Polace
From CruisersWiki
| Polače
| |
 Map or Picture of port |
Add here any background, cruising, and historical comments.
| Polace
| |
 The quays of Polace are occupied with restaurant moorings | |
The harbour of Polače is situated at the NW end of the island of Mljet in Croatia, at the head of a two mile-long inlet sheltered from N winds by a chain of islands. Together with Pomena harbour on the W coast, Polace is one of two convenient harbours where one can safely leave a boat for a visit to the attractions of the Mljet National Park. There are traces of human habitation here dating back to pre-Roman times, but it was during the Roman era that Polace first attracted permanent settlement with the construction of the fortified castle, the ruins of which overlook the shore and are thought to date back to the 3rd or 4th century AD. The present village largely dates from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The institution of the National Park in the 1960s, coupled with a certain resistance to rapid change on the part of the islanders, has kept Polace relatively unspoilt. However, it has not prevented the establishment of serried ranks of (somewhat pricey) restaurants along the S shores of the bay. Mooring options are effectively limited to anchoring off in the bay, with a line ashore if preferred, or picking up one of the laid moorings on the quay, all of which are reserved for restaurant patrons only. Shelter in Polace is good in most conditions, although in very strong E winds it is probably wise to move round to Pomena for better shelter.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1580
- Croatian charts
- MK24
- Imray
- M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)
Weather
See Croatia.
Passages
See Croatia.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
The approach from E is via the two-mile long channel between Mljet island and the long island of O. Kobrava to the N, which is entered by leaving the rocky reef of Hrid Kula (marked with a light structure) to port. The approach from N, between Mljet and the island of O. Moracnik has two dangers to be avoided: firstly, the islet of Skoljic 200 metres W of the northernmost tip of O. Moracnik has shoals extending for nearly 100 metres W; secondly, on the coast of Mljet opposite the S end of O. Moracnik there is a rocky spit extending nearly 200 metres into the channel, which could be dangerous in poor visibility. It is also possible to approach on the N side of O. Kobrava, between it and O. Ovrata and then between O. Moracnik and O. Tajnik. This approach is free of dangers and is the one normally used by the ferries.
Entrance
Korcula Town or Dubrovnik are the nearest year-round ports of entry.
Berthing
Yachts visiting Polace have four berthing options, depending on whether the crews wish to eat ashore or not:
Restaurants' quay
Restaurants' quay [[Polace#Restaurants' quay|Restaurants' quay]] Restoran Dalmatina
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Restaurant mooring buoys
Restaurant mooring buoys [[Polace#Restaurant mooring buoys|Restaurant mooring buoys]] For slightly better peace and quiet, it may be possible to pick up one of the mooring buoys N of the ferry jetty and opposite the Roman castle ruins. At least some of these appear to be owned by one of the restaurants and you may be obliged to eat ashore if you pick one up. Depths at the buoys are 10-12 metres, but drop to only 4.0 metres to the N of the buoys.
Note: that in June 2014 these buoys were no longer in evidence and may have been removed.Anchorage
Anchorage [[Polace#Anchorage|Anchorage]] W side of O. Moracnik
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
No fuel. Water and electricity at some of the restaurant quays.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
In Polace itself the main attractions are the remains of a Roman palace, dating back to the 5th or 6th centuries, which are conspicuous on the W side of the bay. Next to the ruins are the remains of a 5th century early Christian basilica. However, the ‘must see’ attractions of Mljet Island are the two interconnected lakes, Malo and Veliko Jezero, at the NW end of the island. The lakes are in the national park and an entry fee of 100 kuna (2014) per person is payable on mooring in Polace or Pomena (though not if only dining at the restaurants). This price includes entry to the park (valid for a week), a bus to and from Veliko Jezero and access (via a short boat ride) to the former Benedictine monastery of Sv. Marija, which is being steadily restored following damage during Croatia's war of independence and has a cafe and restaurant. It is also possible to walk or cycle the route to and around the lakes (cycles can be hired in the village or at the lakes themselves), which is a much more rewarding if rather more energetic option. Between the two lakes is a channel dug by the Benedictine monks to provide motive power for a mill from the tidal currents into Veliko Jezero. Depending on the state of tide, a current can be seen rushing through the shallow sea inlet at the E end of Veliko Jezero, the pleasant walk or cycle to which goes along the S side of the lake. Except when the current is very strong, a ferry boat takes pedestrians and cyclists (with their bikes) across the narrows to enable them to complete the circuit of the lakes.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Basic provisions shops in the village.
Eateries
Several restaurants (six as of 2014) along the quays, most with their own moorings. Café/bar near the Roman castle ruins.
Internet/WiFi
At most of the restaurants.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Cycle rental only.
Garbage Disposal
Limited. Take it with you.
Transportation
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Polace at the Wikipedia
See Croatia.
References
See Croatia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Polace and this page's details validated:
- July 2014 --Athene of Lymington
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
|---|
|
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
