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Mljet Mali Most swimming enjoyning in the lake
19Apr
  • BLOG ON SAILING AND YACHT CHARTER IN CROATIA
  • By Ivana

MLJET – THE GREENEST AMONG THE CROATIAN ISLANDS

This island is among the larger islands of the eastern Adriatic coast, and it is an inevitable destination when sailing the very south of Dalmatia. Similar to the Lastovo Archipelago, Mljet is also a “green island”.

Actually, it is Croatia’s greenest island: over two-thirds are covered by forest, and a third of the island’s surface is officially a National Park (one of 8 National Parks in Croatia). The island completely deserved that title thanks to its rich underwater life in the clear blue sea, beautiful shore, and varied Mediterranean flora.

Mljet is even referred to as “one of the most seductive of all the Adriatic islands”, but it was discovered as a perfect tourist destination relatively late, so its beauty is still well preserved. The island has a lively marine life, but wine and olive growing are also very popular.

The highlight of the island are its two salted bays on the north, which are actually regarded as lakes: Veliko Jezero (the Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (the Small Lake). This is thanks to their poor connection with the sea. The Great Lake is joined with the open sea by a narrow channel, and the Small Lake is connected only with the Great Lake by an even smaller channel. Locals and tourists both enjoy swimming in these saltwater lakes, although the Small Lake is warmer and calmer since it is not directly in contact with the sea.

Mljet Mali Most swimming enjoyning in the lakeThe most popular spot for swimming – “Mali Most” – the bridge over the small channel connecting the two lakes

It gets even more interesting: there is actually a small St Mary’s island in the middle of the Great Lake! An island on the island of Mljet! And it is home to an old Church and Benedictine monastery built in the 12th century for Benedictine monks who ruled the island at the time. Over the years and centuries, the monastery was being rebuilt, and today, it represents a valuable cultural monument! The monastery also houses the restaurant Melita (the island was called “Melita” = “honey” by Ancient Greeks, which later evolved into the Slavic name “Mljet”) where you can take a break over lunch or a drink when visiting Mljet on your sailing holidays in Croatia. Tourists just love this interesting location!

Aerial view of St. Mary Island National Park MljetAerial view of St Mary Island in the Great Lake, National Park Mljet

St MaryThe restaurant/cafe bar on St Mary Island

Although the administrative center of the island of Mljet is Babino Polje (literally translated as “Grandma’s field”), the most popular places are Pomena, Polače, Sobra, and Goveđari.

POLAČE

Polače is a settlement and a port on the northern coast of Mljet. It lies in the largest, deep bay on Mljet island, and it provides the best shelter thanks to the 4 smaller nearby islands that protect it. Therefore, the bay is a quite popular anchorage when sailing the southern Adriatic, and, during summer, it can get crowded. However, if you would like to anchor near Mljet, we recommend choosing this popular bay.

Polače Marina on Mljet Island With a View to the Pelješac IslandPolače Marina – beautiful view all the way to Pelješac Island

In Polače is located a large 5th-century Roman palace after which the settlement was named – “Polace”. The walls and the tower of the palace are of great significance and their beauty dominates the settlement, although there are other beautiful ruins, some dating even from the 1st century.

While the settlement has only around a hundred citizens who are settled around the Roman palace, you can still find a few restaurants and cafés there, as well as a small shop.

POMENA

Another popular but small place on Mljet island, Pomena, is located on the northwest coast and only 5km away from Polače. You can even follow hiking trails to get from one place to another.

Pomena is in the first place a fishing village, but on the other hand, it is also the most tourist-oriented place on Mljet. Even though there are only 50 permanent inhabitants in this settlement, thanks to the beauty of the island, summers get crowded. The place has got several moorings, a few restaurants, as well as private apartments, and even a hotel complex to accommodate its visitors.

What is most important to sailors, is that there is a secluded bay just outside the village where you can safely anchor when on sailing holidays in southern Dalmatia.

Pomena MljetPomena settlement, Mljet

If you like to cook for yourself on the boat, you can find everything you need for your meals (fruits, vegetables, meat, wine…) in the small market in Pomena. The shop is located just a few hundred meters left from the ferry port.

SAPLUNARA BAY

This sun-kissed bay is located on the other, less busy end of Mljet island, opposite of the settlements Pomena and Polače.

Mljet Saplunara baySaplunara bay – beautiful colors

The south coast is not really ideal for those sailing in Croatia since it is not protected from winds, and it is full of rocks and islets making it difficult to maneuver. However, when sailing around the southeastern tip of the island, find shelter in this beautiful, large bay, outside the National Park. Savor the day at sandy beaches (Velika and Mala Saplunara), surrounded by pine woods.

Saplunara Smaller beachBeach Mala Saplunara – the smaller Saplunara beach

You can also have a meal at a modern restaurant Villa Mirosa, enjoy a drink in the café, or restock the necessities in the small shop. The bay will not disappoint you.

NATIONAL PARK

The National Park is on the northwest part of the island and it covers a large area that borders the two lakes (the Great Lake and the Small Lake). You can access the Park from Pomena or Polače using footpaths or by bus. If you choose to go on foot, approx. it takes a 40-minute walk from Polače and a 15-minute walk from Pomena to get to the lakes. The walk is rather pleasant since it takes you through beautiful flora and fresh air. Don’t worry about getting lost, the path is marked all the way to the desired destination.

There is no official entrance to the NP, but there are two entrance and ticket stands (one in Polače, the other in Pomena), and if you are to pay a visit to the Park you ought to buy a ticket at one of these stands. There, you can also get a Park map or an informative brochure, which can be very useful.

If you are planning a whole day visit to the park, there is a small market right next to the entrance stands where you can buy food and drinks. In case it gets really hot and you forgot a hat, or in case you wanted to take a swim but forgot beach towels, snorkeling gear, or similar, there is a shop in the Park that offers all of those necessities.

Near the shop, guests can rent a bike and enjoy a ride around the lakes!

Cycling around the Great Lake MljetCycling around the Great Lake

SIGHTS/THINGS TO DO/ACTIVITIES:

  • Visit the National Park – Included tourist boat visit to the Benedectine monastery on the island in the middle of the Great Lake.
  • Kayaking or Canoeing – Rent a kayak or a canoe at Mali Most (the bridge that goes over the small channel that connects the lakes) and explore the lakes. Taking yourself to St. Mary’s island in a kayak or a canoe is a great pleasure.

Canoeing Pomena MljetCanoeing in Pomena

  • Rent a bike – You can rent a bike in Polače or Pomena, or inside the Park. Cycle following one of the peaceful paths through beautiful nature and explore the island.

Mljet bikingRenting a bike and enjoying cycling in the peaceful paths

  • Rent a car or a scooter – You can explore the island even on these motor vehicles, but only outside the National Park.
  • Swim in the lakes – This is a great option for those who are visiting the island outside the season when a bit colder, since the water in the lakes is warmer than on the seashores of Mljet.
  • Visit Odysseus’ Cave – if you are adventurous, you will probably seek attractions like this one. This is the cave where, according to the legend, Odysseus was trapped for seven years, and then was released by gods. The cave is located on the south of Mljet, close to the settlement “Babino Polje”. You can reach it with a boat, a kayak, or hiking through a steep path.

Odysseus caveReach the Odysseus’ Cave – could the see be more clear?

  • Hike up the hills – For some breathtaking views, take a hike up the hills on Mljet island.

BERTH OPTIONS

Mooring options: Pomena or Polače, on a jetty or restaurants’ moorings.

POMENA –  free mooring offered by restaurants but you need to have a meal in the restaurant
Konoba Herc – WEBSITE, TEL: +385994222949
Barba Ive – TEL: +38598669662
Konoba Ribar –  WEBSITE, TEL: +385989701114
Quay next to hotel Odisej, WEBSITE, TEL: +38520362111

POLAČE –  free mooring offered by restaurants but you need to have a meal in the restaurant
Konoba Ogigija ,  WEBSITE, TEL: +38598606863
Konoba Antiqua, TEL: +385995656095
Stella Maris – TEL: +38598619287

RESTAURANTS

We recommend consulting TRIPADVISOR to find suggestions for restaurants on Mljet
POMENA 
Konoba Herc – WEBSITE, TEL: +385994222949
Barba Ive – TEL: +38598669662
Konoba Ribar –  WEBSITE, TEL: +385989701114

POLAČE 
Konoba Ogigija ,  WEBSITE, TEL: +38598606863
Konoba Antiqua, TEL: +385995656095
Stella Maris – TEL: +38598619287

2023. SEASON COVID-19 BOOKING POLICY

100% REFUND IN CASE OF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AT THE TIME OF THE CHARTER

In case of travel restrictions at the time of booked charter Fair Wind ltd will refund the paid amount in total. 
Under travel restrictions considered are:

– officially closed borders

– 7 or more days quarantine requirement imposed on the Client upon return from his/her holidays

– 2 or more days quarantine requirement imposed on the Client upon entering Croatia

– if boating or any non-essential travel is officially prohibited

Under travel restrictions considered are not:
– obligatory Covid19 (PCR) test before or after the Client’s holidays, transportation disruptions

ADJUSTED PAYMENT TERMS

– 30% of the vessel’s charter price right after the reservation has been confirmed

– 70% of the vessel’s charter price at least a month, (4 weeks)  before the beginning of the charter period

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