Port information & tips for Mljet Island
The island of Mljet is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Croatian Adriatic and is known as the "green pearl" of the country thanks to its dense pine forests. Visitors can expect an oasis of peace with Mediterranean flair, turquoise water, and an untouched natural landscape. Absolute highlights include the Mljet National Park with the Great and Small Salt Lake, as well as the picturesque Benedictine monastery on the island of Saint Mary in the middle of Veliko Jezero. Cruise ships mostly use the central pier in the port of Pomena, from where the entrance to the National Park and local restaurants are just a few minutes' walk away, allowing guests to comfortably explore the idyllic surroundings on foot.
The island of Mljet is a jewel of the Adriatic and is generally accessible to cruise guests from the DACH region via plane and ferry. Since the island itself offers no direct connections for cars or trains, arrival always takes place via the mainland by ferry or catamaran connection to one of the ports such as Sobra, Polače, or Pomena.
Plane & Transfer
The nearest international airport is Dubrovnik (DBV), approximately 82 km from the Prapratno ferry port on the Pelješac peninsula. The journey from Dubrovnik Airport to Prapratno takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Another option is Split Airport (SPU), from which convenient fast ferry connections to Mljet operate during the season (April to October). From Dubrovnik Airport, you can reach the Gruž ferry port in Dubrovnik by shuttle bus, or use taxis and private transfers to Prapratno for the car ferry.
Car & Ferry
To arrive with your own vehicle, first drive to the Pelješac peninsula. From Dubrovnik, take the D8 road to Doli and then turn onto the D414 towards Prapratno. The drive from Dubrovnik to Prapratno takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Prapratno, the only car ferry (Jadrolinija line 832) operates to Sobra on Mljet. The crossing takes approx. 45 minutes. Parking facilities for the ferry can be found in Prapratno; on Mljet itself, there are parking spaces, for example, at the Vrbovica entrance to the National Park.
Ferry for Foot Passengers & Pre-Cruise Hotel
For foot passengers, there are convenient fast catamaran connections from Dubrovnik (Gruž port) directly to Sobra, Polače, or Pomena on Mljet. The travel time is between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on the destination port. Some of these connections are available year-round, while others operate seasonally from April to October. Due to the ferry times and for a relaxed start to your cruise vacation, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Dubrovnik is recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The island of Mljet is a jewel of the Adriatic and is generally accessible to cruise guests from the DACH region via plane and ferry. Since the island itself offers no direct connections for cars or trains, arrival always takes place via the mainland by ferry or catamaran connection to one of the ports such as Sobra, Polače, or Pomena.
Plane & Transfer
The nearest international airport is Dubrovnik (DBV), approximately 82 km from the Prapratno ferry port on the Pelješac peninsula. The journey from Dubrovnik Airport to Prapratno takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Another option is Split Airport (SPU), from which convenient fast ferry connections to Mljet operate during the season (April to October). From Dubrovnik Airport, you can reach the Gruž ferry port in Dubrovnik by shuttle bus, or use taxis and private transfers to Prapratno for the car ferry.
Car & Ferry
To arrive with your own vehicle, first drive to the Pelješac peninsula. From Dubrovnik, take the D8 road to Doli and then turn onto the D414 towards Prapratno. The drive from Dubrovnik to Prapratno takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Prapratno, the only car ferry (Jadrolinija line 832) operates to Sobra on Mljet. The crossing takes approx. 45 minutes. Parking facilities for the ferry can be found in Prapratno; on Mljet itself, there are parking spaces, for example, at the Vrbovica entrance to the National Park.
Ferry for Foot Passengers & Pre-Cruise Hotel
For foot passengers, there are convenient fast catamaran connections from Dubrovnik (Gruž port) directly to Sobra, Polače, or Pomena on Mljet. The travel time is between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on the destination port. Some of these connections are available year-round, while others operate seasonally from April to October. Due to the ferry times and for a relaxed start to your cruise vacation, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Dubrovnik is recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
Arriving on the island of Mljet, usually in the picturesque ports of Pomena or Polače, provides direct access to the untouched nature of the National Park. Thanks to the central location of the piers, you are immediately immersed in the idyllic island atmosphere and can reach the most important sights via short distances.
On Foot
Since the ports of Pomena and Polače are located right at the gates of the National Park, you can comfortably reach the famous salt lakes in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. The paths lead through shaded pine forests and offer wonderful views of the untouched nature even during the short walk.
Electric Boats and Bicycles
Within the National Park, eco-friendly electric boats take you directly to the island of St. Mary as well as across the lakes, while also allowing for a relaxed exploration from the water. Additionally, you will find bicycles at numerous rental stations near the harbor, with which you can flexibly and actively discover the well-maintained shore paths.
Taxis and Public Buses
Local taxis are available directly at the piers and will transport you quickly to more distant destinations or viewpoints on the island. Furthermore, buses operated by the company Libertas connect the port towns with other parts of the island, allowing for a comfortable journey through the green hilly landscape of Mljet.
To enjoy the untouched nature of Croatia's greenest island to the fullest, we recommend staying in the northwestern part around the famous saltwater lakes of the national park.
Nationalpark Mljet
The two deep blue saltwater lakes Veliko and Malo Jezero are the heart of the island and offer ideal conditions for relaxed walks along the shaded shore paths as well as refreshing swimming opportunities in the crystal-clear water.
Insel Sveta Marija
In the middle of the large saltwater lake, a charming island awaits visitors with a historic Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, which is easy to reach thanks to short boat crossings and offers a fascinating insight into the medieval history of the region.
Polače
The protected port village of Polače impresses with the monumental remains of a Roman palace and is also the perfect starting point for culinary discoveries in the inviting restaurants directly on the picturesque waterfront promenade.
Mljet National Park & Sveta Marija Island
Mljet National Park is easily accessible from the port of Pomena in just a few minutes on foot and is home to the Benedictine monastery on Sveta Marija island, an impressive cultural highlight in the midst of a picturesque lake landscape. The short crossing by shuttle boat across the Great Lake is perfect for your first panoramic photos and takes you directly to the historic monastery complex, which also features an inviting restaurant for local refreshments. Thanks to the shaded hiking trails and the first-class water quality of the saltwater lakes, this excursion offers an ideal combination of history and relaxation in untouched nature. It is best to plan your visit for the morning to explore the complex in peace and return to the ship relaxed in the early afternoon.
The way back to the ship on the green island of Mljet is very relaxed thanks to short distances within the national park and well-organized connections. Since most ships are docked directly in the bays of Pomena or Polače, you will reach your berth safely and on time.
National Park Boats and Shuttle Service
The national park's own boats bring you reliably from the island of Sveta Marija back to the piers on the shores of the Great Lake. From there, a short walk or the use of the internal park shuttle leads directly back to the port towns of Pomena or Polače.
Taxi and Private Transfer
Taxis are available at central meeting points such as Hotel Odisej in Pomena and in the port town of Polače, and will take you quickly back from more remote points on the island. Thanks to the manageable size of the island and the low traffic density, you can reach the port area in a few minutes and enjoy the ride through the pine forests.
On Foot and Bicycle
Since the piers in Pomena and Polače are located directly on the borders of the national park, you can easily walk back to the quay via the well-marked forest trails. The paths are flat and allow for a punctual arrival at the ship, while you enjoy the view of the emerald-green salt lakes until the very end.
