The Blatina wetland beside Blato changes with the seasons: in winter, the wetland appears as a small lake; in summer, as a muddy pool.

Landscape, wine and feast day

Blato lies beside a broad field with this seasonal wetland. The Blatina is considered the largest of the island’s three Blatinas and serves as a source of water for irrigation. Wine-growing also shapes the local fields: grapes ripened there are used to make local Mljet wine. Both the Blatina’s role in irrigation and grape cultivation are part of the surrounding landscape.

In the village stands a stone church dating from the 14th century, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The local feast day honoring the saints is celebrated every year on June 29. A lasting structure and a recurring date in the local calendar thus stand side by side.

Mljet in the wider travel picture

Within the wider destination of Mljet, Mljet National Park lies within the administrative municipality of Općina Mljet. Veliko jezero and Malo jezero are two deeply indented bays known as lakes, connected to the open sea by the Solinski Channel.

In the southern part of the Great Lake lies the island of Saint Mary, with a Benedictine monastery and the Church of Saint Mary. The monastery was built between 1177 and 1198; the central part of the church has retained its Romanesque style. Here, landscape and architectural history come together in a clear geographical setting.

Other historic sites offer different periods and architectural features. In Polače are the remains of a Roman palace and an early Christian church dating from the 5th to 6th century. In Babino Polje stand the 15th-century Church of Saint Blaise and the 16th-century Prince’s Palace, known locally as Palac. In Prožura, Kaštio defines the village: a square defensive tower dating from the 17th century.

The calendar also broadens the picture of Mljet. In Prožura, the feast day of Saint Roch is marked with a procession every year on August 16. For that year’s program, it is advisable to check locally.

Trails, cuisine and practical information

The Mljetska planinarska obilaznica runs from the National Park area to the center of the island and is marked with hiking signs and stamps at checkpoints. Check trail conditions before setting out. Another type of route is the “Biciklom kroz park” cycling tour, which includes a loop around Veliko jezero and Malo jezero. The difference is in the route: a marked hiking trail toward the center of the island versus a cycling loop around the two lakes.

The walking trail from Babino Polje to Odysseus’ Cave is considered easy and is also suitable for parents with young children. Actual trail conditions may vary seasonally.

Traditional dishes on Mljet include Mljetski makaruli, a pasta dish with homemade goat cheese, garlic and olive oil. Whether it is available depends on the individual restaurant. Every year at the end of August, Pomena hosts the “Toast from the Host” food and wine event, featuring regional specialties and wine tasting. Check the date and program for the relevant year if you would like to plan your trip around it.

The only ferry terminal on the island of Mljet is in Sobra. Since timetables are seasonal and may change, check the schedule that applies to your travel dates. There is an electric vehicle charging station next to the gas station in Sobra; this infrastructure may also change, so it is worth checking the latest information before using it.

Discover more destinations: Saplunara, Ropa, Maranovići, Okuklje, Mljet, Babino Polje, Korita, Polace.

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