Babino Polje: Culture and orientation on Mljet

When looking for a hotel in Babino Polje, you can weigh the village’s culture, practical services, and other destinations on Mljet separately when choosing where to travel. In Babino Polje, you’ll find Knežev dvor with the Biskup Ethnographic Collection and the Church of St. Blaise. Nearby are Sutmiholjska Bay with a beach and Odysseus’ Cave. The landscape, history, and activities in other parts of Mljet may also play a role in planning your trip.

Culture in Babino Polje

Knežev dvor in Babino Polje was built in 1554 and houses Biskup, the island’s first and currently only ethnographic collection. On display are household and decorative objects, family photographs, and mementos of island traditions. Everyday household objects are presented alongside personal photographs and keepsakes. Babino Polje is also home to the 15th-century Church of St. Blaise.

Nearby destinations and a walking trail

Sutmiholjska Bay and its beach, as well as Odysseus’ Cave, are near Babino Polje; the cave is associated with the legend of Odysseus and the nymph Calypso. The walking trail from Babino Polje to the cave is not very strenuous and is also suitable for parents with small children. As trail conditions can vary seasonally, check them before setting out.

Mljet as a regional setting

On Mljet, Veliko jezero and Malo jezero are two deep bays known as lakes. They are connected to the open sea by the Solinski Channel. A Benedictine monastery and the Church of St. Mary are located on the island of St. Mary in the southern part of Veliko jezero. The monastery was built between 1177 and 1198; the central part of the church has retained its Romanesque style. Access and boat connections may vary seasonally. Check these conditions if you’re planning a visit.

Polače is home to the remains of a Roman palace and an early Christian church dating from the 5th to 6th century. Another option for hiking enthusiasts is the Mljetska planinarska obilaznica: it runs from the area of the national park to the center of the island and is marked with trail signs and stamps at checkpoints. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Practical information for getting around the island

Babino Polje has a grocery store, a pharmacy, a medical clinic, and a dental clinic. These services may be useful for visitors staying on Mljet. If you rely on a particular service, check its current availability, as it may change.

Mljet’s only ferry terminal is in Sobra. Timetables vary by season and may change; check the schedule that applies to your travel dates. A charging station for electric vehicles is located next to the gas station in Sobra. As infrastructure can change, check in advance whether the station will work for your plans.

Local flavors and annual events

Mljetski makaruli is a traditional pasta dish served with homemade goat cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Its availability depends on the restaurant. In Prožura, the feast day of St. Roch is celebrated every year on August 16 with a procession; check the program for the current year. In Pomena, the Toast from the Host food and wine event is held annually in late August, featuring regional specialties and wine tasting. Check the date and program for the current year.

Discover more destinations: Korita, Blato, Sobra, Govedjari, Kozarica, Ropa, Mljet, Okuklje

Back to the main travel guide: Mljet.