Mljet
Covered in dense forest, and lacking in any human settlements larger in size than a hamlet, Croatia’s southernmost major island of Mljet is frequently spoken of as the paradise on earth that the tourist industry is yet to discover.
Mljet is indeed visited by throngs of trippers in summer, but few of them stay the night, hiking or cycling their way round the national park at one end of the island before heading back to Dubrovnik or Korčula on the day’s last ferry.
Southeastern Mljet
Out of reach of the day trippers, the southeastern half of the island is dotted with stone-built hamlets and edged by semi-hidden coves. While lacking the bustle of Mljet National Park, it is no less enchanting in terms of natural beauty. Shielded by promontories at the island’s southern tip is the sandy beach at Saplunara which, although increasingly frequented, retains a unique desert-island feel.
By boat: The main port is Sobra, half way down the island. Jadrolinija operates car ferries to here from Dubrovnik, and from Prapratno on the Pelješac peninsula.
By catamaran: Passenger-only catamarans operated by MV Line run from Dubrovnik to Polače, which is in cycling or hiking distance of the national park.