Mljet Island, Croatia

Written by Missy Johnston

Prozura Bay, Mljet Photo Credit by Missy Johnston

One of the larger islands along the stunning Croatian Coast, and a great location to cruise on a crewed yacht charter, the beautiful island of Mljet is usually either one of the first stops when cruising north out of Dubrovnik, or one of the last stops when cruising south before arriving in Dubrovnik. Mainly forested, this is a very green island with much of the northern end protected as part of a Croatian National Park. Considered one of the nicest islands in Croatia, and surrounded by beautiful waters, this island is a natural stop on a crewed yacht charter along the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

Benedictine Monastery Islet Melita

First identified geographically by Greco-Roman historians, the island was popular during Roman times as referred to in various ancient texts as Melite or Melita. In later centuries, Mljet came under the rule of the Benedictine Order, with a monastery built in the 12th century on an islet in what was then a fresh water lake. In the 16th century, the monastery was the center of the Mljet Congregation, a gathering of all of the Benedictine Monastic Orders in the Republic of Ragusa. By the early 1800’s the Benedictine importance had waned and the monastery was disbanded.

Mljet, Old Chapel Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Today, for yachtsmen, the village of Polace is one of the most popular areas to visit. Polace is located on the northeastern end of the island and on the largest and safest bay, as protected by 4 small islands. Surrounding Polace is the Mljet National Park with many hiking trails. Polace is also the location of many Roman ruins, including a large structure from the 5th century, the remains of a Roman Palace, the walls of which run right through the village, hence the village name of Polace, or Palace. Located within Mljet National Park are two lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero (Large and Small Lake) with buildings from the old Benedictine Monastery on Islet Melita in the middle. These lakes once were fresh water and are now salt water. It was the Benedictine Monks that changed the very nature of the lake waters that surrounded them, by building a canal from the lakes out into the sea. This changed the lake fresh water to salt water forever. Today the monastery building houses a café restaurant, and the lakes are a great location to swim, explore in the ships tender, or use water toys such as sea kayaks. A nice trail circles the island for an exploring walk.

What to Enjoy in Polace on Mljet Island, Croatia

Bicycle Rental: Bicycles are available for rent right in Polace to ride on the many cycling and hiking trails or cycle up over the hill to the National Park boat for a ride to Islet Melita.

Hiking: Hike through the beautiful surrounding woods, where in the springtime wild asparagus can be found. There is a small National Park fee for accessing the National Park trails and boat to cross to Islet Melita.

Because the surrounding waters are also a National Park, which only locals can fish, the local waters are filled with fish and shellfish. Tavernas along the water’s edge in Polace have cages underneath their docks, where fresh fish and shellfish are kept alive until time to be served hot for dinner. This is fish and shellfish at their very freshest. Restaurant Ankora serves an excellent black squid ink risotto.

Mljet, Bags of Fresh Mussels Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Mljet is a great yacht charter stop along the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia as part of any yacht charter itinerary when cruising along the southern coast, and island hopping on a crewed yacht charter.

Mljet Island Polace Photo Credit Missy Johnston