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Mljet National Park

Mljet, Dalmatia, Croatia

Monastery on an island surrounded by shallows

Stop by the picturesque 12th-century monastery

Last updated: 26 March, 2024

For those in search of peace and pristine nature, this stunning national park covers one-third of the remote island of Mljet. Besides hiking and mountain biking through magnificent forests of Aleppo pines and holm oaks, you can swim or kayak in two emerald-blue saltwater lakes; one is home to a picturesque islet crowned by a 12th-century monastery.

Unusually, there’s great food too – there are plenty of small waterside restaurants and cafés within the park (most are in Pomena), serving up the famous Mljet lobster, renowned throughout Croatia.

There is only one hotel on the island (the comfortable, three-star Hotel Odisej), but many locals rent out private rooms and apartments to visitors during the summer.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are organised tours to the park, but it is just as easy (and much cheaper) to visit independently. Catch the high-speed catamaran from Dubrovnik’s Gruz harbour, Korcula or Lastovo to Polace on Mljet (June-September).

Day trips by ferry give you up to five hours, or you can stay overnight. Pick up a map at one of the National Park kiosks in Polače or Pomena, where bikes can be hired too; within the park there are marked hiking paths. Kayaks can be hired on the spot at Mali Most, where the two lakes are joined by a narrow channel.

When to do it

The park gets packed out in high season (July to August) with tours from Dubrovnik and Korčula, but most have left by mid-afternoon. Stay overnight and savour a few hours to yourself.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Boat Tour to Mljet National Park & 3 Islands

Dubrovnik

Viator

Join Sea Breeze crew while we travel to our favorite southern Dalmatian islands in our 10hour tour. These breathtaking destinations are sure to wow inspire and amaze any audience. In this boat tour you will have a unique experience exploring some of the most fascinating places near Dubrovnik away from crowds and back into nature. You can stroll, swim, bike or kayak these locations at your own pace and enjoy Croatian culture, nature, and local foods. Our crew can provide excellent tips to create a unique experience for your trip Lopud island - place reservate for first coffe, peacefull exploring of all tresaures. Mljet National Park – Here you can enjoy saltwater lakes to swim, kayak, biking around and enjoy the beautiful scenery Odysseus Cave – Swim under the archway and explore the historically famous cave Beach Priježba – have a brake from all activities and relax on beach with your favourite drink. Blue Cave on Kolocep – Swim and discover the blue cave for the last destination.

Price €135

Min age 5

Rating 4.96 / 5 [299 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full day Private Boat Tour to Elaphite Islands and South Mljet

Dubrovnik

Viator

The Mljet Island is northwest of Dubrovnik. Approximately 45 min by speedboat to reach the South part of the Island where are amazing sandy beaches and bays. Mljet Island is most forested Croatian island with breathtaking sites and views. As Mljet Island is a bit further away form Dubrovnik and not easy accessible by regular routes, it is more authentic, private, preserved. One of last hidden jewels of the Adriatic. With this option you will spend a full day on the sea, relax in nice private bays, go for a swim, snorkel, sunbathe on the boat and take your pick from several amazing restaurants on the islands. At the end of the day, get your camera ready for a breathtaking Adriatic sunset on the boat ride back into town.

Price €740

Min age 0

Rating 5 / 5 [39 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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