This brand new and the only exhibition space on Mljet is housed in old school building that was later used as post office. The building is currently owned by local couple who use it as private home as well as a gallery space.

The owner plans to organise the variety of exhibitions, film projections, concerts, video installations, guest speaker presentations, literary evenings and similar throughout the year.

It is all a good news for art, music and culture of Mljet.  Well done

For time beeing , Sobra to Prapratno ferry line as well as fast catamaran ferry line from Dubrovnik to Mljet run by Nona Ana catamaran are not in operation.
Stay tuned for further details..

Ferry is called a hybrid because it uses energy from solar and diesel generators to power the vessel. When the solar panels on top of the vessel absorb sunlight, batteries will be charged . Additional power is provided by the diesel generator for more efficient movement through the water. The vessel will provide a silent cruise accross the Mljet’s Large Lake (Veliko Jezero) and will decrease daily carbon foot print.

Subject to approval by state authorities, it is expected this ferry will be introduced on Mljet Island in 2011. (Diagram of similar ferry)

The ferry schedule is similar to last year, with just a slight changes regarding Sunday’s sailing, so people who are flying to Dubrovnik Airport will still be in trouble trying to find solution to reach Korcula at the same day. Bad news.

I wrote about that last year in post Disappointing ferry timetable for catamaran ferry Dubrovnik-Mljet-Korcula-Lastovo , but nothing changed since

However, the prices remain the same as last year (55 Kuna for Dubrovnik – Korcula one way ticket) which is a bit of good news   (I guess..)

In today’s eddition of The Guardian UK, in its Travel supplement, among other world national parks National Park Mljet is the only National Park of Croatia that is also featuread.

The article titled “National parks” includes listing and short introduction of various national parks of the world, chosen by Guardian readers. “From virgin rainforest to snow-capped volcanoes, national parks offer the best chance to experience unique scenery and exotic wildlife. Here are some of your favourites ” is the introduction to the listings.

National Park Mljet is intoduced by the following description :

“ Croatia – Mljet Island – A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Mljet has a stunning park, perfect for a day trip. You can swim in the freshwater lakes, walk and cycle round them or get something to eat at the beautifully preserved monastery. A steep hill separates the lakes from the ferry port, so if you’re planning to cycle it’s a good idea to use the mini-bus service included in the park entrance fee, and then hire bikes at the lakes themselves.”

The Guardian listed 17 more National Parks from other countries too.

More about�Mljet – the Korcula’s neighbouring island

However, the timetable is pretty poor and in my opinion it did not improve bad connection between Korcula and Dubrovnik at all.

According to the new timetable, catamaran ferry will sail from Dubrovnik to Korcula in period 01.07 -31.08.07 (which is pretty short period)

It will sail 4 days a week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, leaving Dubrovnik in the morning at 8 am or 9.15 am , arriving in Korcula at 10.45 or 11.50 am. It will sail back from Korcula to Dubrovnik on same days departing at 4pm arriving in Dubrovnik at 8.30 pm.

I am pretty disappointed with this timetable and find it almost useless for us in Korcula for following reasons:

First of all, I was expecting it will essentially?improve connection between Dubrovnik Airport and Korcula. However, I was wrong – it’s pretty useless for reaching Korcula upon arriving at Dubrovnik Airport, as ferry leaves Dubrovnik early morning, and almost all flights arrive in the afternoon.

Secondly, it is not suitable if you are flying back home from Dubrovnik Airport, as ferry arrives in Dubrovnik in the evening when all flights already left.

It is also unsuitable for day trips from Korcula to Mljet?or Dubrovnik?as it forces you to overnight there.

The only improvement that this ferry line now offers is for residents and visitors of Dubrovnik or Mljet who want to visit Korcula (or indeed Lastovo) on day trip – it enables them to do so pretty cheaply, as fares are subsidised by Government.

So, despite the fact that this ferry line was allegedly introduced to improve connections with islands Korcula and Lastovo with Dubrovnik and Croatian Mainland, it didn’t change that weak travel connection.

It still forces you to use old good bus in early mornings as we did for last 50 odd years. Minister Kalmeta, please change it!

According to Hina, Sanader insists that due to importance of Dubrovnik – Mljet daily ferry line for residents as well as visitors to Mljet, Jadrolinija, as state owned company, will not be allowed to proceed with this damaging decision.

And I say – well done Sanader – this is the right way to deal with ridiculus ideas

The new ferry timetable of ferry catamaran Nona Ana is scheduling departures from Sobra (Mljet) to Dubrovnik at 6am and sail back from Dubrovnik to Sobra at 9 am.

After that, next sailing from Dubrovnik to Mljet will be at 19.10, while ferry line from Dubrovnik to Sobra (Mljet) that used to sail every day at 3pm has been discontinued.

Another source of discontent is the fact that ferry Prapratno – Sobra will sail 5 times a day only until 02.09.07. In the winter months, ferry sailing will be reduced to 2 times a day only (morning and evening).

Ferry Nona Ana is the same ferry that will continue its sailing from Dubrovnik and Mljet towards Korcula and Lastovo.

Unofficially, I learned that sailings from Dubrovnik via Mljet to Korcula are planned for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, ferry will continue its journey to Lastovo.

No any official confirmation of timetable yet – perhaps, one of the reasons is this petition

The fish weights 81 kilogram. It is cought near Island of Mljet, on its south side, by? fishing tool?called “kancelica” (pronounced “kan-che-li-tza”) – which is actually the simple fishing rope.

I am not sure if I ever seen larger fish cought in Korcula. Click here to see large photo of this fish?. (Photo by Roko) – Read more about Fishing in Korcula

Although the ferry “Nona Ana” is already choosen in principle, in the initial step of legal process, the contract and the rest of the legal process is not yet completed.

Therefore, we have to wait little bit longer to get timetable info for this new ferry line which will eventually offer us much better connection between Dubrovnik, Mljet , Korcula and Lastovo at the south coast of Croatia.

I am receiving daily emails from people who would like to know more about ferry timetable to plan their travel from Dubrovnik to Korcula accordingly. The best bet, for time beeing, is to leave it until last moment, and if worst comes to worst , there is always daily bus from Dubrovnik to Korcula (as well as daily bus from Dubrovnik to Orebic) one can rely upon. Stay tuned for further news…

Related posts:
Catamaran Ferry Dubrovnik – Korcula – Lastovo – update 1: According to Ministry of Tourism and Transport of Republic of Croatia, for time beeing, there are following info available for new catamaran ferry link Dubrovnik – Korcula – Lastovo … read more

Ferry Catamaran Dubrovnik-Mljet-Korcula-Lastovo: Some good news about travel to Korcula for next summer – it seems new ferry catamaran line is going to be introduced! The new ferry line will connect Dubrovnik with Island of Mljet, Korcula and Lastovo… read more