About the ride from Dubrovnik to Pomena, Mljet Island
After exploring the cobbled streets and walled city of Dubrovnik, head to Pomena, Mljet Island, to soak up some sun and relax by the cerulean Adriatic Sea. It is a short ferry ride from the mainland to the island and one of the easiest ways to travel around Croatia.
Summertime along the Dalmatian coast is simply incredible. The weather is perfect, and there are many unique things to see and do to entertain any type of traveler.
Things to do on Mljet Island
Thanks to its close proximity to Dubrovnik, you can actually visit Pomena, Mljet on a day trip. However, you're going to want a few days to explore all of the island's beauty.
Visit Mljet National Park, located on the island's western portion, near Pomena. Inside the park, check out Veliko and Malo Jezero ("Big Lake" and "Small Lake"), two perfectly picturesque saltwater lakes.
Malo Jezero has stunning turquoise waters that are shallow and perfect for swimming. In the middle of Veliko Jezero lies a small island containing St. Mary's church and a medieval monastery. This former 12th-century Benedictine monastery is a restaurant. Still, you are welcome to explore the grounds and snap as many pictures as possible.
Pro tip: There is a ferry to take you to the monastery, which is included in the price of your entrance fee.
Stick around the national park to see all the gorgeous plants and interesting animals. You can explore the park by canoeing or kayaking along the coastline of the lakes, rent bikes, or hike along the breathtaking footpaths.
Explore Odysseus's Cave. When you're ready to cool off, head to Odysseus's cave. This area is full of Greek mythology and is named after the Greek Hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca. Rumor has it that he was held captive on this island by the Goddess Calypso for seven years!
You'll find the cave on the south of the island, near the island's largest village, Babino Polje. The cave isn't the only thing worth visiting, though! The area is dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and plenty of clear, turquoise waters to swim in.
Pro tip: Plan your visit around noon, when the sun is at its strongest. The sun and sea come together to produce an impressive rainbow.
Visit the Saplunara Beaches. Saplunara Bay is divided into two beaches, large and small Saplunara. Both beaches are outlined in beautiful pine trees and have calm, shallow waters. It's an ideal place for families to spend a day at the beach, relaxing in the sun and swimming in the cool, clear Adriatic Sea.
You can get to the beaches by hiking or cycling through the island. It's the best of both worlds, as you'll be able to enjoy all of the scenery and end your trip at an amazing beach!
Pro tip: Visit the grocery store on your way in and pack a picnic. You'll be able to stay from sun up to sun down!
How to get from Dubrovnik to Pomena, Mljet Island
The only way to get from Dubrovnik to Pomena, Mljet Island, is to take a boat. You can book a seat on a catamaran ferry, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes, or you can take a smaller private speed boat, which takes two hours.
Catamaran ferry
Catamaran ferries are public. You'll book a seat on one of the daily departures from the Port Gruz in Dubrovnik to the Pomena Port in Mljet.
The ride takes about an hour and 30 minutes and costs about $22.
The Catamaran ferry has AC and bathrooms onboard, keeping your journey comfortable.
You can bring up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage, along with your pet and bike, for an additional fee.
Unfortunately, you can't sit outside on this boat, but you should grab a seat by the window. The views are seriously impressive, and you'll want to see Mljet rise into view from a distance.
Catamarans, like most boats, cannot sail in severe weather conditions, so if you have a ticket booked during a storm, you will be refunded or given the option to travel on the next available boat.
Private speed boat ferry
The speed boat ferry is a private transportation option that also takes you from Port Gruz in Dubrovnik to the Pomena Port in Mljet. It has room for six to eleven passengers, depending on your chosen company.
While expensive, this is an excellent choice if you're traveling with a group of friends and want to set your own schedule. The ride takes about two hours, and you can set your departure time with the captain.
The speed boat option is a small, open-air boat. There are no bathrooms on board.
The benefit of taking this private boat is that you'll be able to feel the breeze on your face, and you have the perfect spot to snap photos for your Insta.
As a bonus, some boats have WiFi, English-speaking captains, and snacks and water onboard.
Speed boat ferries operate between May 1 and October 1. The six-person boat costs around $714, while the 11-person one costs about $1300.
About the journey from Dubrovnik to Pomena, Mljet Island
The ride from Dubrovnik to Pomena, Mljet Island, is stunning. No matter if you choose the catamaran or the private speed boat, you'll be cruising through the crystal-clear Adriatic and will be able to take in the stunning scenery along the way.
The best time to visit Pomena
The best time to plan your trip to Pomena is between June and September. You can expect warm, sunny days and little rainfall, perfect for spending time on an island. Temperatures average around 30℃ (86℉) during the day and only dip to a refreshing 24℃ (75℉) in the evenings.
Winters are fairly mild, with temperatures reaching 11℃ (51℉) in January, the coldest month. In addition to this being less than ideal time to spend on the beach, ferries typically don't run between Mljet and the mainland in the winter, making it very difficult to get there.
It is important to remember that ferries often only run between May and October. Much of Mljet Island shuts down for the winter, and hotels, restaurants, and activities are closed.
Where to go after Pomena
After spending time on Mljet Island, why not head to Korčula? It is only 25 km (15 miles) away and is another wonderful spot to explore in Croatia. Brač and Hvar are other great island stops to consider and are only a short ferry ride away.
If you're craving more Croatian culture, head to Split. The ferry takes just over three hours and is an interesting way to take in the Dalmatian coast from the water. Once you arrive, you can explore Diocleatian's Palace, the Split Harbor, and all the fantastic bars and restaurants the city offers.