Port information & tips for Pomena (Mljet Island)
Pomena is a picturesque jewel on the western tip of the Croatian island of Mljet and is considered one of the most enchanting ports of call in the Adriatic. The former fishing village impresses with its idyllic location right on the edge of the National Park and charms visitors with crystal-clear water, dense pine forests, and a relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the famous salt lakes Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, as well as the island of Sveta Marija with its historic Benedictine monastery, which are easily accessible by boat. Cruise ships usually dock directly at the Riva of Pomena or at the pier of Hotel Odisej, allowing guests to be in the heart of the village immediately and reach all sights within a few minutes on foot thanks to the direct proximity to the National Park entrance.
Pomena on the island of Mljet is a charming harbor town and serves as the main gateway to the impressive Mljet National Park. The port itself is not a large terminal facility, but rather features moorings that allow for a direct and convenient start to your island adventure.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Dubrovnik (DBV), which is served by direct flights from many cities in the DACH region. From there, you can reach the Gruž ferry port in Dubrovnik, where the catamarans to Mljet depart, comfortably by taxi or shuttle bus in about 30 to 40 minutes. Arriving the day before is recommended for a relaxed start to your journey and a seamless transition to the ferry connections.
Ferry & Catamaran
The island of Mljet and Pomena are only accessible by ferry or catamaran. The fastest and most direct connection to Pomena is a high-speed catamaran for foot passengers, which operates seasonally, typically from May to October, departing several times a day from the port of Gruž in Dubrovnik. The crossing takes a pleasant 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are also seasonal catamaran connections from Split, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač directly to Pomena, with the travel time from Korčula taking only about 30 to 50 minutes. Please note that Pomena is not served by car ferries; these operate exclusively to the port of Sobra on Mljet.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the international flight connections and the often seasonal ferry schedules, we recommend staying overnight in Dubrovnik the day before your cruise. This way, you avoid any time pressure and can start your journey to Mljet rested and relaxed. Numerous hotels in Dubrovnik also provide an ideal base for exploring the picturesque city before your embarkation and for starting your onward journey the next day stress-free.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and keep in mind 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 mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Pomena on the island of Mljet is a charming harbor town and serves as the main gateway to the impressive Mljet National Park. The port itself is not a large terminal facility, but rather features moorings that allow for a direct and convenient start to your island adventure.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Dubrovnik (DBV), which is served by direct flights from many cities in the DACH region. From there, you can reach the Gruž ferry port in Dubrovnik, where the catamarans to Mljet depart, comfortably by taxi or shuttle bus in about 30 to 40 minutes. Arriving the day before is recommended for a relaxed start to your journey and a seamless transition to the ferry connections.
Ferry & Catamaran
The island of Mljet and Pomena are only accessible by ferry or catamaran. The fastest and most direct connection to Pomena is a high-speed catamaran for foot passengers, which operates seasonally, typically from May to October, departing several times a day from the port of Gruž in Dubrovnik. The crossing takes a pleasant 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are also seasonal catamaran connections from Split, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač directly to Pomena, with the travel time from Korčula taking only about 30 to 50 minutes. Please note that Pomena is not served by car ferries; these operate exclusively to the port of Sobra on Mljet.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the international flight connections and the often seasonal ferry schedules, we recommend staying overnight in Dubrovnik the day before your cruise. This way, you avoid any time pressure and can start your journey to Mljet rested and relaxed. Numerous hotels in Dubrovnik also provide an ideal base for exploring the picturesque city before your embarkation and for starting your onward journey the next day stress-free.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and keep in mind 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 mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The charming port of Pomena is located directly on the west coast of the island of Mljet and, thanks to its location, offers you immediate access to the natural beauty of the National Park.
On Foot
The center of Pomena extends directly along the waterfront promenade and can be reached within a few moments. In addition, a convenient and well-signposted hiking trail leads directly to the shore of Malo Jezero, the Small Lake of the National Park, in about ten to fifteen minutes.
Bicycle Rental
Directly at the port as well as at the entrance to the National Park, you will find numerous stations for renting bicycles and e-bikes. Thanks to the well-paved paths around the two salt lakes, you can explore the wooded surroundings with particular flexibility while enjoying the fresh sea air.
National Park Boats
Regularly scheduled solar-powered boats operate within the National Park and are included in the entrance fee. These take you comfortably across the Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) directly to the historic St. Mary's Island, where you can visit the former Benedictine monastery in an idyllic setting.
To make the most of your stay in Pomena, a combination of exploring the idyllic harbor town and a trip to the natural and historical treasures of the directly adjacent Mljet National Park is recommended.
Pomena Harbor Promenade
The charming harbor district of Pomena welcomes visitors with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere and, thanks to its selection of cozy waterfront restaurants, offers the ideal place to enjoy freshly caught fish and local specialties in close proximity to the ship.
The Saltwater Lakes Veliko and Malo Jezero
These impressive natural phenomena are located just a short walk from the harbor and, thanks to their turquoise, pleasantly warm water, invite you to take a refreshing dip or a relaxed bike ride under shady pine trees.
Island of Saint Mary
Located in the middle of the Great Lake, this small island houses a magnificent Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, which is easily accessible by the ship's own shuttle boat and also fascinates as the cultural heart of the island of Mljet.
Sveta Marija Island
The historic Benedictine monastery on Sveta Marija Island is picturesquely located in the Veliko Jezero and is comfortably accessible from the port in Pomena via an easy, approximately twenty-minute walk and a short, included boat ride. This cultural treasure from the 12th century offers fascinating insights into the history of the region and is also surrounded by the idyllic scenery of the Mljet National Park. Thanks to the well-maintained hiking trails and the charming café on the island, you can enjoy an excellent stay in one of the quietest oases in the Adriatic. Ideally, plan your excursion for the morning to explore the site in peace and return to the port relaxed in the early afternoon.
The return journey to the port of Pomena is very relaxed and safe thanks to the short distances within the National Park. From the shores of the famous salt lakes, you will reach your ship on time while enjoying the island's untouched nature.
On Foot and by Bicycle
Most guests walk back to Pomena along the well-maintained and shaded forest paths directly from the Small Lake (Malo Jezero). Thanks to the clear signage, you will find your way to the pier in about ten to fifteen minutes, and you can also use the numerous rental bicycles to reach the port even more conveniently and quickly.
Electric Boat Shuttle in the National Park
During an excursion to the monastery island of St. Mary, the National Park's environmentally friendly electric boats will bring you reliably back to the shore. The boats operate at short intervals to the Mali Most or Pristanište stations, enabling a timely connection for the short remaining walk directly to your ship.
Taxi and Local Transfer
Local taxi drivers are available at the National Park's central parking lots and in the neighboring village of Polače to take you safely back to the port of Pomena. In addition, Hotel Odisej directly on the quay offers a reliable point of contact for organizing return transport, allowing you to enjoy your stay on the island completely stress-free.
