Mljet Half-Ironman Triathlon
In autumn, triathletes compete in swimming, cycling and running set against the nature of Mljet National Park. A sporting season highlight of the island.
PlizioGo
A local specialty frequently served as a starter in the harbor konobas.
Try this homemade pasta tossed with garlic, olive oil, and local cheese.
Ask for freshly caught shellfish at the waterfront restaurants.
Look for bottles of local Plavac Mali or Maraština in the small souvenir shops.
Buy authentic island honey directly from locals or small roadside stalls.
The water here is warmer and calmer than the Large Lake, excellent for a relaxing swim.
Take the small solar boat to the island in the Large Lake to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.
Water temperature…
In autumn, triathletes compete in swimming, cycling and running set against the nature of Mljet National Park. A sporting season highlight of the island.
Every August, concerts, folklore and cultural evenings enliven the villages of Mljet National Park, including Pomena. A summer program for island visitors.
Pomena, a small village at the western tip of Mljet island, serves as the gateway to the famous Mljet National Park. This quiet bay, surrounded by pine forests, has developed into a key tourist hub for visitors to the park due to its strategic location. The village itself is small, consisting mainly of a hotel, private accommodation, restaurants, and souvenir shops stretching along the harbour. From here, it's just a short walk or bike ride to the two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, which are the main attractions of the national park. Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear lakes, go kayaking, or hike and cycle around them. On St. Mary's Island in the Great Lake (Veliko Jezero), there is a former 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which now houses a restaurant and is accessible by small boats. Pomena provides the excellent base for nature lovers looking to explore the pristine beauty of Mljet, while maintaining a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere despite its tourist function.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 27 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 108 | 102 | 95 | 71 | 56 | 47 | 26 | 34 | 81 | 94 | 121 | 121 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in the scenic Pomena Bay, the gateway to the National Park. A short walk leads you to Mali Most, where the two lakes meet. At midday, explore Malo jezero and take a boat to St. Mary's Island. The Benedictine monastery there is a true oasis of peace. In the afternoon, hike up to the Montokuc viewpoint. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view over the deep blue lakes and the open sea. Finish your evening in Pomena after visiting the small St. John's Church. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze at the harbor.
Morning starts with mystical mist over Pomena Bay under a gentle drizzle. At noon, the monastery on St. Mary's Island provides the perfect shelter from the rain. In the afternoon, we walk along the shores of Malo jezero, protected by the dense pine canopy. Evening is spent enjoying the soothing atmosphere of the rain-kissed docks in the protected harbor.
The winter morning sun glitters coolly on the Adriatic in Pomena Bay. At noon, St. Mary's Island is wrapped in meditative silence, far from the summer crowds. In the afternoon, we hike through evergreen forests that retain their scent even in winter. With sunset arriving around 4:30 PM, we enjoy the blue hour in the solitary harbor.
Cycling is the best way to explore Mljet. From Pomena, ride along the Large Lake to Polače, where you can admire the Roman palace ruins. After culture comes nature: cycle back to the boat pier and visit the monastery island. The shaded paths around the lakes are ideal for hot days. In the afternoon, cross the Mali Most and enjoy the warm waters of the Small Lake. The tour ends back in Pomena, where you can unwind with a refreshing drink.
A sporty rainy ride starts in Pomena. We utilize the paved paths around Veliko jezero, which offer good grip even when wet. At noon, we visit the Roman Palace in Polače, finding shelter under ancient walls. Afternoon is spent cycling back through the fragrant forest, watching out for slippery pine needles.
Cool breezes and empty paths await us on this winter bike tour. We cycle from Pomena to the Roman ruins in Polače, where the air is brilliantly refreshing. At noon, explore the silence of St. Mary's without the summer heat. The return ride along the lakes offers spectacular photo ops in the low winter light.
By car, you can easily reach the island's more distant highlights. Start with the impressive Roman palace in Polače. Then head back to the National Park entrance to explore the large lakes and the monastery island. Parking is limited, so arrive early. In the afternoon, drive along the coastal road to St. John's Church. The day concludes in the quiet Pomena Bay with a dinner by the water.
Explore Mljet island by car, independent of the weather. From Pomena, drive to the Roman Palace in Polače, where you can park right by the ruins. At noon, the drive along the lakes through rainy forests offers dramatic views. We conclude the day dry and comfortable at St. John's Church.
Mljet in winter means empty roads and absolute tranquility. Start your morning with a relaxed drive from Pomena. At noon, reach Polače, where you'll have the ancient ruins almost entirely to yourself. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic drive along the lakes in clear winter light before ending at the lonely church.
May to early October. July/August are hot and crowded; June and September give milder temperatures, quieter park trails, and good swimming in the salt lakes.
Pomena is safe. In the park wear sturdy shoes and stay on marked trails (cliffs, occasional snakes). Do not miss the last ferry back to Sobra/Dubrovnik; jellyfish possible in summer.
Croatian is spoken on Mljet; staff in Pomena and Polace hotels and restaurants generally speak English, often German or Italian. Basic words like 'Hvala' (thanks) and 'Dobar dan' (hello) are appreciated.
