Croatia is a country with a lot of islands that stretch all along its coastline. During our lifetime, we have traveled to most of them, especially ones in the southern part of Croatia. And one such island is Mljet. Not only is it a beautiful island, often called the greenest island in Croatia, but it’s also the southernmost of all national parks in Croatia.
If you’re visiting southern Croatia and the famous city of Dubrovnik, this article is something for you. While there are lots of great things to do in Dubrovnik, we suggest you take at least one day trip from it and explore some other places in southern Croatia or neighboring countries. This article will be all about getting from Dubrovnik to Mljet, what to visit on Mljet Island and more.
We love all of the Croatian islands because of many things, and the preserved traditional lifestyle is one of them. When you visit any of the islands in Croatia, you’ll immediately feel a different vibe than on the mainland. We would say it’s a more relaxed and peaceful way of life. The further the island is from the mainland and the harder to reach, the more traditional way of living is preserved.
Let’s dive into the beautiful nature of the greenest island in Croatia.
How to Get to Mljet from Dubrovnik There are a few main ways to reach Mljet from Dubrovnik: by ferry or catamaran, or by one of the many guided tours that leave Dubrovnik each day. Each of the options offers scenic views of the Adriatic Sea and have its peculiarities so let’s explore each of them so you can see which one suits you best.
1. Catamaran from Dubrovnik to Mljet One of the most popular and direct ways to reach the island of Mljet from Dubrovnik is by catamaran. These fast boats are operated by companies like Jadrolinija and Krilo and connect Dubrovnik to Mljet’s ports of Polače and Pomena, both located near Mljet National Park. These are very convenient if you want to do a quick exploration of the national park area.
If you want to explore the rest of the island too, you’ll need to book a guided tour on Mljet or get to the island by regular ferry since catamarans are for people transfers only.
Schedule : Catamarans typically run every day during the high season (April to October), with somewhat reduced schedules in the low season.Duration : The catamaran journey from Dubrovnik to Mljet takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.Highlights :
Direct route, perfect for day trips and exploration of the national park.
Comfortable seats and scenic views during the ride.
Tips :
Book catamaran tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting Mljet during the summer months.
Arrive at the port early to secure a good seat. We suggest the ones near the window on the right side so you can observe the coastline.
2. Ferry from Pelješac to Mljet If you’re traveling from Dubrovnik to Mljet by car or looking for an alternative route than the catamaran offers, you can take a ferry from Prapratno on the Pelješac Peninsula to the port of Sobra on Mljet. It’s a rather short ferry ride that offers you the opportunity to get to Mljet in your own car and explore whole of the island.
Alternatively, you can take this ferry as a passenger and rent a car once you reach Mljet if you’re not visiting Croatia by car or you haven’t rented one, but still want to explore the whole of the island.
How to Get to Prapratno :
Prapratno is a small bay located about a 1.5-hour drive from Dubrovnik.
Public bus lines also connect Dubrovnik to Ston , from where you can take a taxi or another bus to Prapratno. This is just a 10-minute ride and a good way of reaching Mljet by using public transport.
Ferry Schedule : Ferries run several times a day during the high season.Duration : The crossing from Prapratno to Mljet takes about 45 minutes.Highlights :
Ideal if you want to visit Mljet with your vehicle and have the freedom of exploration.
A more flexible option for exploring the eastern part of Mljet as well as Mljet National Park.
Tips :
Reserve your ferry spot in advance if traveling with a car since the number of cars that can board is limited. You can reserve your spot online on the main Jadrolinija (the company that runs this ferry line and the main ferry company in Croatia) website.
Combine the trip to Mljet via ferry with a visit to Ston and visit its famous walls and saltworks, or enjoy the famous Ston oysters.
3. Dubrovnik to Mljet day trips Finally, Dubrovnik to Mljet day trips are another popular option for anyone who wants to explore the best parts of Mljet Island and the national park through the stress-free experience of guided tours. These tours often include visits to some of the most popular places both on the island and on the way to it. There are 2 main types of tours from Dubrovnik to Mljet – boat tours and van/bus tours.
Highlights :
Stress-free way of reaching Mljet from Dubrovnik is perfect if you want to enjoy the experience with no planning at all and visit some of the most famous places along the way.
Scenic ride no matter which type of Dubrovnik to Mljet day trip you choose.
Tips :
Book these tours as soon as possible since they can fill up rather quickly.
Choose the right tour for you according to your wishes and tour options. If you’re into local food and wines, we suggest you choose a tour that combines a visit to Mljet island with the local delicacies such as Ston oysters.
The best Dubrovnik to Mljet day trips
Highlights of Getting to Mljet Mljet Island is rather easy to reach from Dubrovnik. It’s not the island that’s too far from the mainland and you’ll be rather quickly on Mljet, no matter which way of getting there you choose. But each of these has some things in common:
Scenic Views : Ferry and catamaran routes, as well as Dubrovnik to Mljet excursions offer spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands, including the Elaphiti Islands that you pass along when going to Mljet from Dubrovnik.Convenience : Direct connections such as Mljet day trips or catamarans make Mljet a great option for a day trip or a longer stay.Eco-Friendly Travel : Catamarans and ferries are a sustainable way to explore Croatia’s islands.
Tips for Visiting Mljet from Dubrovnik If you’re visiting Dubrovnik, you’ll see that it’s pretty crowded, no matter the time of the year. Mljet Island and National Park can be a great escape from crowds and heat if you’re visiting in the hottest part of the year. Mljet Island looks different in different parts of the year and lakes in the Mljet National Park are great for swimming even outside of the peak season since they are shallow and warm up quickly.
Here are a few more tips and things to think about when going from Dubrovnik to Mljet.
Plan Your Timing :
For a day trip, take the earliest catamaran and plan your return for the evening so you can explore as much you can.
If staying overnight, check accommodations in Polače, Pomena, or Sobra.
Consider a 2-day visit if you want to explore both the Mljet National Park and the rest of the island thoroughly.
Pack Light :
Bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable shoes if you are visiting Mljet during peak season.
Pack snacks and water, especially if planning to hike or bike in the Mljet National Park. There are shops there, but not as many as in Dubrovnik.
Book Activities in Advance :
Rent a bike or kayak near Mljet National Park for a fun and active of exploring the island.
Consider booking guided tours for a deeper understanding of Mljet’s history and local traditions.
Featured tours in the Mljet National Park
What to Do on Mljet Island Once you arrive on Mljet, there are many possibilities for what to do and which places to visit. The first time we visited Mljet, we stayed on the island for 2 days. On the first day, we visited some of the most famous places outside of the national park area such as Limuni Bay, Saplunara Beach, Odysseus Cave, and so on. The second day was reserved only for the visit and exploration of the Mljet National Park.
Explore Mljet National Park
Visit the saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, and take a swim in them.
Take a boat to St. Mary’s Island and its Benedictine monastery.
Enjoy hiking or biking along well-marked trails. We suggest hiking to Montokuc for the best panoramic views of the Mljet National Park.
Southernmost of all national parks in Croatia
Swim in Crystal clear Waters
Explore hidden and secluded beaches and bays, perfect for a refreshing swim and relaxation far away from everything.
Popular spots include Blaca Bay and Saplunara Beach but there are many more beaches on the Mljet island.
Discover Odysseus’ Cave
Legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus was stranded right here on the Mljet island. This stunning sea cave is a natural attraction accessible by swimming or boat or through the steep hike to the bottom of the cave.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Try fresh seafood, locally produced olive oil, and Mljet’s famous wine at seaside restaurants. Buy some products from family-run farms on Mljet Island.
Best Time to Visit Mljet Just like the rest of Croatia, Mljet is most visited during the peak season and months of July and August. And really, visiting in this part of the year is great since you can swim in the warm Adriatic Sea. But other periods are great options for a visit as well.
Here’s what to expect out of each of them:
Spring (April to June) : Mild weather and fewer people make this an ideal time for all kinds of outdoor activities.Summer (July to August) : Perfect for swimming and water sports, but expect more visitors both in the national park and the rest of Mljet island.Autumn (September to October) : A bit cooler temperatures and serene surroundings provide a peaceful experience if you plan to visit Mljet during this part of the year. The closer you visit to the winter period, the calmer it gets.
Before You Venture From Dubrovnik to Mljet Mljet Island and Mljet National Park are must-visit destinations for those traveling to Dubrovnik or other parts of southern Croatia . With its natural beauty, rich history, and easy accessibility, Mljet is a great choice for a day trip or a longer stay. As the southernmost of the national parks in Croatia, Mljet provides an exceptional escape into the heart of nature. As you can see, getting from Dubrovnik to Mljet is rather easy and it’s a great choice to put it on the bucket list of places to visit in this part of Croatia .
Enjoy your Dubrovnik to Mljet ride and exploration of Mljet Island!
