National Park Mljet
Mljet National Park is a beautiful national park located on the island of Mljet in Croatia. It is one of Croatia's eight national parks and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including thick forests and saltwater lakes. Here are some key features and attractions of Mljet National Park:
Two Saltwater Lakes: The park's best feature is the pair of saltwater lakes, known as Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Veliko Jezero is larger and has a small island called St. Mary's Island with a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. Visitors can take a boat to the island and explore its historic buildings.
Mljet island
St. Mary's Benedictine Monastery: St. Mary's Island, located within Veliko Jezero, has a picturesque Benedictine monastery and a church. The monastery has a historical museum that includes artifacts and provides insight into the island's history.
The natural beauty of Mljet
How to get to Mljet from Dubrovnik?
Mljet is a beautiful island located in the south of Croatia. To get to Mljet from Dubrovnik, you have a few transportation options:
Ferry from Dubrovnik to Mljet (Sobra or Pomena)
The most common way to reach Mljet from Dubrovnik is by taking a ferry. There are two ports on Mljet where you can arrive at Sobra and Pomena. Ferries usually depart from the Dubrovnik port called Gruz. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the coastline and islands along the way.
Catamaran from Dubrovnik to Mljet (Pomena)
Catamarans are faster than regular ferries and are operated by companies like Krilo and Jadrolinija. The catamaran from Dubrovnik to Mljet usually goes directly to the port of Pomena on the western side of the island.
Car Rental and Drive to Prapratno (Pelješac Peninsula)
Another option is to rent a car in Dubrovnik and drive to the town of Prapratno on the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. From Prapratno, you can take a car ferry to Sobra on Mljet. Several departures are available during the day. The journey takes around 45 minutes and you disembark in the port of Sobra on Mljet island.
Odysseus Cave on Mljet
What to do on Mljet?
Mljet is a beautiful island, known for its stunning natural beauty and lush landscapes. Here are some things you can do on Mljet:
- Explore Mljet National Park: The island is home to Mljet National Park, which covers a large portion of the island. You can check out the park's clean lakes, dense forests, and walking paths. The two saltwater lakes, Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, are really popular. You can swim, kayak, and even take a boat to St. Mary's Island to see a 12th-century monastery.
- Visit Odysseus' Cave: According to legend, the famous Greek hero Odysseus was stranded on Mljet for seven years. You can visit Odysseus' Cave, which is located on the southern coast of the island. It is a beautiful sea cave with crystal-clear waters, and you can even swim inside the cave.
- Explore the Villages: The island has charming villages like Pomena and Polače where you can experience the local culture, enjoy fresh seafood at seaside restaurants, and walk through historic streets.
- Try Local Cuisine: Be sure to try the local cuisine, which often includes fresh seafood, olive oil, and locally grown ingredients. You can enjoy traditional Dalmatian dishes at restaurants and konobas (taverns) across the island.
- Visit Roman Ruins: Mljet has some ancient Roman ruins, including a Roman palace and a Roman villa. These archaeological sites provide insight into the island's history.
Mljet beach
Beaches on Mljet
Here are some popular beaches for sunbathing and swimming on Mljet.
Saplunara Beach: Saplunara Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mljet. It is located on the southeastern tip of the island and is known for its fine sand and shallow, clear waters. This beach is great for families with children and those looking for a relaxing day by the sea. There are a few beach bars and restaurants nearby.
Blace Beach: Blace Beach is another beautiful beach on Mljet, situated on the western side of the island. It offers a mix of pebbles and sandy areas and it is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
Prozura Beach: Prožura is a small village on the island's northern coast, and it has a charming pebble beach where you can enjoy some peace and tranquility.
Crystal clear sea on Mljet
Restaurants on Mljet
For eating out we recommend the following restaurants:
- Restaurant Maestral is located in the village of Okuklje on the northeastern coast of the island and is a family-run restaurant serving fresh seafood, local wine, and other Croatian specialties.
- Tavern Herc in Pomena is highly recommended for those having time to enjoy the sea view and slow food. Their recipe for success is its tasty sea bass, grilled squid, and octopus.