Majestic Mljet

From Dubrovnik we had planned to join a cruise around the Croatian Islands. After leaving it a little late to book we missed all the organised ones and thus made our way around the islands as a group of 5. Probably a blessing in disguise it allowed us much more freedom in terms of timing and choice of destinations.

So it was off to Mljet from Dubrovnik, a small nearby island, around half of which is taken up by the Mljet National Park. A true island paradise, Mljet is the kind of place where people come for a visit and never get around to leaving. Your onward travel plans dissolve as you step off the ferry and wander through it quaint villages. Things happen a little slower on Mljet, and it’s all the better for it. It’s an unspoiled oasis of tranquillity, which, according to legend, captivated Homer’s Odysseus for 7 years. We didn’t have that long but loved every minute nonetheless.

Another great apartment awaited us in the small hamlet of Polace, run by a local family who picked up us from the ferry. The highlights, apart from just sitting on our balcony overlooking the beautiful bay, were the walk through the national park (with boat ride included) and dinner at one of the local restaurants. The National Park is centred around 2 lakes, connected by a small channel to the Ocean. In the middle of one is a 12th century Benedictine Monastery, accessible by free boat, and the surrounding paths make for very picturesque wandering. Despite a touch of rain the whole group thoroughly enjoyed a day touring the park. The other local pastime is devouring lamb or squid cooked “under the bell” (cooked from top and bottom by hot coals). Definitely one of the best meals of the trip, both meats were more tender than we had ever before experienced.