Blaca Beach, also known as Limuni, derives its name from the Croatian word 'blato' meaning 'mud,' though the beach itself features pristine sandy sections rather than muddy conditions—the name more likely references historical marshland further inland from the shoreline. Located in Saplunara on the remote eastern end of Mljet Island in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, approximately 13.5 nautical miles west of Dubrovnik, the beach sits outside the boundaries of Mljet National Park. Saplunara has long served as a quiet fishing settlement, with Blaca Bay positioned just south of the larger Saplunara Bay around a rocky headland. The beach's development remained minimal throughout the 20th century, preserving its natural character even as tourism expanded elsewhere in Croatia during the 1970s and 1980s. The bay's distinctive mushroom-shaped geography creates natural shelter from northern winds while maintaining exposure to southern breezes, contributing to its reputation as a secluded paradise for naturists and solitude-seekers. The beach's remote location at the island's extremity, accessible only by foot or boat, has protected it from mass tourism and commercial development, maintaining an authentic Mediterranean coastal wilderness experience that contrasts sharply with Croatia's more developed Adriatic destinations.
Blaca Beach excels as a destination for naturists, snorkelers, and swimmers seeking pristine natural conditions and complete privacy. The beach features a mixture of sand and smooth pebbles, with crystal-clear waters that remain exceptionally clean due to limited visitor numbers and the absence of nearby development. The beach's southern exposure ensures sunshine from dawn until sunset, creating ideal conditions for sunbathing throughout the day and spectacular evening light for photographers. The underwater environment offers excellent snorkeling opportunities with rocky reefs extending from the bay's edges, hosting diverse Mediterranean marine life including sea urchins, octopuses, damselfish, and various wrasse species. Open water swimmers appreciate the sheltered bay for distance swimming, with calm conditions prevailing during most summer days. The beach remains completely undeveloped with no facilities, services, or shade structures—visitors must bring all supplies including water, food, and sun protection. The 15-minute clifftop walk from Saplunara village provides the only land access, following a scenic coastal path through Mediterranean scrubland with panoramic views of the Adriatic and neighboring islands. The beach's isolation attracts those seeking to disconnect from modern life, with many visitors spending entire days swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the natural surroundings without encountering crowds.
While Blaca Beach itself offers no dining facilities due to its wilderness character, the nearby village of Saplunara, approximately 15 minutes' walk along the coastal path, provides several restaurants and cafes serving traditional Dalmatian coastal cuisine. Konoba Saplunara specializes in fresh seafood with grilled John Dory with Swiss chard and potatoes (120 kuna), black risotto made with cuttlefish ink (95 kuna), and octopus salad with olive oil and parsley (85 kuna). Restaurant Odisej offers Mediterranean dishes including peka (traditional Croatian oven-baked lamb or octopus under a metal dome, 140 kuna per person, requires 2-hour advance order), grilled sea bream with grilled vegetables (110 kuna), and homemade fuži pasta with truffles (100 kuna). Beach Bar Saplunara provides casual beachfront dining with grilled sardines (60 kuna), Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese platters (75 kuna), and Croatian craft beers and local wines (25-40 kuna). PineTree Resort Restaurant caters to resort guests and beach visitors with seafood risotto (95 kuna), grilled calamari with lemon (80 kuna), and Greek salads with Croatian feta cheese (55 kuna). The small grocery store in Saplunara allows visitors to purchase provisions for beach picnics, though most choose to walk back to the village for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants before returning to Blaca for afternoon swimming.
