A Mljet call is primarily a nature day in the island's western national park. Pomena is closest to the Great and Small Lakes; Polače combines park access with one of Croatia's largest Roman palace complexes. The park boat to St Mary, lake paths and bicycle routes make the strongest plan, but the broad destination label can conceal two different landings, so confirm Pomena or Polače before choosing any itinerary.
Veliko Jezero and St Mary Island
Follow the current park timetable and board only the correct return.
⚠️ Pomena and Polače are different landings several kilometres apart.
⚠️ Park boats, ship tenders and public ferries are separate operations.
⚠️ Shade can disguise heat stress; carry water and sun protection.
⚠️ Independent cross-island transport is limited and should be pre-arranged.
2–5 hrs · Paid national-park ticket
Two forest-ringed saltwater lakes form the heart of Mljet National Park, linked by a narrow channel and explored by foot, bicycle and park transport.
Easy to moderate
Park access and transport schedules vary by season; confirm on the official site.
90–150 min including boat · Included with qualifying park ticket; verify 2026 terms
A tiny islet within Veliko Jezero holds a 12th-century Benedictine monastery and church, reached on the park's scheduled boat service.
45–90 min · Free exterior
Monumental late-Roman palace walls, baths, basilicas and a fortified harbour survive throughout Polače, which takes its name from the complex.
Easy to moderate — uneven ruins
Open-air remains are always visible; interpretation and protected areas may vary.
2–5 hrs · Park ticket; bicycle rental extra
Marked forest paths circle and connect the lakes, with routes from both Pomena and Polače and bicycle rental available seasonally.
Moderate
Trails remain accessible subject to park and fire-safety restrictions; rental is seasonal.
2.5–4 hrs return · Included in park access
A marked park trail climbs to a panorama over both lakes, St Mary and the indented western coast.
Strenuous — steep forest ascent
Daylight access subject to heat, fire risk and trail conditions.
3.5–5 hrs including road transfer · Free; transport or guide extra
A dramatic sea cave beneath cliffs near Babino Polje is associated with the island's Odysseus tradition; access involves a demanding hike and swimming conditions vary.
Strenuous — rough exposed approach
Open landscape; avoid rough seas, extreme heat and inadequate footwear.
Traditional island fish and Dalmatian dishes · €€ · 3 min walk
A current Mljet Tourist Board listing directly on the Pomena waterfront, convenient for a meal close to that landing.
Opening hours
Confirm seasonal lunch service directly.
Address: Pomena 1, Mljet
Dalmatian seafood and grilled dishes · €€ · 4 min walk
A Tourist Board-listed Pomena konoba suited to a straightforward local lunch before returning to the park route.
Opening hours
Confirm current seasonal hours directly.
Address: Pomena 3a, Mljet
Traditional Mljet and Dalmatian cooking · €€ · 3 min walk
A current official listing in Polače, practical for combining lunch with the Roman palace ruins beside that landing.
Opening hours
Confirm current seasonal lunch hours directly.
Address: Polače 34, Mljet
Fish, seafood and Dalmatian dishes · €€ · 4 min walk
A Tourist Board-listed Polače waterfront option that keeps independent diners close to the harbour.
Opening hours
Confirm current seasonal opening directly.
Address: Polače 22, Mljet
Mljet has stories most visitors walk straight past.
Mljet contains an island within an island: St Mary sits inside Veliko Jezero on Mljet itself.
Polače is named for its monumental Roman palace complex.
Mljet National Park, established in 1960, protects the island's lake-rich western end.
The western park can fill an entire call. Pomena offers the quickest lake approach, Polače adds exceptional Roman archaeology, while Odysseus Cave and Saplunara belong to separate longer island itineraries.
Roman palace · Early Christian basilica · Sheltered bay
Lake access · Waterfront · Bicycle hire
Sea cave · Cliff scenery · Odyssey legend
Sandy beach · Pine forest · Swimming
May, June, September and early October suit walking and cycling with less heat.
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