A Guide to Mljet Island and Mljet National Park
Everything you need to know about Croatia’s most underrated island!
Tucked away in the Adriatic Sea, Mljet Island offers a serene Croatian escape, where nature and history intertwine. From its peaceful lakes and lush landscapes to ancient landmarks, the island promises authentic experiences, unique from the more touristy Dalmatian islands, such as Korcula or Hvar. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, Mljet invites you to explore its unspoiled beauty, charming villages, and simple pleasures that make it one of Croatia‘s hidden gems.
5 Things to Do on Mljet Island
The activities listed below offer a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventures on Mljet Island – truly a secluded paradise.
1. Explore Mljet National Park
Definitely the highlight of anyone’s visit to Mljet Island, Mljet National Park is simply unmissable. Wander around the national park’s pristine lakes and lush forests, and visit the picturesque Benedictine monastery on St. Mary’s Island.
Read the full guide below for more details.
2. Visit Odysseus’ Cave
Explore this captivating natural wonder steeped in mythology, believed to have been the entryway to the island for the legendary Greek hero, Odysseus, on his journey home. It’s said that he stayed trapped on Mljet for seven years!
With its impressive entrance carved by the Adriatic waves, the cave’s inner chamber reveals a mesmerizing interplay of light and water, creating an ethereal ambiance that has attracted visitors for centuries.
3. Wander Through the Ruins of the Polače Roman Palace
Located right on Polače’s waterfront, these 5th-century palatial ruins are hard to miss as a road passes right through them!
This well-preserved archaeological site offers a glimpse into the island’s Roman past, allowing visitors to wander through the ruins and imagine the bustling life that once thrived within its walls.
4. Admire the Beautiful Bay at Prožurska Luka
Just 5 km west of Sobra village lies Prožurska Luka’s Bay, a quiet refuge, where fishing boats rest on clear blue waters against a backdrop of green hills. This genuine setting invites you to enjoy local seafood, soak up the sun, and embrace the simple joys of Mljet’s coastal life.
5. Relax at Saplunara Beach:
Unwind on the sandy shores of Saplunara Beach, known for its tranquil ambiance and inviting waters. Fringed by pine trees, this hidden retreat invites you to unwind, bask in the sun’s warmth, and dip into the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in nature’s beauty.
Where to Stay on Mljet Island
On Mljet Island, you’ll find a variety of wonderful places to stay that cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best places to consider:
Pomena
This charming coastal village is near the Mljet National Park and offers a selection of hotels and guesthouses with easy access to the park’s natural wonders.
Polace
Known for its Roman Palace ruins, Polace offers a tranquil setting with waterfront accommodations and traditional guesthouses, providing a glimpse into the island’s history.
Saplunara
If you’re seeking a peaceful beach escape, Saplunara has accommodations near its sandy shores, offering a serene and laid-back atmosphere.
Prozurska Luka
This scenic fishing village boasts a tranquil bay and accommodations that let you experience local coastal life up close.
Remember to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and choose the area that aligns with your desired activities and the type of atmosphere you’re seeking for your Mljet Island experience.
5 Things to See and Do in Mljet National Park
Covering the entire northwest side of the island, Mljet National Park is the island’s main attraction and can’t be missed during your stay. Unlike some of the other national parks I visited in Croatia, like Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park, this one is much more secluded and peaceful. In fact, throughout my visit, I had entire stretches of the park to myself!
1. Explore the Lakes:
The park borders two saltwater lakes: Great Lake (Veliko Jezero), and Small Lake (Malo Jezero) whose intense turquoise waters are the park’s main attractions. The main trail encircles the lakes but you can also spend your time there on the actual lakes themselves! There are kayak and canoe rental places in the park itself, so no need to worry about it beforehand.
2. Visit St. Mary’s Island
Take a boat ride (included in your ticket price) to St. Mary’s Island (Sveta Marija) located within the Great Lake. Explore the shores of the island and admire the fairytalesque 12th-century Benedictine monastery at its center – you can even peek inside the church. The island’s only restaurant ‘Melita’ is also the perfect place to grab lunch before you continue your exploration of the park.
3. Hike the Trails and See Sweeping Vistas
Embark on scenic hikes along well-marked trails that wind through the park’s forests, offering breathtaking views of the lakes and coastline. The Montokuc trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint where you can capture stunning vistas of the Great Lake and the island monastery from above. Climb to the other side and you’ll see the Adriatic Sea as far as the eye can see!
4. Rent a Bike
The easiest and most pleasant way to get around the park is to cycle (you can always park your bike to hike to a viewpoint or hop on the ferry to St Mary’s Island). The paths are quite smooth and level, making the journey pleasant and easygoing.
This is what I opted to do and it made my visit to the park so much nicer as walking would’ve taken triple the amount of time and I probably wouldn’t have been able to see everything that I did. Bicycles are for hire in both Pomena and Polace, or in the park itself.
5. Swim and Relax
The lakes are not just for looking at, you can actually take a dip in them too! One of the best activities for your visit is to enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the lakes, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. Find a serene spot along the shoreline to relax, soak up the sun, and unwind amidst the picturesque setting. Rumor has it that the Great Lake has its very own coral reef which you can snorkel around!
Useful Info
Entry: Pomena and Polace are the two towns that offer gateways to the park, which is why many people (myself included) choose to base themselves there.
Ticket prices:
Jan – May: €9
June – Sep: €25
Oct – Dec: €15
Children from 8-18 and students have a reduced price. Under 7s go free.
Opening hours: Mljet National Park is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm during high season (May 1 – October 31st). During the winter months, it’s advised to call or email ahead.
How to Get to Mljet Island
Mljet Island does not have an airport so the only way to arrive there is by sea. Here are some of the more popular options below:
Dubrovnik to Mljet
There are a few different options if your starting point is Dubrovnik. If you’re a foot passenger you can take one of the catamaran fast ferries which depart from Dubrovnik Ferry Terminal and arrive in either Sobra (all year round with TP Line), Pomena, or Polace (only available from April to October with TP Line, or Krilo/Kapetan Luka). The journey time takes approximately 1:15 – 1:40.
If you want to cross with your car the only option is to drive to Prapratno and take a car ferry from there to Sobra with Jadronlinija Line. You can also choose to do this by foot if you want to arrive at a later time than the catamaran ferries offer, or if there is bad weather and the catamarans have been cancelled. In that case, you can take a bus to Ston or Doli and then a taxi to get to Prapratno.
Split to Mljet
From Split, there are fewer options. You can take a catamaran fast ferry to Pomena (and sometimes Sobra) that departs daily but only from April to October (Krilo/Kapetan Luka). Journey time takes approximately 3 hours.
Unfortunately, there is no direct car ferry from Split. If you’re traveling by car you’ll have to make your way to Prapratno.
Hvar, Brac, Korcula, or Makarska to Mljet
From the other Dalmatian islands and Makarska, it’s quite simple to get to Mljet Island during peak season (April to October). You can take the daily Kapetan Luka catamaran fast ferry to Pomena (or sometimes Sobra) from any of these spots.
Unfortunately, no car ferry is available. Again, you’ll have to make your way to Prapratno.
FAQs about Mljet
Below are some frequently asked questions about Mljet. I tried to be as thorough as possible, but you can always drop me a comment or email if you have a question that wasn’t answered here and I’ll try and get back to you as soon as possible.
Is Mljet worth visiting?
Absolutely! Mljet was one of my favorite islands that I visited during my time in Croatia. The national park was also not only one of my favorite parks, but it was also the cheapest and least crowded of the parks I visited. Mljet is quite special precisely because it’s off-the-beaten-tourist-track, making it seem like a secluded paradise.
How do I get to Mljet Island?
I go into detail about this above in the article, but the short answer is: the only way to get to Mljet is by ferry from Dubrovnik, Split, or one of the nearby islands.
What is Mljet Island known for?
Mljet Island is renowned for the lush National Park which makes up all of its northwest side. The park has two saltwater lakes, lush greenery, hiking trails, and a lake island with an ancient monastery. It’s a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. It’s also famed for being a stop of the legendary Greek hero Odysseus during his epic journey home.
Are there accommodations on Mljet Island?
Yes, Mljet Island offers various accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and private rentals in towns like Sobra, Pomena, Polace, and others. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Stay in Polace or Pomena if you want easy access to the park.
Is Mljet suitable for families?
Mljet can be a great destination for families. The calm lakes, hiking trails, and historical sites provide opportunities for both relaxation and educational experiences for the whole family.
When is the best time to visit Mljet Island?
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Summer (July to August) is also popular but can be busier. During winter it’s basically impossible to get to the park. I went in May and thought it was the perfect time.
Is Mljet Island safe?
Yes! I went as a solo female traveler and couldn’t have felt safer. I walked around town both during the day and during the evening, visited the park alone (and had whole stretches of the park to myself), and never once felt unsafe. As usual, it’s advised to take any precautions you would normally take and, as always, listen to your gut!
Can I rent transportation on Mljet Island?
Yes, you can rent bicycles, scooters, and cars on Mljet Island to explore its attractions at your own pace. Biking and walking are probably the most popular ways to get around.
How long should I stay on Mljet Island?
Most people come on a day trip but I would recommend staying the night (this is what I did) to really be able to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the island – plus you get to see a side of the island that not many people do! 24 hours should be enough time to see everything!