How everything started

Prožurska Luka, also known colloquially as Prožurski Porat and in Italian as Porto Chiave, is a village on the island of Mljet in Croatia. Situated on the northern side of the island, it was developed as a fishing port along the coast of the Mljet canal. The inland village of Prožura served as the origin point for the inhabitants who moved to the coast for fishing activities, creating storage facilities for their fishing gear, and repairing their galleys and boats. This development laid the foundation for what would become Prožurska Luka.

Prožura was established when Slavic settlers arrived on Mljet, around the same time as the establishment of Vrhmljeće and Babino Polje. Initially, the inhabitants settled inland but later moved to the coast to better support their fishing activities. They built small warehouses along the shore, which eventually evolved into the settlement of Prožurska Luka (Porta).

Unlike Prožura, which has been continuously inhabited since its founding, Prožurska Luka and nearby Okuklje have been permanently settled only since 1981.

History of the island

Population

Prožurska Luka is a relatively new settlement, having remained uninhabited for a long period due to its vulnerability to pirate attacks. The settlement is now home to local residents who descended to the coast and primarily engage in fishing and tourism. According to the 2001 census, Prožurska Luka had a population of 14 residents.

About konoba "Barba"

Twenty years ago, on the rugged northern coast of Mljet, the doors of The konoba "Barba" swung open for the first time. It was a modest establishment, perched in a bay, its walls adorned with maritime relics and the aroma of freshly caught seafood wafting through the air. The tavern was the brainchild of Hrvoje, a seasoned fisherman with a passion for cooking and a dream of sharing his love for the sea with others.

Hrvoje's recipes were simple but rich in tradition, passed down from his mother and grandmother. He believed in the power of fresh, local ingredients, and his dishes quickly became the talk of the island. The konoba "Barba" was more than just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot where stories were exchanged, laughter echoed, and the community bonded over shared meals.

As the tavern celebrated its twentieth anniversary, it stood as a testament to the family's resilience and dedication. The walls, now filled with photographs and memories, told the story of three generations united by a shared passion. The once modest establishment had grown, but its heart remained the same.

On a warm summer evening, the tavern is alive with activity. The sound of clinking glasses and cheerful chatter filling the air.

The konoba "Barba" was more than just a restaurant; it was a living legacy, a beacon of tradition, family, and the enduring spirit of the sea. And as the sun set over the Mljet Channel, casting a golden glow over the tavern, Hrvoje knew that their family's story would continue to unfold, one delicious meal at a time.