MLJET
emerald-green-paradise-mljet
MLJET
Mljet island
Mljet is one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. It offers unspoiled nature, fascinating history, rustic villages and delightful beaches. Located just south of the Pelješac Peninsula, Mljet is a true emerald-green paradise.
Locals and visitors often call it the Green Island. Dense Aleppo pine forests cover much of the landscape, stretching from the coastline to the island’s highest points.
According to local accounts, people brought Aleppo pine to Mljet from the eastern Mediterranean before the time of Christ. Today, the trees fill the air with a distinctive scent, especially noticeable to first-time visitors.
The island’s main attraction is Mljet National Park, which covers its western part. Here, visitors can enjoy pristine landscapes and protected natural surroundings. At the heart of the park, two beautiful saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, shimmer in shades of blue and turquoise.
A small island called St. Mary sits in the middle of Veliko Jezero. It is home to a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 12th century. Meanwhile, thick forests surround the lakes, with olive groves, vineyards and peaceful settlements adding to the scenery.
MLJET
National Park Mljet
Mljet National Park ranks among Croatia’s eight national parks. Therefore, it deserves a place on your sailing itinerary.
You can visit the park throughout the year. However, summer attracts the largest number of visitors. During this season, the lakes offer excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in clear, turquoise water.
Before entering the park, visitors must purchase an entrance ticket. You can buy tickets at kiosks in Sobra, Pomena or Polače.
The park surrounds two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. Together, they stretch across a beautiful landscape of forests and coastal scenery.
In the middle of Veliko Jezero, you’ll find the small island of St. Mary, also known as Melita. A former Benedictine monastery, built in the 12th century, stands on the island.
Today, the monastery houses a café and restaurant. You can also reach the island by boat from the shores of the lake. If you enjoy exploring Croatia’s natural wonders, consider visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in northern Croatia as well.
MLJET
What to visit
Goveđari
Goveđari is a historic village within Mljet National Park. Historical documents trace its origins to the medieval period.
On 8 April 1793, Benedictine monks and representatives of the monastery signed an agreement concerning the settlement of fields in the Pomjenta area. Over time, families from Babino Polje also settled in the village, including the Hajdić, Stražičić, Matana and Sršen families.
The village connects the surrounding countryside with the areas near Polače and Veliko Jezero. Nearby, you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas, built in the early 20th century.
Interestingly, Goveđari is the only settlement within the national park that does not lie directly by the sea.
Polače Roman Palace
Polače lies on the northern coast of western Mljet. Its large, sheltered bay ranks among the island’s most attractive anchorages.
Four small islands — Tajnik, Moračnik, Ovrata and Kobrava — help protect the bay from the open sea. As a result, sailors and yachtsmen often choose Polače as a peaceful place to anchor.
The bay measures approximately 5.6 kilometres in length and 4 kilometres in width. Polače also serves as one of Mljet’s ferry ports, with passenger catamarans connecting the island to Dubrovnik.
The village has just over a hundred permanent residents. Nevertheless, visitors can find several restaurants and cafés, along with a shop selling basic supplies.
Swimming in Okuklje
Okuklje is a charming little bay on Mljet’s northern shore. During summer, visitors come here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and clear Adriatic waters.
The bay also provides a popular anchorage for sailors travelling along the coast towards Dubrovnik. Its sheltered position makes it a useful stop when the weather turns unsettled.
Facing the Croatian mainland, Okuklje has a relaxed seaside atmosphere. You’ll find holiday houses, apartments, restaurants and cafés throughout the village.
Moreover, the surrounding coastline offers plenty of places to swim and relax. If you prefer exploring on foot, the nearby hills provide scenic hiking routes and beautiful views across the channel.
Snorkelling in Veliko Jezero
The waters of Veliko Jezero hide a fascinating natural feature: the Mljet coral reef. If you enjoy snorkelling, this underwater habitat is worth discovering.
Within Mljet National Park, the reef features Cladocora caespitosa, a species of stony coral found in the Mediterranean. This coral has existed in Mediterranean waters for millions of years.
The reef in Veliko Jezero covers an area of approximately 650 square metres. It lies at depths of around 4 to 18 metres and represents an important natural habitat.
However, rising sea temperatures threaten the survival of Mediterranean coral ecosystems. Responsible visitors can help protect these fragile environments by avoiding contact with the reef and respecting the surrounding marine life.
Odysseus Cave
According to local legend, the Greek hero Odysseus found shelter on Mljet after a violent storm wrecked his ship near the island. The story says he swam to shore and discovered a cave where he could escape the raging sea.
For centuries, this legend has connected Mljet with the world of ancient Greek mythology. The cave remains one of the island’s most intriguing attractions.
The area also once provided a natural habitat for the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s rarest marine mammals.
Babino Polje offers one of the easiest routes to Odysseus Cave. From the village, a path leads through vineyards and olive groves towards the turquoise sea.
You can reach the cave from land by descending a set of steep steps. Alternatively, confident swimmers can enter from the sea when conditions allow.
During summer, sunlight around midday creates spectacular shades of blue in the water. As a result, the cave offers a memorable stop for visitors exploring Mljet by boat.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who have visited Mljet and dream of returning, and those who have yet to fall in love with the green paradise of the South Adriatic.
There are only two kinds of people on the planet; those who visited the island of Mljet and dream about returning and those who have yet to fall in love with the “green forest” of the South Adriatic.
