Otok Mljet is in Southern Croatia . The island of Mljet is one of the larger islands off the coast of Southern Croatia. Although many people live on the island, mainly in the port of Sorba on the west end, the east end port of Polače holds the entrance to the national park of Mljet.

Understand

Mljet was originally one of the Roman possessions (indeed, Polače means "palace," and holds some Roman Ruins). Over the course of history, traded hands with the rest of the Balkans (to the Ottomans, the Austro-Hungarians, etc.) It was even promised to Italy at one point in the early 20th century. Once the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was declared, the Island became part of that group.

Climate

The climate is Mediterranean; an average air temperature in January is 48°F (9°C) and in July about 75°F (24°C).

Landscape

Over 72% of the island of 388 square miles is forest. The island's geological structure consists of limestone and dolomite forming ridges, crests and slopes. A few depressions on the island of Mljet are below sea level and are known as blatine ("mud-lakes") or slatine ("salt-lakes"). During the rain seasons all blatine are filled with water and turn to brackish during dry seasons.

Getting there

The most common way to go to Mljet is to take the ferry from Dubrovnik. Tickets on the Nona Ana cost 50 Kuna one way (100 Kuna total) to get to Polače. Once on the island, an extra 90 Kuna is required for entrance into the National Park.

See

• The two lakes (jezera) and the monastery on the island in the middle of the large lake (veliki jezera).

Things to do

Swim around, snorkel and try to find the large mussels (about 2 feet long) in the smaller lake (malo jezera).

• X-Dream, Polace 8 (Directly on the sea,close to the Harbour(Ferry port)), ☎ +385998092244 08h-22. X-Dream.Local company for Bicycle and Kayak rental.They have a good service and very profesional staff.They also organise the Tour to around the island and Mljet national Park(malo i veliko jezero).Special was for Our group the after Tour party in Restaurant BOURBON-Polace 100 Kuna.

Eat

There are several places to eat out in Pomena, around the harbour. Most appear to cater to the yachting fraternity and specialise in very fresh fish; live seafood are kept in tanks next to each restaurant. There's also a great restaurant between the harbour and the hotel. It looks like it's a private house but with a large barbecue area built on, and it does excellent barbecued fish.

Drink

There's not a lot of nightlife in Pomena; the hotel has an inside bar with a cheesy band, and an outside shack that sells drink. It's best for a quiet getaway rather than a party!

Sleep

• Hostel and Rooms Polace, Polace 8, ☎ +385 99 8092244 Hostel and Rooms Polace are located in the center of the National park Mljet in Croatia, only 5 m from the beach and only 150 m from the main ferry port where ferries from Dubrovnik and Korcula arrive.

• Hotel Odisej, ☎ +385 20 475 777 (info@hotelodisej.hr, fax: +385 20 475 973),

Get out

Make sure you make it to the ferry, which leaves at 4:50PM!