Day trip from Dubrovnik to Mljet in Croatia

Walking around the historic gem that is Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s prettiest and most popular spots, you may see little reason to leave. But we have great news -  there’s plenty to do outside of the city as well. Dubrovnik’s prime location on the Dalmatian coast makes it a great starting point for exploring the nearby islands, such as MIjet. 

For total silence, peace and relaxation, board the ferry from the port of Dubrovnik to MIjet and leave the world behind for the day. On this Ferryhopper page, you can find all the information you need for your Dubrovnik - Mljet ferry trip, as well as the best attractions to see in 1 day.

Taking the ferry to Mljet from the port of Dubrovnik

Where is Mljet and how to get there from Dubrovnik?

Mljet island is located 27 km northwest of Dubrovnik in the southern Dalmatian archipelago. You can get here easily by taking one of the many catamarans operating from Dubrovnik, which dock in Sobra, Polače and Pomena. 

TP-Line offers direct passenger services to Sobra, Polače and Pomena on Mljet island, while Kapetan Luka runs ferries to Pomena. The fastest way to get to Mljet is to take the 08:00 ferry from the port of Dubrovnik to Sobra. This morning ferry route from Dubrovnik to Sobra is operated daily, so you can choose any day of the week for your day trip to Mljet. The ferry ride lasts 1 hour and the ferry tickets start from around €8.

Alternatively, you can also board the ferry from Dubrovnik to Polače which departs once a day, usually at 09:15 in the morning. Ferries from Dubrovnik to Polače make the crossing in about 1.5 hours and standard tickets cost around €10. The Dubrovnik - Pomena ferry route is operated once a day, but the earliest ferry departs at 15:00, so it’s not recommended for a day trip.

Why should you visit Mljet?

Mljet is Dalmatia’s most verdant destination and, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature, it’s also among the last paradises in the Mediterranean. 

One-third national national park, two-thirds pine forest and with little human settlement, Mljet has been a tranquil getaway for millennia. Still, to this day, it remains a natural escape, underdeveloped and underpopulated, and is ideally explored by hikers and cyclists or anyone who is looking for a place to chill out and disconnect.

Breathtaking view towards the stone bridge of Mali Most in Mljet

One day in Mljet: best things to do

It might be known as the greenest of the Croatian isles, but Mljet is also home to clear waters, lovely bays and a thriving marine life. Are you ready to follow Ferryhopper's one-day itinerary to Mljet and explore a little bit of everything this island has to offer? If the answer is yes, then keep scrolling!

1. Paddle around the lakes of Mljet National Park

Mljet’s principal attraction is its National Park occupying the western part of the island. This is, in fact, the oldest national park in the Adriatic. To access the national park, take the ferry from Dubrovnik to Polače, where you can pick up a bike, catch a shuttle, or even walk to the national park. If you end up in Sobra, which is on the other side of the island, you’ll need to take a taxi to the park. You can buy an entry ticket at Polače when you get off the ferry, or at the main ticket office at Pristanište. 

From the main ticket office, you can reach the two picturesque saltwater lakes of Veliko and Malo Jezero (“Big Lake” and “Small Lake”) on foot in just a few minutes. Malo Jezero might be the smaller of the two lakes, but it’s undoubtedly the most beautiful, due to its vivid, turquoise waters. It’s also better suited for children, since it's warmer and shallower than Veliko Jezero. Both lakes are home to some interesting creatures, including coral, jellyfish and shellfish. Also, stay on the lookout for the odd mongooses, imported a century ago to rid Mljet of snakes.

There’s plenty of ways to explore the national park, but canoeing or kayaking is by far the best option if you want to see the coastline around these lovely lakes. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or hike through the park's breathtaking footpaths.

Incredible view of the lakes and pine forest at Mljet National Park

2. Visit St Mary's church and medieval monastery

Mljet National Park’s main site and archaeological treasure is the beautiful former 12th Century Benedictine monastery. It is located on a small island called Sveta Marija (or islet of St Mary) in the center of Veliko Jezero and is now occupied by a restaurant.

Most people get here by a little hourly boat. Visiting the islet of St May is also easy and manageable by kayak or canoe, since the sea is almost always calm. It will take you about 30 minutes to paddle there from Pristanište or Mali Most, a stone bridge connecting the two lakes.

Once you arrive on the tiny island, you are free to explore the old monastery and have lunch at the connected restaurant. This is also a fantastic spot for swimming! 

Useful info: the ferry ride is included in your entrance ticket and, therefore, you don't have to pay any additional cost.

The beautiful islet of St Mary with its church and Benedictine monastery

3. Go on a hiking or cycling tour and explore Saplunara’s beaches

Hiking and cycling tours will give you the opportunity to discover the rest of the island, including the sandy beaches of Saplunara. Saplunara bay is divided into two beaches - large and small Saplunara. The whole area is surrounded by pine trees and is characterized by breathtaking scenery and views. It is also an ideal place for children and families, since there are many facilities available including a couple of restaurants, a beach bar and a grocery store.

If you're already at Saplunara, you'll be happy to know that Blaće, another sandy oasis in Limuni Bay, is only 20 minutes away. This is a hidden bay with shallow waters, ideal for enjoying the solitude and nature. It is best to come prepared because there isn't much to be found here.

Dreamy waters at the sandy beach of Saplunara, Mljet

4. Swim at Odysseus Cave

Odyssey's Cave is one of the biggest attractions on the island. This cave is steeped in Greek mythology since it’s named after the mythical Greek hero and King of Ithaca, Odysseus, who was said to have been held captive on the island for 7 years by the goddess Calypso.

You'll find Odysseus sea cave on the southern Mljet coastline near the island’s largest village, Babino Polje. Vineyards, olive groves and turquoise waters line the path that leads to the cave. After walking for around 30 minutes, you will finally arrive at the place that once enchanted Odysseus with its beauty. A set of steep stairs leads to the cave from the land, but we recommend diving into the water and swimming inside.

This limestone cave is especially spectacular around noon during the summer months, when the sun is at its strongest and the sea provides a rainbow of colors. We bet that after visiting the cave, you’ll wish that you could stay here for at least 7 years just like Odysseus.

5. Head back to Dubrovnik by ferry

It is now time to return to Dubrovnik after a day full of exploration in Mljet. The latest ferry back to Dubrovnik departs at 17:35 from Sobra. By 18:40, you'll have arrived in Dubrovniks' port, carrying many memories with you.

The beautiful waterfront of Pomena village, Mljet Island

If you want to get away from Dubrovnik's cosmopolitan lifestyle, head to Mljet in around 1-1.5 hours and spend some time surrounded by nature and relaxing by the sea! Check all the available crossings on our Map of ferries and book your ferry tickets from Dubrovnik to Mljet on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees.