Why these two islands work for families
Korčula and Mljet sit next to each other in southern Dalmatia, between the Pelješac peninsula and Dubrovnik. They pair well for a family trip because they are close together, the crossings are short, and they offer different things: Korčula has a compact walled town and a few of the region's rare sandy beaches, while Mljet is mostly forest and national park, with calm saltwater lakes that suit young swimmers.
Neither island has the party crowds of Hvar, and both are quiet by late afternoon outside July and August.
Getting there and between the islands
There are two main ways to reach the islands:
- By car via Pelješac. A Jadrolinija car ferry crosses from Orebić on Pelješac to Dominče, just outside Korčula Town, in a short crossing that runs frequently through the day. For Mljet, a car ferry runs from Prapratno on Pelješac to Sobra on Mljet's north coast.
- By catamaran. In season, passenger catamarans link Dubrovnik with Sobra and Polače on Mljet and with Korčula Town, and other lines connect Korčula with Split and Hvar. These are the easiest option without a car.
Timetables change between summer and winter and sailings are less frequent off-season, so check the operator's current schedule before you build an itinerary. In July and August book catamaran seats ahead; with children, being sure of a seat matters more than flexibility.
Distances on the islands are larger than they look. Mljet is about 37 km long, and the national park is at its western end, a long drive from Sobra. If you arrive by catamaran, choose one that stops at Polače, which is inside the park area.
Korčula with children
Korčula Town is small, walkable and built on a herringbone street plan that kids enjoy exploring. The town walls, the cathedral square and the waterfront can all be covered in a morning. In summer, performances of the Moreška, a traditional sword dance, are staged in the town; check the local tourist board for dates.
For beaches, the village of Lumbarda, a few kilometres east of Korčula Town, has sandy beaches, including Pržina, which is unusual on this coast and good for small children who find pebbles hard going. Elsewhere on Korčula, beaches are mostly pebble and rock, so water shoes are worth packing.
Mljet National Park: the lakes
Mljet National Park covers the western part of the island. Its centre is two connected saltwater lakes, Veliko jezero (the big lake) and Malo jezero (the small lake), joined to the open sea by a narrow channel. The water in the lakes is calm and usually warmer than the open sea in summer, which makes them a gentle place for children to swim.
In the big lake is the islet of St Mary, with a Benedictine monastery and church dating back to the 12th century. The park entrance ticket includes one return boat trip to St Mary, as well as access to the marked trails, the inland sites and the park's electric train service. Children's tickets apply from 7 to 18 years old, and day tickets bought after 4pm are discounted by 25%, according to the park's 2026 price list. Guests staying on the island can get a ticket valid for up to seven days.
A flat path runs along much of the lake shore, and bikes can be hired near the lakes, which is a good way to cover more ground with older children. Bring water and snacks, as facilities inside the park are limited.
The rest of Mljet
Outside the park, Mljet is quiet and wooded. Saplunara, at the island's south-eastern end, has sandy beaches that are shallow near the shore. Local legend links a sea cave on Mljet's south coast to Odysseus, though this is a story, not history. Shops are few and small, so stock up on basics in Korčula, on Pelješac or in Dubrovnik.
Practical tips for a family trip
- Base: two or three nights in Korčula and one or two on Mljet suits most families. Polače and Pomena are the closest villages to the lakes.
- Seasickness: catamarans can be bumpy when the wind is up. Sit low and near the middle, and carry motion sickness remedies.
- Shade: both islands are sunny and the lakes have little shade at midday. Plan swims for morning and late afternoon.
- Cash and cards: cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small shops and bike hire.
- Off-season: in May, June and September the sea is warm enough for most children, crowds are smaller, and accommodation is easier to find.
