Okuklje: Bay, Harbor, and Church History

Okuklje combines a sheltered bay with harbor and church history, as well as opportunities for cycling and hiking. If you’re looking for hotels in Okuklje, you can use these different themes as a guide when choosing your destination: the nautical character, historic buildings, and tours each offer their own highlights.

Bay and Harbor

The Bay of Okuklje is known in Italian as Porto Cammera. It is considered very well protected, sheltered from all winds, and popular with sailors. In summer, Okuklje is considered an important tourist and nautical center.

The port of Okuklje provides safe shelter for passenger ships when they would otherwise spend the night in Sobra–Zaglavac. A 34-meter section of the quay in the port is used for nautical berthing. Since vessel operations can change, check the latest information before your trip. Boating visitors will also find secluded pebble beaches and clear waters in the bay.

Local History and Churches

Historically, Okuklje served as the port for the settlement of Maranovići. It developed as a port and fishing settlement and became the parish center for Mljet’s eastern settlements. This maritime history sits alongside the town’s religious architectural history.

St. Dominic’s Abbey, renovated in 1990, is located in the old town of Okuklje. St. Nicholas Church was built between 1626 and 1667. After pirates burned it down in 1693, it was restored and blessed; its altar was consecrated on July 29, 1990. The year 1990 refers to different events at the two churches: the renovation of the abbey and the consecration of the altar at St. Nicholas.

Cycling and Hiking Opportunities

The circular cycling route associated with Okuklje is 7.3 kilometers long and climbs 188 meters. It runs over 4.3 kilometers of asphalt and 3 kilometers of gravel. The paved section is therefore longer than the gravel section. Separately, a branch of a cycling route leads to St. Nicholas Church, considered the most beautiful viewpoint near Okuklje.

A hiking tour also includes Okuklje: the Sobra–Saplunara route features a viewpoint above the town. This offers two distinct options: a circular cycling route with specified distance and surface details, and a hiking tour with a viewpoint.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The old town lies close to the modern asphalt road. The access road to Okuklje is winding, and the many bends are also associated with the town’s name. For your orientation, both the old town’s location near the asphalt road and the winding access road are relevant.

Dining and Nautical Information

Restaurant Maestral is considered a family-run business with three generations of culinary tradition, serving Mediterranean cuisine with fish and grilled specialties. The restaurant also helps sailing guests with berthing. The cuisine and services may change; check in advance for the current menu and whether berthing assistance is available.

Agrotourism Baro is associated with the address Okuklje 16. Check before your trip to see whether it is open.

Discover more destinations: Korita, Govedjari, Saplunara, Babino Polje, Prožura, Sobra, Blato, Ropa.

Back to the main travel overview: Mljet.