Holiday Rentals on the Green Island of Mljet

Mljet is the green gem among the Croatian Adriatic islands, located only about 30 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik. The 100 km² island can be reached by ferry within about an hour from Dubrovnik, or slightly faster from the nearby town of Ston. Mljet is almost entirely covered with forests and features two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). The water of both lakes is noticeably warmer than the sea, making swimming a refreshing pleasure.

Odysseus Island Mljet
According to legend, Mljet was the island where the Greek hero Odysseus fell for the nymph Calypso and lived for seven years. The fabled Odysseus Cave, where he supposedly lived, is located south of Babino Polje, hidden in a bay. Visitors can reach it either by swimming or on a roughly 2-kilometer path along the north side. The cave – actually a grotto – is a true insider tip, and around noon the sunlight creates a mystical atmosphere.

Mljet, the Green Island
Unlike other, often barren Croatian islands, Mljet is covered with dense forests of tall trees. Gnarled oaks, expansive Aleppo pines, and fragrant laurel thrive in the mild climate. Vineyards, olive groves, and lush gardens are also abundant. In addition to the previously mentioned saltwater lakes, there are further karst lakes, some of which contain brackish or freshwater. Established in 1960, Mljet National Park covers the western part of the island and is home to mongooses, wild boars, hares, and deer. Numerous small bays with beautiful sandy beaches are scattered across the island, with the larger and better-known ones including Pomena, Polace, Sobra, Okuklje, and Ropa Saplunara.

Towns and Sights
The largest settlement on the island is Babino Polje, where visitors can find numerous Renaissance buildings and a Rector's Palace from the 15th century. Polace, the oldest settlement, is built on the ruins of a Roman palace from the 5th century. The most beautiful sight is the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary on the small island in Big Lake, dating from the 12th century, which today houses a hotel. The picturesque village Babine Kuce lies directly on the shores of the big lake. Prozurska Luka was originally a fishing port for the inland village of Prozura and is now a popular destination for tourists and anglers alike. Soline is located at the foot of a hill near Big Lake. Other settlements include Blaca, Kozarica, and Maranovoci.

Ferries and Accommodation
Mljet can be reached year-round by various ferries from different operators. The main route is the Jadrolinija ferry line 832 connecting Prapratno (Peljesac) and Sobra (Mljet), which operates five times a day and takes 45 minutes. Another option is line 101, connecting Rijeka with Dubrovnik and stopping at Sobra once on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The trip from Dubrovnik takes about two hours and offers a scenic route through the beautiful Dalmatian coastline. Katamaran line 9807 connects Mljet once daily with Ubli (Lastovo), Sobra (Mljet), Korcula, Luka (Sipan), and Dubrovnik in 1 hour 35 minutes. Visitors can find a wide selection of holiday apartments, studios, rooms, and vacation homes throughout the island, ideal for families, couples, and groups seeking a relaxing stay immersed in nature.