Polače

In Polace, which lies on the northern coast of the southern Dalmatian Island of Mljet, there is one of the two ferry ports located on the isle. Polace is located in a deep-reaching natural bay that is very well protected by offshore islets. Thanks to the ferry, the village of Polace with its 120 residents and the whole Mljet Island in general, is within easy reach of Dubrovnik on the mainland and the Peljesac Peninsula (Trstenik). Polace is also considered the gateway to the Mljet National Park.

The remains of a Roman palace at the village's entry gates, which are just large enough to fit a fire engine, characterize the town. Polace (derived from Palaca/Palace) gets its name from the palace found here including the remaining 15 meter high towers and a theater. After the departure of the Romans, Polace had been continually inhabited up until the 11th century. In the 11th century, monks of the Benedictine Order took control of all administration and henceforth prohibited any further settlement. The Benedictines built their monastery on a small island in the nearby salt lake "Veliko jezero", which now lies in the National Park, and caused an era of stagnation lasting 7th centuries long. It was not until around 1830 when people starting to come back and began to work in the wine and olive industry. 

Polace today is a mix of ancient ruins, typical Dalmatian stone houses and modern villas. Even today you can still discover the typical, local Fumari (chimneys) in the older buildings. Tourist amenities in Polace include several restaurants, shops and leisure facilities that include boat and canoe rentals. The surrounding countryside and the sea provide opportunities to go hiking, snorkeling, diving and cycling.