Pomena Ferries

The port of Pomena plays a key role in the ferry network of Croatia, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 4 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Pomena serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Pomena, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Split - Pomena, Bol - Pomena, Hvar - Pomena connecting Pomena with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Krilo Kapetan Luka run regular services from Pomena, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Pomena offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Pomena is accessible primarily by ferry services operating from Dubrovnik and the Pelješac Peninsula, with journey times typically ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your departure point. Regular catamaran services connect Pomena to Dubrovnik during the summer season, while year-round car ferries operate to nearby Sobra on the eastern side of Mljet. If arriving from Split or other northern destinations, you'll need to travel to Dubrovnik first or take a ferry to Korčula and then connect to Mljet. The ferry terminal in Pomena is conveniently located near the village center, with most accommodations within walking distance, eliminating the need for additional transport upon arrival.

Tucked away on the western edge of Mljet Island, Pomena offers an idyllic entry point to one of Croatia's most enchanting destinations. This small harbor village, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush Mediterranean vegetation, serves as the primary ferry access to Mljet National Park. Visitors stepping off the ferry are immediately greeted by the refreshing scent of pine forests and the gentle rhythm of waves lapping against traditional wooden boats.

Pomena enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The prime time to visit is between May and October when temperatures range from 22-30°C (72-86°F) and the sea is perfect for swimming. July and August bring the warmest weather and most frequent ferry connections, but also larger crowds. For a more tranquil experience with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, consider visiting in May, June, or September. The Feast of St. Mary in mid-August offers a glimpse of local traditions, while October rewards visitors with the spectacular colors of autumn foliage in the national park. Ferry services reduce in frequency during the winter months, so check schedules carefully if planning an off-season visit.

From Pomena, the turquoise waters of the Adriatic open up a world of island-hopping possibilities. The historic city of Dubrovnik lies just a 90-minute ferry ride away, offering its famous walled old town and rich cultural heritage. The verdant island of Korčula, with its medieval walled town and alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, can be reached via connecting ferries, making for an enriching day trip. Pelješac Peninsula, renowned for its excellent wines and oyster farms, is also accessible by ferry from Pomena, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. During summer, special excursion boats often operate between Pomena and the nearby Elafiti Islands, creating perfect opportunities for exploring multiple island gems in a single journey.

The crown jewel of any Pomena visit is exploring Mljet National Park with its famous twin saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, connected to the sea by a narrow channel. Rent a bicycle near the harbor to circle the lakes on well-maintained paths, or kayak across their placid surfaces to the small island of St. Mary with its 12th-century Benedictine monastery. The waters around Pomena offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, with remarkable visibility and diverse marine life just meters from shore. Sample fresh seafood at waterfront konobas (traditional restaurants), where locally-caught fish is prepared according to age-old recipes, often accompanied by island-grown herbs and olive oil. Don't miss hiking the network of trails through pine forests that offer spectacular viewpoints over the Adriatic and neighboring islands.

Pomena's name derives from the word 'pomen,' meaning 'mention' or 'memorial,' possibly referring to an ancient monument once located in the area. According to legend, Odysseus was shipwrecked near Mljet and spent seven years on the island, enchanted by the nymph Calypso, some locals claim the cave where they met lies not far from Pomena. The island's unique saltwater lakes were created naturally when sea caves collapsed, forming what are now among the most distinctive natural features in the Adriatic. Until the 1960s, Pomena was primarily a fishing hamlet before tourism transformed it into the gateway to Mljet National Park, though many residents still maintain traditional fishing practices alongside tourism activities.