The island of Mljet in Croatia, also called the “green island” by the locals, is one of the most beautiful and wooded islands in the Croatian Adriatic. If you dream of an idyllic holiday in untouched nature and want to enjoy the rich flora and fauna beyond mass tourism, this island is the right place for you. The lush green landscape, picturesque beaches bordered by rugged cliffs, gigantic national parks, vineyards and dense forests turn this island into a true paradise!
For many Croats, the island also has a mystical touch, the nymph Calypso is said to have lived here. The story can be read in Homer’s heroic poem “Odyssey”. Calypso is said to have seduced Odysseus and held him captive in her cave on the south coast of Mljet for seven years. The cave in question can be explored by swimming, but a good piece of advice from Odysseus is: Good bathing shoes are a must!
Mljet is only about 37 kilometers long from the far east to the west, and at its widest point the island measures just 3.2 kilometers. The perfect vehicle for exploring the villages and beaches is a scooter! There are countless providers for this directly at the harbour.
How to get to Mljet
Cheap flights to Dubrovnik can be found for less than 100 euros, depending on the travel period. Then the journey continues from the terminal in Dubrovnik by ferry to Mljet. Another option is to take a speedboat, which will take you to the island in just 90 minutes. The boat trip with stops on other islands offers an adventure in itself even before the arrival of the holiday destination and magnificent views are guaranteed.
Accommodations
Mass tourism has thankfully not yet arrived on the island, so you look in vain for impersonally huge hotel castles. Pretty apartments or holiday homes, also accommodations with their own pool, where you can enjoy your breakfast with a view of the sea, let every day start in a special way.
Excursions on Mljet
Probably the most famous attraction of the island is the 32 km2 national park, which occupies the entire western part of the island. In the middle of the park are the two huge saltwater lakes Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). In Malo Jezero there is a small island that is home to an old Benedictine monastery. The monastery, which has been converted into a hotel, is unfortunately closed again, but the Melita restaurant spoils guests with fresh grilled and fish dishes and on the terrace you can enjoy a very special view of the park. Many day visitors come to the island from Dubrovnik to visit this national park specifically!
Another destination is the oldest settlement from antiquity called Polace, where ruins from the 1st and 6th centuries and a Roman palace can be visited. Babino Polje – Melet’s largest settlement enchants with numerous Renaissance summer houses and a rector’s palace from the 15th century and is also worth a visit! In the former fishing village of Korita, many sacred buildings and churches can be admired, and in Pristaniste you can stroll along the beautiful harbour.
Stunning beaches for pure relaxation
After so many exciting excursions, relaxation should not be neglected! The beautiful beaches are majestically framed by rugged cliffs and create breathtaking memories.
The sandy beach Saplunara at the southernmost tip of the island is located in a spacious bay and exudes Caribbean flair at its best thanks to the parasols made of raffia. The gently sloping water, which almost reaches bathtub temperature in summer at 28 degrees, is perfect for family holidays with children.
Just a few minutes south of Saplunara Beach is Plaža Limuni with coarse-grained sand, the bay is lined with Mediterranean rocky tongues and pine forests, which offer shade, especially around noon.
Sutmiholjska Beach, flanked by imposing rocks on which pine trees are enthroned, impresses above all with its turquoise, crystal-clear water. Since the water gets deep quite quickly and the bottom is stony and rocky, this beach is especially popular with snorkelers.
Culinary specialties
Fish and seafood lovers in particular will get their money’s worth. Fresh fish, octopus, prawns and co. are refined with herbs grown on the island and self-pressed olive oil and products from local goat breeding should definitely be tried! The cozy and romantic taverns on the water invite you to enjoy. And the typical palacinke, which are pancakes with nut, honey, fruit or chocolate filling, give the evening the perfect sweet icing on the cake.
The best time to visit Mljet
From April to November, you are almost guaranteed good weather on Mljet. The warmest months are July and August with just under 30 degrees and the coolest are January and February, with the most rain in February and November. June to September are particularly suitable for swimming.
