Along the coast of Croatia are many small islands and peninsulas. Some are easily accessible, others are a little more difficult. Mljet is one of the most desirable islands to visit but not always the easiest.

Travelers wishing to reach Mljet have a few options, however. There may not be airports, trains or public transport to the island, but there are other ways to get there.

Hot to get to Mljet Island

With no airport, trains or buses to Mljet Island, reaching it can be a bit tricky. Travelers coming to visit the island should probably land in Dubrovnik or Split. From either of these two locations, travelers can take public transportation to reach Prapratno. For the next step, travelers will have to hop on a ferry for a short trip to the island.

Nearby airports

When flying for a visit to Mljet, travelers have a choice of several airports. Dubrovnik airport is about an hour and 15 minute drive from Peljesac. Peljesac is on a peninsula with a ferry port that offers a short ferry ride to Mljet

Split airport can also be used to reach Mljet from April to October. There are fast ferries that run to Mljet, giving travelers access to the island for half the year.

Getting to Mljet directly by Fast Ferry from Dubrovnik

Travelers arriving in Dubrovnik will have access to two fast ferries that run to Mljet. The 2:30 p.m. ferry from Catamaran Fast Ferry is an option, this option also operates all year round. Catamaran Fast Ferry also offers a 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ferry that runs from April to October.

• Catamaran Fast Ferry – every day, all year
• Departure – Dubrovnik in the afternoon (2:30 p.m. or later depending on the season)
• Arrival – Sobra at 3:50 p.m.
• Catamaran Fast Ferry – daily, from April to October
• Departure – Dubrovnik in the morning and afternoon (8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.)
• Arrival – Pomena or Sobra at 9.30 a.m. or 6 p.m. (reservation @ tp-line and/or krilo/kapetan luka)
• reservation

Related: 10 Small Towns in Croatia Worth Visiting on Its Sights

Getting to Mljet directly by bus and ferry from Dubrovnik

From Dubrovnik, travelers can take one of two buses to the Ston on the Peljesac peninsula. The companies are Konoba Bakus and Villa Radić. They both offer daily departures from 7am to 8:30pm. It is possible to take a taxi to Ston, it will cost a little more.

• Duration – 1.5 – 2 hours
• departures – 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. every day. Up to 5 daily departures. (The timing and frequency will vary depending on the season.)
• Konoba Baku – Planning
• Villa Radic – Planning

Getting to mljet by fast catamaran ferry from Split

For those who have chosen to arrive at Split airport, their best option will be to take a fast ferry directly there. It would take too long and be an unreasonable amount of time to try public transport to Son before taking a ferry to Mljet. Catamaran Fast Ferry is the best choice. It runs from April to October and departs at 7:40am. It will arrive in Sobra between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. depending on the conditions.

• Catamaran Fast Ferry – daily, from April to October
• Departure – from Split in the morning at 7:40 am
• Arrival – Pomena and Sobra at 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. (reservation @ krilo/kapetan luka)
• Additional stops – Hvar, Brac and Korcula
• Reservation

Where to visit on the island of Mljet?

Mljet is a beautiful place full of beaches, salt water lakes, seaside adventures and much more. Here are a few things to try when exploring the island of Mljet.

Related: 8 of the most amazing beaches in Croatia

Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park encompasses the area surrounding the saltwater lakes Veliko and Malo Jezero. The lakes are about 4 kilometers long. Veliko, the great lake, has the islet Melita sitting in the middle of it. On the islet is the former Benedictine monastery. It had been built there in the 12th century AD. Inside the old monastery, travelers can find a cafe. Many boats sail to the island and visitors are recommended to rent a kayak to better explore the lakes.

• Kayak – Visitors can rent a kayak in Mali Most to paddle around the two lakes.
• Swimming and sunbathing – the water here is much warmer than on the island’s seaside.
• High season – Every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Low season – Every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Adult – low season 70 Kuna; high season 125 Kuna
• Children & students – low season 50 Kuna; high season 70 Kuna
• Children under 7 years old – FREE ENTRY
• Ferry ticket to Sv Marija islet – 30 kunas (round trip)
• Park map

Cave of Odysseus

Not too far from the village of Babino Polje on Mljet, travelers can take the quick trip to what is called Odysseus’ Cave. The cave is located at sea level and is often not restricted to human visitors. Monk seals also like to hang out in this beautiful place.

The cave is about 10 meters in diameter and the mouth is accessible both by swimming and by small boat depending on the tides. Visitors do not need to enter the cave to fully enjoy the experience as the surrounding area is quite aesthetically pleasing.

• From Tommy Market – 15-20 min walk and decent

Stermasi

Stermasi is a family restaurant located on the island of Mljet. Sure, they have a delicious variety of fish and other seafood, but their wine selection is also impressive. All this combined with their warm service makes Stemasi a recommended destination.