Mlini is a sweet little village, just 12km south along the coast of Dubrovnik and another 12km north of Dubrovnik Airport. It is home to a number of hotels and other accommodation offerings, and you may well find yourself based in Mlini if you book a holiday in the Dubrovnik Riviera. The village has a permanent population of under 1000 people.
The village was once home to a number of mills which is how it got its name – mlin in Croatian means mill.
Getting to Mlini
As mentioned, Mlini is a short distance away from Dubrovnik Airport. If you land here, you can easily get a taxi, or an Uber or Bolt vehicle to your accommodation in the village.
If you’re travelling to or from Dubrovnik, you can get local bus number 10 from the main bus station (or at other stops along the way). This bus travels on to Cavtat, so you can also utilise it for visiting this charming place.
It is also possible to transfer from and to Dubrovnik – and Cavtat – by boat. Boat company Adriana Cavtat offers multiple sailings per day, with boats in operation from April to November inclusive.
What to See and Do in Mlini
Mlini isn’t exactly overrun with sights, but that’s okay! It’s the kind of place to relax and enjoy your holiday with plenty of opportunity for beach time each day. One thing you have to make sure you do is to stroll along the seaside promenade in both directions along the coast, stopping off for a cool drink when required. Do also make sure to check out the sweet little harbour.
As we’ve said above, it’s easy to get to Dubrovnik (and Cavtat) from Mlini by boat or bus (or car) so you can easily get your sightseeing fix in those locations.
Beaches
Beaches are the main order of the day if you holiday here. One of the main beaches is Astarea Beach, on which a couple of Mlini’s hotels are located and which is partially restricted to hotel guests. Mlini Beach, in the centre of the village, is a pebble/rocky beach where you can rent loungers and beach umbrellas and which has changing facilities and toilets. Srebreno Beach is another option for a pebble beach and great for families with its shallow waters.
Probably one of the most intriguing beaches in this region is Kupari Beach which is about a 20-minute walk along the shoreline. The mixed pebble and partially sandy beach has a wild feel to it – not least as you’ll be largely surrounded by very much abandoned former luxury hotels. (Kupari used to be a military resort in Yugoslavia – during the war in the 1990s, the hotels were deliberately damaged to become unusable and have been left abandoned ever since.)
Eating and Drinking in Mlini
There’s a good selection of restaurants and cafes here, and you’ll have plenty of choice during your holiday.
Restaurant Marinero is a friendly place with a lovely atmosphere that serves a variety of Dalmatian dishes, the typical meat, pasta and fish/seafood fare.
Basilico Pizza Pasta is a relaxed place that serves huge, tasty pizzas.
Oleandar Bistro & Restaurant is part of the Maistra Hotel complex and has a great setting right by the beach.
Pirates Social Club is absolutely the place to come to if you want cocktails with a gorgeous view!
Accommodation in Mlini
For a spot of luxury, you can’t go wrong with the 5-star Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel. With smart, comfortable rooms, this hotel is right on the beach and has outdoor and indoor pools, a fitness centre and a restaurant and bar.
The 4-star Maistra Select Mlini Hotel is right on the beach and boasts an outdoor pool, a fitness and wellness centre and a children’s playground. Part of the same complex is the 3-star Maistra Select Astarea Hotel, and the 4-star Maistra Select Mlini Villas and Apartments which sleep up to 7 people and come with kitchenettes. Guests can make use of the facilities of the Hotel Astarea too.
For other accommodation options, Mlini is absolutely the kind of place that has a plethora of villas and apartments for rent. Use the search map below to view rentals (and hotels) in the town:
More info
There’s a small Studenac supermarket right in Mlini, or a larger shopping complex – which contains a Super Konzum and a DM pharmacy, amongst other shops, to the west of town.
There are plenty of ATMs in Mlini to withdraw your holiday cash.
You can find out more about Mlini from the Dubrovnik District Tourist Board.