Saplunara

Saplunara is a small settlement at the south-eastern end of Mljet, established after the Second World War as the harbour of inland Korita. Its bay, roughly one kilometre long, preserves one of Croatia’s largest remaining coastal-sand habitats, and Saplunara and its surroundings are protected as a Significant Landscape. Velika and Mala Saplunara are the two sandy beaches within the bay, while the almost enclosed Blace cove resembles a shallow lagoon. Stone pines and specialised sand plants grow between these beaches, making it important to remain on established paths. A short 2.4-kilometre cycling and walking route runs from Podškoji through Velika and Mala Saplunara to Blace, combining asphalt and gravel. Restaurant Stermasi at Saplunara 2 is the settlement’s principal dining address, while the tourist board also lists a seasonal fast-food outlet and beach bar. Saplunara lies outside Mljet National Park; reaching the park requires travelling through Sobra toward the island’s western end. Sobra receives the 45-minute car ferry from Prapratno and passenger catamarans from Dubrovnik.

Saplunara is defined by sand, stone pines and its exposed position at Mljet’s south-eastern end rather than by a historic urban core. The settlement developed after the Second World War as the coastal harbour of Korita. Its bay extends for roughly a kilometre and preserves rare coastal-sand habitats, earning the wider area protection as a Significant Landscape. Velika and Mala Saplunara sit within the same bay, while the nearly enclosed Blace cove lies beyond the headland. The village name is associated with the Latin word “sabulum”, meaning sand. Saplunara is outside Mljet National Park, which occupies the western part of the island.