Mljet
Mljet Island is situated a couple of hours boat ride east from Korcula towards Dubrovnik. The Mljet National Park includes a western part of this green and tranquil island. The Park is characterised by two deep bays which are called lakes due to their narrow passages to the open sea (Veliko and Malo jezero/ the Great Lake and the Small Lake). Both lakes are surrounded by dense Mediterranean vegetation. There is a tiny island in one of the lakes, called Melita (St Mary’s. Mljet), with 12th-century Benedictine monastery. There is a lot of legends connected with this island – one of them is that Mljet was the holiday destination of Greek hero Ulysses! Mljet island lays parallel to Croatian coast, 24 miles southwest of Dubrovnik. The western side of the island is a national park covering about 30% of the island. Proclaimed as National Park in 1960, it includes two saltwater lakes, dense pine forests and small islet of St Mary’s.
National Park:
The National Park Mljet was established in the early sixties of last century. It covers about 30 square kilometres of the area on the western bit of Island MLJET, which is about 1/3 of the Island. It consists of two natural salt lakes (Veliko and Malo jezero) that are interconnected by a narrow channel. Veliko jezero (Large Lake) covers the area of 1,5 square kilometres. Malo Jezero (Small Lake) is about 1/4 of square kilometres. The salinity of the water in the lakes is a bit lower than in the sea, due to the intake of fresh waters. The temperature of the Lakes is usually higher than open sea temperatures for about 4 degrees centigrade. Due to these details, Veliko and Malo Jezero are popular places for visitors to swim in. Both lakes are surrounded by dense old pine forest. In the middle of Veliko Jezero, there is a little island called Melita where the Benedictine monastery is located.
Things To Do on Mljet:
Take a boat ride across the Veliko Jezero lake to the Benedictine monastery on St. Mary’s Islet, visit Roman palace remains in Polace village, walk, cycle or kayak around the lakes, enjoy the islands beaches, forests and lovely scenery. The are plenty of footpaths and several hiking trails around the island, mostly within a National Park.
If you have your snorkelling kit, you can enjoy observing local sea life or if you are after scuba diving, there are some good diving locations there too – check www.aquatica-mljet.hr.
You can swim and bathe on numerous swimming spots around the island, while two popular sandy beaches are located on the eastern part of the island, outside National Park.
Mljet is a popular stopover spot for sailors of all kind. The anchorage is allowed, the safest one being in Pomena. The nearest fully equipped marina is in Dubrovnik.
Getting to Mljet:
Mljet National Park is easily reached from Dubrovnik and neighbouring islands as well as from Prapratno on the Pelješac Peninsula which is the nearest point and the quickest connection (45 minutes ferry ride). There are regular ferries to Mljet from Split, Brac, Hvar, Korcula and Lastovo – Check all ferries to Mljet here.
See also local buses info, schedules and prices
Day-trips to Mljet:
Day trips and excursions to Mljet are offered by numerous travel agents in Dubrovnik and Korcula. Guided excursions usually last from morning to late afternoon and are services by speedboats or conventional, romantic schooners. They include a local guide and national park entry fees.
Entry fees to Mljet National Park:
Admission tickets to the national park currently cost 100 Kuna and include 15 minutes boat ride to St. Mary’s islet. You can buy your ticket in Pomena or Polace entry points.
Accommodation on Mljet:
There is plenty of private accommodation on the island (private rooms and apartments), one hotel (Hotel Odisej) and several camping sites.
Food:
Mljet is known for its excellent fish restaurants / konoba dotted along the bays of Prožurska Luka, Polace and Pomena, offering fresh lobsters, fish and other seafood.
More information:
- visit National Park official site www.np-mljet.hr to find more details about the Park.
- once there, visit Mljet National Park visitors information centre – address: Pristanište 2, 20226 Govedari; tel: 020-744 041, Croatia; where you can get printed info, maps and brochures about visiting the Park.
Mljet hotels:
Villa Lucija Only 10 metres from the sea in the scenic Polace Bay, the Villa Lucija can be found amid the Island National Park. All rooms have a private bathroom and there is free private parking on site. Prices from €57.00 – Number of rooms: 10 – Check Villa Lucija, Mljet availability
Atlas Hotel Odisej Set in the National Park on Mljet Island, Hotel Odisej is located on the beach of Pomena. It is entirely air-conditioned and houses a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is available. The beach features a children’s pool, a beach bar and a diving centre. Prices from €52.00 – Number of rooms: 157 – Check Atlas Hotel Odisej, Mljeti availability- For alternative accommodation check also Camping on Mljet info
Photos:
Walking and cycling are allowed all around National Park Mljet. Some parts of the Nationa Park can be reached by car too. National Park Mljet offers a lot of silence and numerous isolated spots to be enjoyed.
- Not to be missed on Mljet – Saplunara Beach and Bay – unusual bay located on the southeast end of the island Mljet – a longish bay with an unusual shape, with two sandy beaches – Large and Small Saplunara, surrounded by a thick pine tree forest. Read more about the Island of Mljet at Mljet Travel Guide
- Peljesac Peninsula – with village Prapratno where ferry sails to/from Mljet – check all ferries to Mljet Island – to Sobra ferry port and Polace ferry port