Mljet National Park - Croatia

Mljet National Park - Cast in colour

Located on the isle of Mljet, the national park covers a vast portion of the island and its marine area. It casts an alluring spell with superlative natural beauty and cultural significance.

The park teams with life amidst a landscape characterised by dense Mediterranean forest. Pine and oak evergreens are punctuated by flowers of yellow, pink and white during the warmer months. In addition to the forests are coastal sand dunes, steep and high cliffs and plants growing on coastal reefs. Take a stroll through the park and you are sure to sight basking lizards, migrating birds, and pollinating butterflies of various shades.

The two saltwater lakes (known as the Small and Great Lake) are the park’s bright blue highlights. The interconnecting lakes are also linked to the sea via a narrow waterway. The tide creates playful currents through the connecting canals and refreshes the lakes with sea water. The water temperature tends to be slightly warmer than the sea and is perfect for bathing.

Take a splash in the pristine waters, dry off on the rocks and you will feel as if paradise has been found. Romantics can paddle canoes to the secluded beaches and sea caves. Otherwise take advantage of the extensive walking and bicycle paths that hem the lakes and link the island’s small villages. If you have the energy, venture to Montocuk’s peak for a vantage point with a unique grandstand view of the famed green island framed in blue.

The island boasts a cultural heritage that dates back to mythical Greece. According to legend, the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive here for 7 years. The Benedictine Monastery is the most famous cultural symbol of the park and is located on an island of the island in the Great Lake. The Benedictines lived in this monastery during the 12th century as island custodians in harmony with nature. A ticket to the park includes the ferry ride to the monastery where you can explore or dine at the small restaurant.

The island of Mljet is accessible from anywhere on the Dalmatian coast, including a scenic hour ferry ride from Dubrovnik. The village of Pomena is the closest port to the national park, being only 15 minutes walk away. Pomena has a small range of guesthouses and restaurants, with Hotel Odisej dominating the best part of the coastline.

There’s not a whole lot to do on the island, but relax a moment and you may just be kept spellbound.