National Park Mljet - Magical Places in Croatia

Mljet Island is situated in South Dalmatia, northwest of Dubrovnik city. They are connected with regular ferry boat lines. 

You can easily reach it by excursion boats from Hvar and Korcula islands, the Peljesac peninsula, and from mainland cities Dubrovnik, Makarska, and Split.

If you're looking for a villa in the Mljet area, we have some in Dubrovnik and Korcula that are perfect for a day trip to National Park Mljet.

About the Mljet Island

Beautiful Air view of Mljet Island by www.np-mljet.hr

Mljet is the most forested island in the Adriatic Sea. This national park has the oldest preserved Aleppo pine tree forest.

The water from salt lakes pours in and out from one to another and into the sea through cracks in the surrounding soil.

Why You Should Visit National Park Mljet

National Park Mljet is on the northern side of Mljet Island. It's surrounded by two salt lakes, Veliko (Large) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake).

We recommend Mljet National Park for adventurous people who enjoy amazing natural sceneries. Bike routes, hiking routes, kayaking, scuba diving, and swimming are just some activities you can do while visiting Mljet on holiday with your family and friends.

The Nature Park Mljet by www.np-mljet.hr

One of the best ways to explore Mljet is by renting a bike, kayak, or canoe. Renting a kayak or canoe would allow you to paddle the lakes yourself. You could even take yourself to the Isle of St. Mary.

If you love untouched nature, visit and explore this beautiful island.

The Island is often called “the most seductive island of the Adriatic”, even Prince Charles visited the Island twice.

One of the amazing Beaches on Mljet by VIPHolidayBooker

You can find beautiful beaches on the island of Mljet. One of them even made it in the Top 5 beaches in Croatia according to the Guardian- the beach Blace, you can read more about it in our Blog- Top 5 Beaches in Croatia according to The Guardian. Other popular beaches on Mljet are Vela Saplunara, Mala Saplunara, and Sutmiholjska.

Attractions and Activities in National Park Mljet

Apart from the breathtaking nature you can see on Mljet Island, there are many things you can do while exploring. 

St. Mary`s Isle by www.np-mljet.hr

Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (Big Lake and Small Lake) are the most popular attractions on the island.

On a small islet, in the middle of Large Lake, there is a small Church of Our Lady, dating back to the 12th century- the Benedictine monastery. 

There are shaded paths around both lakes, ideal for cycling and hiking. The water in the lakes is warmer than in other parts of the Adriatic Sea, and you can swim and sunbathe here from April to October. Cars and other motorized vehicles are forbidden in Mljet National Park.

Small Lake (malo jezero) by www-np-mljet.hr

The Monastery today is known as the Restaurant Melita, an ideal spot for refreshments for guests. 

Some of our other recommendations for restaurants on Mljet Island are Restaurant Maestral and Konoba (Tavern) Herc.

Odysseus Cave by VIPHolidayBooker.com

One of the top tourist attractions of Mljet National Park is Jama, better known as the Odysseus Cave, close to the town Babino Polje. 

According to the legend, Odysseus was shipwrecked and took shelter in this cave. Nymph Calypso charmed him and he stayed on Mljet Island for seven years before the gods released him.

Odysseus cave from the inside by VIP Holiday Booker

Some historians believe that, by describing Ogygia, Homer actually wrote about the island of Mljet. Others doubt that. Whatever the answer is, a cave bearing the name of Odysseus still stands there carved in stone.

You can reach this cave by a small boat or a kayak. Also, you can hike down to the sea (although steep steps will be encountered) and swim inside the cave yourself.

Roman Palace in the city Polace by www.np-mljet.hr

You can also visit the town Polace, and see the remains of the Roman palace. The palace was built in the 5th century on the remains of a settlement built three centuries earlier, for the needs of a Roman dignitary on the property of the Empire, which enclosed Mljet until the end of the 12th century.

How to Get to Mljet Island

There are many different ways to get to the Island, depending on whether you travel by car or not, and from where you are coming.

If you are traveling without a car, you can get to Mljet from Dubrovnik:

• From Dubrovnik you can travel with the Kapetan Luka Catamaran service. You can go from Dubrovnik to Sombra. The catamaran service from Dubrovnik to Sobra sails to Korcula, Makarska, Bol on Brac Island, and Split. This route runs daily from mid-June to mid-September.
• Dubrovnik - Pomena stops in Korcula, Hvar Town, and Milna on Brac Island. The route runs from the end of April to the end of October.
• Dubrovnik - Polace.

You can get to Mljet from Split and Korcula with Kapetan Luka Catamarans.

If you are traveling by car you have car farriers from Peljesac Peninsula to Sobra with Jadrolinija.  This ferry runs several times a day and has a journey time of 45 minutes, it is the only option available for reaching the island of Mljet if you have your own car.

I hope the tips in this blog help you and make you want visit the Island and the National Park Mljet. I guarantee you will have the best time and not want to leave!