Đurovića špilja

Đurovića Cave is an underground karst cave in Močići, in the Konavle municipality, right beside Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi). It is one of the very few caves in the world you enter from underneath the runway of an operating airport — and one of the more unexpected stops on the route between the airport and Dubrovnik.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The cave entrance sits immediately next to the airport terminal in Čilipi, roughly a dozen kilometers from central Dubrovnik. For travelers waiting for a flight or just off one, it's a natural stop that requires no detour. Visitors driving from Dubrovnik can head toward the airport and follow signs to Skycellar, the shop and wine-tasting point that serves as the entrance to the cave interior.

What's inside the cave?

Đurovića Cave is a karst cave carved into upper Cretaceous limestone with breccia. Its total length runs to about 199 meters, with a vertical range of roughly 25 meters inside. The section open to visitors on the guided tour covers about 156 meters. The interior is dominated by one large passage rich in speleothems — stalactites and stalagmites — leading to a chamber known as the "Hall of the Republic of Dubrovnik," which contains small water pools. The cave holds a constant temperature of around 16°C year-round, making it a natural refuge from the summer heat of Dalmatia.

The cave's discovery history is unusual. It was first explored in the early 20th century by Austrian biospeleologist Viktor Apfelbeck and Czech archaeologist Karel Absolon, who documented it in 1913. The entrance was then sealed in 1963 during the construction of Čilipi Airport, and the cave disappeared from the map for decades. It was rediscovered by chance in 2001, during construction work on the airport grounds. After years of preparation and investment in tourist infrastructure, the cave opened to the public on August 7, 2008.

A cave and a wine cellar — an unusual pairing

Access to the cave runs through an artificial tunnel about 37 meters long, starting at Skycellar, a shop and tasting point for wines from the Konavle region, known for its local, protected grape varieties. The constant cool conditions underground mean the cave interior also doubles as a natural wine cellar for storing and showcasing regional wines — a rare combination of geology, history, and local gastronomy in a single spot.

Who is this attraction for?

Đurovića Cave appeals both to geology and caving enthusiasts and to travelers simply looking to escape the heat or fill a few spare hours before a flight out of Dubrovnik. It's a relatively short visit, well suited as a stop on the way to or from the airport, and its location right next to the runway gives it a genuinely unique character — few places in the world combine an underground tourist route with the immediate presence of an active airport.

Because opening hours and access for this type of attraction can change, it's worth checking the cave's current status and visiting hours locally or with tour operators in Čilipi before planning a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Đurovića Cave? The full cave measures about 199 meters, and the section open to visitors on the guided tour covers roughly 156 meters, with a vertical range of about 25 meters.

Is the cave close to Dubrovnik Airport? Yes, the cave lies literally beneath the grounds of Čilipi Airport, and its entrance is reached through the Skycellar point right next to the terminal.

What is the temperature inside the cave? The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 16°C all year round, regardless of the season on the surface.

Can you taste local wine inside the cave? Yes, the entrance to the cave runs through Skycellar, a tasting point that showcases wines from the Konavle region, using the cave's cool conditions as a natural cellar.