Polače

Polače is a harbor settlement on Mljet Island stretching along a sheltered bay surrounded by forested hills that provide natural protection. The built environment sits directly along the waterfront, with boats anchored in the calm waters in front of the village.

The settlement was inhabited in Roman times, evidenced by a palace structure from the 3rd century that still stands near the harbor. Over subsequent centuries, the community expanded and changed, leaving behind multiple layers of ruins that reveal this long occupation.

The people who live here maintain a strong bond with fishing and maritime traditions, and you can see this reflected in how they use the harbor and waterfront daily. The settlement remains rooted in these practices, which shape how locals interact with their surroundings.

You can reach this settlement by ferry from Dubrovnik, Korčula, and the Pelješac peninsula, with water taxis available in summer. The bay and surrounding paths offer good opportunities for walking and swimming, making it easy to explore on foot.

The Roman palace and the four early Christian church ruins nearby reveal an unusual archaeological layering where religious and political power shifted over centuries. This physical proximity of pagan Roman and Christian structures at the same location tells a story of how communities adapted and changed.