Island guide

Mljet

One of Croatia's greenest islands. The western third is a national park with two saltwater lakes connected to the sea. Dense forest, very little development. Better reached from Dubrovnik than Split.

Getting there

Mljet is significantly closer to Dubrovnik than to Split. The car ferry goes to Sobra on the island's east side — from there it is about 15km to the national park. The catamaran to Polače drops you directly at the edge of the park, which makes it the better option if you don't have a car.

From Split, some Jadrolinija services reach Mljet (Sobra) as part of longer routes, but the journey is over 4 hours. If you're coming from Split specifically for Mljet, factor in the travel time.

The national park

The western third of Mljet is a national park, established in 1960. It contains two saltwater lakes — Malo Jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) — connected to each other and to the open sea by narrow channels. The water in the lakes is clear and warm, and swimming in them is part of the reason most visitors come.

A small island in the middle of Veliko Jezero holds a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. You can reach it by small boat from the lake shore — boats run regularly in season. The monastery is still inhabited.

The rest of the island

East of the national park, Mljet is quieter and less visited. Sobra is the main settlement — a working harbour, not a tourist town. Babino Polje is the largest inland village, with a few restaurants and a different character to the park area.

The forest cover across most of Mljet is dense — pine and holm oak — and the island has a different feel to the more open Dalmatian islands. It is also flatter than most, which makes cycling practical.

Practical notes

The national park charges an entry fee in season (included if you arrive by the Polače catamaran — check when booking). Accommodation is limited and books up early for July and August. Most visitors stay in Polače, Goveđari, or Pomena near the park entrance.