Croatia - Mljet National Park

Mljet is the eighth largest Croatian island, located near the Peljesac peninsula, Dubrovnik and Korcula. Like almost all Croatian islands, Mljet is known for its Mediterranean climate, dry summers and mild winters with about 2500 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest Adriatic islands with the island of Hvar. The beautiful nature that the island is rich in, crystal clear sea, lakes, islands, rich cultural heritage is what makes this island truly a paradise on earth for many visitors.

But there is something on the island that makes this island special, and makes Mljet represent another gem that the Croatian archipelago has to offer. It is the national park located on the western side of the island. Mljet National Park is the oldest protected port area in the Mediterranean. Mljet National Park extends over almost 5400 hectares, including a sea area and port at 500 meters from the coast. Two deep bays filled with sea water, so called Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero (small lake and big lake) are the most famous places in this area and are important geological and oceanographic phenomena.

The entire surface of the park is very rich with life, with many endemic and endangered species. Mljet National Park does not disappoint the visitors on the cultural heritage either, thanks to its numerous archaeological finds and the heritage of their ancestors found in the old island settlement. The Benedictine monastery is located in one of the most beautiful places, on the island of St. Mary in the middle of Veliko jezero and is the most visited place in the National Park.

You can visit Mljet National Park by boat from Dubrovnik, Split and Pelješac. The ports of Polače and Pomena are perfect when planning a one-way trip to Dubrovnik from Marina Kremik or Kastela or when simply taking two weeks of sailing and enjoying this paradise at its best.

Romantics can take canoes to the beaches and caves, those looking for an adrenaline rush can participate in the international triathlon race "Mljet Half Ironman" that takes place in the fall.

The ports of Polače and Pomena are connected to Malo and Veliko jezero by footpaths. You can also take a swim, relax in the sun and walk around the lakes and climb the peaks of Montokuc and Veliki Sladin Gradac, from where you will find the finest view and see the whole national park, Pelješac and the sea up to Korcula and Lastovo. Mljet National Park is perfect for visitors looking for a special nature experience enriched with culture, old traditions and of course with the best Mediterranean air.

Mljet is also famous for the "Odyssey cave", located under Babino polje, which is an open cave with collapsed roof and according to the legend is the place where the nymph Calypso kept Odyssey trapped for 7 years.