, or depressions in the limestone rocks. They lack the cave decorations that attract visitors to traditional tourist caves – their value is primarily historical. The Croatian Mountaineering Association describes them as two small, undecorated caves with partially walled entrances.

The site gained importance during the Second World War. Following the arrival of Josip Broz Tito on Vis on 7 June 1944, two caves about a kilometre 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 slightly higher cave was converted into a shelter for Tito. At that time, the political and military leadership of the partisan movement was based on Vis, and significant discussions and negotiations with the Allies and representatives of the Yugoslav government in exile took place during this period.

How to Reach Tito's Cave

The starting point for the ascent can be reached by car via the road leading from the interior of Vis towards 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 accessible via this stone staircase from the road to Hum.

There is a space near the start of the path where a few vehicles can be parked, but one should not expect a large, organised car park. After this, the ascent continues on foot. It takes approximately 10–15 minutes of walking up the steps, depending on one's pace. Historical data regarding the site indicates 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 pushchairs or for individuals who may have difficulty with steep steps.

What Can Be Seen

Upon arrival, both caves can be explored along with the remains of stone walls that adapted their natural entrances and spaces for wartime purposes. The lower and upper caves are approximately a hundred metres apart. There is no reconstructed wartime command centre as existed in 1944, so one should not expect a typical museum or a large, organised exhibition.

This simplicity speaks volumes about the location itself. When one sees the steep slopes, rocks, and the sheltered position of the caves, it becomes much easier to understand why this site was chosen as a protected headquarters in 1944. Views of the southern part of the island can also be enjoyed from the area around the caves.

Tito's Cave can be visited as a standalone short trip, but it is more sensible to combine 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 metres away, from where there are views over Komiža, Biševo, and a large part of the island. The summit of Hum, standing at 587 metres, is further east and is not accessible to the public due to a radar facility.

At the site itself, do not expect a café, restaurant, toilets, or other typical tourist facilities, so it is best to bring water and everything else needed for the visit. The official tourist pages list Tito's Cave as a freely accessible historical site 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 combines completely different aspects of Vis – its wartime history, the rocky landscape of the interior, and the panoramic views from below the island's highest peak.