Find the Secrets of Odysseus
In the Adriatic Sea among the Dalmation isles off the coast of Croatia, Mljet is a quiet, transfixing island with historic attraction. According to legend, Odysseus stayed with Calypso on Mljet during his return from the Trojan War. The 22-mile-long, 2-mile-wide island is green along its coast and hills, with a national park comprising a third of the island. It's a secret oasis for Europeans yet accessible from the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

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ISLANDS contributing editor Jeff Greenwald and photographer Matthieu Paley recently visited Mljet to see for themselves what has attracted travelers here throughout the ages. A native guide named Marijana showed Jeff the island as a local sees it, including hikes across the countryside, a celebration with the Croatian liqueur called rakija, and an exploration of the mythical cave said to have held Odysseus for seven years. Read the full story.

Ferry to Mljet after a flight to Dubrovnik (DBV), Croatia, on Lufthansa. jadrolinija.hr; lufthansa.com

Stay on Mljet in the Pomena harbor in the heart of the Mljet National Park at Hotel Odisej. hotelodisej.hr

See Odysseus' Cave, the mythical spot where the famed traveler is said to have been imprisoned by Calypso for seven years. To see one possible route of Odysseus' legendary journey, click here.

Visit Babino Polje, the quaint village near Odysseus' Cave and home to ISLANDS' guide for this Mljet exploration.

Relax on Saplunara, on the eastern tip of the island, to enjoy Mljet's only sand beaches.

Explore the Croatian island of Korcula.