Mljet Nacionalni Park National Park

Address: Mljet National Park, Sobra, 20226, Croatia

Website: http://www.np-mljet.hr/

Hours: Park 8:00am-8:00pm (seasonal variations); visitor centre 8:00am-6:00pm

Admission: Entrance to park: approx. 110 HRK (~$16) for adults; discounts for children and EU citizens may apply

Mljet Nacionalni Park occupies the northwestern part of the island of Mljet in southern Croatia and is designated as a national park. It is noted for its two adjacent saltwater lakes and the small islet with a historic monastery in one of the lakes.

The park’s main attractions are the two connected bodies of saltwater, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, which are ringed by walking paths and viewpoints and are popular for boating, swimming and short hikes. A small Benedictine monastery stands on the islet in Veliko Jezero and is accessible by boat.

The island and its lakes were set aside as a national park to conserve the coastal and marine landscape, along with cultural heritage sites like the monastery; visitor infrastructure focuses on trails, viewpoints and regulated boat access. Recreational and conservation use has been balanced through park management.

Mljet island lies off the Dalmatian coast in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, a short ferry ride from the Peljesac peninsula and the city of Dubrovnik; the landscape combines Mediterranean coastline, forested interior and coastal lagoons.

• Getting around: Boat rentals and short ferry services are commonly used to reach the lakes and the monastery islet; visitors often combine lake walks with cycling on island roads.
• Best time to visit: The park is best visited outside the peak summer boating season for quieter trails; water-level and small-boat conditions vary seasonally.

What to See#

• Saltwater lakes: Two saltwater lakes - Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero
• St. Mary islet (Monastery): Islet with a Benedictine monastery

Regular catamaran and ferry services connect Mljet to Dubrovnik (Gruz harbor) and to Pelješac and Korčula in summer months. From Dubrovnik, the ferry ride takes about 1.5-2 hours. On the island, rent a bicycle or use local buses/taxis to reach the national park at Sobra.

• Arrive by ferry early morning to avoid the day-trip rush from Dubrovnik.
• Rent a bike on Mljet to explore the salt lakes; the west loop around Veliko and Malo Jezero is especially scenic.
• Visit the Benedictine islet monastery on St. Mary's Island late in the afternoon when light softens off the stone walls.