Mljet Holidays

Whoever said that blue and green should never be seen had obviously never been to Mljet, the under-the-radar island just off of Croatia’s Adriatic coast. The scenery here looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a jewellery box. Over three quarters of it’s draped in thick, emerald-coloured pine forests, and the waters that lap against the shoreline are a picture-perfect sapphire. Add ruby-red sunsets to the mix, and you’re in gemstone central.

Mljet’s single highway runs all the way from the northern village of Pomena to Saplunara on the southernmost tip – you can drive the whole thing in under an hour. On the way, you’ll pass through the 50-square-kilometre national park, and Mljet’s largest village, Babino Polje. It’s nestled at the foot of Veliki Grad – the highest hill on the island. Make the hike up to the peak, and you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the Adriatic.

Croatia’s UNESCO-listed city is around an hour and 20 minutes by ferry from Mljet’s port village, Sobra. It’s ideal for a daytrip, lining up a history-packed old town, chic bars and honey-coloured beaches. Plenty of celebrities have pounded its cobbles – including Sir Roger Moore and Beyonce. On the way, the ferry stops off at Sipanska Luka – one of the Elaphiti islands. If you’re after a typically Croatian village experience, this is where you’ll find it.