4 caves in Podillia that open up the world of underground labyrinths: an unforgettable journey with Visit Ukraine
Podillia hides unique underground worlds in its depths, created by nature over millions of years. This trip is not just an excursion, but a real adventure for those who dream of seeing more than what is usually revealed to travellers. Learn more about the tour of 4 caves in Podillia from the Visit Ukraine portal
The Podillia region hides real treasures underground — caves that impress with their beauty and scale. Here, among the endless labyrinths of gypsum corridors, time seems to stand still, and every turn reveals new secrets of millions of years of geological history.
A two-day trip through the caves of Podillia is a chance to see unique underground worlds, hear legends from experienced guides, and feel like a real explorer.
What awaits travellers in the caves of Mlynky, Krystalova, Atlantida, and Optimistychna — we will tell you more in this article.
Mlynky Cave: your first encounter with the underground
The journey begins with Mlynky Cave, which is the perfect introduction to the world of karst cavities. This cave differs from others in its atmosphere and the unique shapes of its crystal formations. Travellers descend into the underground, where they are surrounded by walls of snow-white gypsum, decorated with mineral growths that shimmer in the light of lanterns. Here you can experience your first contact with the underground world, learn to navigate cave passages and understand why speleology fascinates so many people around the world.
Optymistychna: the longest gypsum cave on the planet
The next stop is the legendary Optymistychna, which is on the list of the longest caves in the world. The total length of its explored passages reaches over two hundred and thirty kilometres, making it the absolute record holder among the gypsum caves of the planet. The structure of Optimistic is impressive in its diversity: the cave is divided into ten areas, each with its own unique character, its own shapes of corridors and galleries, different shades of walls and a unique number of crystal formations. Travellers pass through labyrinths where the ceiling rises high above their heads or descends so low that they have to bend down. In some places, there are wells and crevices that remind visitors of the complexity of the underground relief. Guides tell stories about the discovery of this cave, about the brave speleologists who explored new passages, and about the legends that have surrounded these places for centuries.
Evening in Kamianets-Podilskyi
After a busy day underground, tourists head to Kamianets-Podilskyi, where a well-deserved rest awaits them. The city on the rock, as it is often called, offers the opportunity to take an evening stroll through the historic streets, see the fortress illuminated by lights, and enjoy the special atmosphere of this ancient centre of Podillia. It's a great way to switch between underground adventures and prepare for a new day of exploration.
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Atlantis: a three-storey underground wonder
The second day begins with a visit to the Atlantis cave, the only karst cavity in Podillia with a distinct three-storey structure. This feature makes Atlantis unique among the caves of the region. The walls of the cave are covered with black manganese, which creates a striking contrast with the white gypsum formations of other caves. Travellers move between floors, feeling how the space around them changes, how each level has its own atmosphere and character. The guides share stories about the origin of the cave's unusual name and the processes that have shaped its complex structure over thousands of years.
Crystal Cave: the final chord of the journey
The route ends at Crystal Cave, which lives up to its name with the beauty of its mineral formations. Here, nature has created a veritable underground gallery of crystals, where every corner is decorated with sparkling growths. The fifth longest cave in Podillia offers travellers a final opportunity to immerse themselves in the underground world, walk through winding corridors and see various rockfalls that testify to ongoing geological processes. The atmosphere of Krystalova leaves an unforgettable impression and is a worthy conclusion to a two-day speleological expedition.
About the tour: details you should know
What awaits you during the tour ‘4 Caves of Podillia’:
– Speleological adventure in the Mlynky Cave: crystals, gypsum and first contact with the underground.
– Exploration of the longest cave in the world — Optimistic.
– Evening relaxation in Kamianets-Podilskyi: fortress, lights and history.
– The unique three-storey Atlantis cave with black walls.
– Finale in Krystalova — the sparkle of minerals and final adventures.
● Price: 2,400 UAH.
● Upcoming dates: 4-5 October 2025. To book or find out the exact dates, please contact our managers: WhatsApp/Telegram.
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Photo: EthnoSvit
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