Medvidina špilja

Monk Seal Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Biševo island, northeastern coast. Only accessible by boat.
Open:	no restrictions. [2020]
Fee:	cave: free. [2020]
Classification:	Karst Cave sea cave
Light:	none
Dimension:	L=130 m. Entrance: H=30 m.
Guided tours:
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:
Bibliography:	no
Address:	Medvidina špilja.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1967	protected as Natural Monument.

Description

Medvidina špilja (Monk Seal Cave) is a partly water filled sea cave located at the northeastern coast of Biševo. From the big natural entrance at the beach, which is 30 m high, a 130 m long dry passage leads into the cliff. It was once the habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal, hence the name. The only way to reach the cave is by boat. Boat operators who offer tours to the Blue and Green Cave also offer tours to this cave.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is a marine mammal which is almost extinct. Less than 700 individuals were counted in 2015, less than 450, which makes them the rarest mammal of Europe. In 1992 two National Parks, on Madeira and the Northern Sporades in the Aegean Sea, were created to protect them. Unfortunately the numbers do not increase substantially, despite the protection. At least they have stabilized.