Croatian Islands

Mljet

Forested island near Dubrovnik with a national park, two saltwater lakes and a monastery on an islet.

Best time to visit

May–June, September

Ideal trip length

1–3 days

Main highlights

Mljet National Park, Great and Small Lake, St Mary’s island

Mljet is a long, forested island north-west of Dubrovnik. Its western part is a national park built around two saltwater lakes, with a Benedictine monastery on a tiny island in the larger one.

Why visit

Walk or cycle the paths around the Great Lake and Small Lake, swim in their warm, calm water and take the boat to St Mary’s island. Outside the park, Saplunara has sandy beaches and Odisejeva špilja is a sea cave you can swim into on a calm day.

Mljet suits nature lovers and anyone looking for a quiet island with few cars.

Where to stay

Pomena and Polače are closest to the national park; Sobra is the main ferry port.

Getting there and around

Catamarans from Dubrovnik stop at Sobra and Pomena in season. The car ferry runs from Prapratno on Pelješac to Sobra.

Parking

Parking is free or cheap in most villages; the park entrances have small car parks.

Day trips

Nearby destinations

  • Bol's stone waterfront square beside the harbour, with moored boats and hills behind the town

    Croatian Islands

    Brač

    The big island opposite Split – Zlatni Rat beach, Vidova Gora and white Brač stone.

  • Korčula Town’s red-roofed old town beside the blue channel, framed by pine trees

    Croatian Islands

    Korčula Island

    A green island in southern Dalmatia with a walled medieval town, white wines and quiet bays.

  • Croatian Islands

    Kornati National Park

    A maze of bare, rocky islands south of Zadar, best seen by boat.

  • Croatian Islands

    Murter

    Island joined to the mainland by a bridge, the gateway to the Kornati National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a ticket for Mljet National Park?

Yes, the ticket covers the park, the boat to St Mary’s island and the lake paths.

Can I visit Mljet from Dubrovnik in a day?

Yes, by catamaran in season.

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