Croatia Island Hopping: Kayaking Mljet

Our journey unexpectedly took us through Romania, Serbia, and Bosnia to attend the cliff diving stage in Mostar. We then extended our subsequent stay in Neum by day-tripping to the Croatian islands. Mljet was first – and on our mind since June!

 

From where to go

Prapratno is a cute coastal village about 25 minutes by car from Neum. From there, you’ve got a 45-minute ferry ride to Sobra, one of the ports on the island of Mljet.

 

Reaching Mljet National Park

That’s the goal of most visitors, let’s face it!

From Sobra, there's a 35-minute drive to the main ticket office of Mljet National Park.

The rate may be high (EUR 25/pp.), but you get help. We wanted to know if we could do water activities instead of walking or cycling and go through Mljet National Park by kayak.

 

My highlights on Mljet

A 500-metre-long trail (at times steep but overall accessible) leads from the main road (where you can leave the car) to Malo Jezero or the Small Lake. Marcel was the hero, helping me get the kayak to the water when I got tired.

It was the best idea possible! After kayaking for a bit, we chose a shore and stopped for a packed lunch (pastries we brought along). We enjoyed every minute of it! That turquoise water was so inviting that we got in to swim and snorkel (visibility was good!). A mojo feeling got hold of us.

We later tried to continue to Veliko Jezero or the Big Lake, by passing underneath the lovely Mali Most or the Small Bridge. Marcel managed, but I couldn’t! The current is strong under the bridge. Even though people were encouraging me and I paddled hard, I portaged around the bridge in the end. A very kind man renting kayaks by the lake helped me carry my kayak. ♥

In about one hour, you can paddle to Saint Mary’s Island and back, pass under Mali Most, and cross Malo Jezero. Veliko Jezero is different; waves can be bigger and stronger. Still, it is an unforgettable experience. It is immersed in the Mediterranean energy, design, and vibe. Cypress trees, decadent and elegant houses, specific scents...

Polače was our choice for the last part of our day. Marcel befriended a fluffy white dog as we walked around Roman ruins, the quaint Paljevina Beach, and had dinner by the sea at Konoba Gundulište. I fell in love with the homemade bread served there!

 

Impressions

Mljet Island was surprising – we adapted our day’s adventures to our hearts and our passions. Summer had ended, but, in our hearts, summer was still there on Mljet that day. We cherished those moments and I still smile when I remember them. The locals were warm, friendly, and helpful – which was very different from the many mainland experiences over the years.

 

Where next?

Korčula – our next day-trip! ...which brings us to the end of our Croatia Island Hopping series. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and that it was of help.

 

N.B. [I’ll repeat it.] Our trips to Croatia taught us how to create less-expensive itineraries, aligned with our travel style and search for authenticity. I admit: I had a change of heart about Croatia in 2021, when, amidst the craze, we found our peace by the Mediterranean Sea. We haven't forgotten how good it felt and how grateful we were! ♥