Mljet National Park Croatia – 5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting

Top Overnight and Day-Trip Cruises to Mljet

One of the easiest, most comfortable ways to reach Mljet is by a small ship cruise as large cruise ships cannot fit into the small, charming port. Lucky for us, Mljet was a stop on our recent 7- Day Cruise Aboard the Adriatic Princess from Dubrovnik.

If you prefer regular-size cruiseliners be sure to check out the latest deals for Dubrovnik cruises.

Most of our local Croatian friends have never visited the island, as logistically it is that hard to reach. Without this tour, we probably would have never been able to explore one of Croatia’s most unique and picturesque islands.

Where to Stay on Mljet

There are a number of guesthouses and apartment rentals to stay at on the island of Mljet. However, the best places to stay are inside the boundary of the national park. Below are a few recommendations.

🏣 Budget: Guesthouse Pavla (on the lake) or Guesthouse Sanela (overlooks the harbor)
🏘️ Mid-Range: Apartments Linda (modern & clean) or Apartments Slavica (sea views)
🏨 Luxury: Apartment Glavica (swimming pool) or Villa Klacina (amazing!!!)

5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Mljet

This guide offers five great tips for travelers looking to get the most from their trip to Mljet. To summarize, the five things you need to know before visiting Mljet National Park are:

1. It Has a Geological Wonder—St. Mary Island!
2. Swimming in the National Park Is Allowed
3. Tito Had a Luxury Home Here
4. Bike Rentals Are Available
5. Mljet is Difficult to Reach

1. It Has a Geological Wonder! St. Mary Island

Most tourists visit Mljet National Park to set foot on the island within the island. From personal experience, it is quite a peculiar feeling to take a boat to an island, only to take yet another boat to visit another island.

The ferry ride to St. Mary Island begins where the Small Lake and Great Lake meet. The two saltwater lakes are filled by a narrow passage between the open sea and the Great Lake. Consequently, the Small Lake becomes filled from a small channel between it and the Great Lake.

On the island of St. Mary sits an old Benedictine monastery. The 12th-century monastery is an impressive structure with a 15th-century fresco of Jesus.

However, the truly fascinating story may be hidden in time. It is speculated that St. Mary Island is where St. Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked, during the 1^st century, on his journey from Caesarea Maritima (today’s Israel) to Rome. This highly controversial topic gets quite detailed, but the possibility of St. Paul visiting this small island makes this excursion an even more extraordinary experience.

2. Swimming in the National Park Is Allowed

Typically in National Parks, no swimming is allowed. However, visitors to Mljet National Park can go swimming in both lakes. During the summer, the small lake is a few degrees warmer than the big lake and the big lake is a few degrees warmer than the sea.

Head to the small lake for bragging rights to say you’ve swum in a lake within a sea. So when visiting, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!

3. Tito Had a Luxury Home Here

Be sure to view President Tito’s house on the Great Lake. Josip Broz Tito may have been a controversial leader, but he did have great taste in real estate. If Tito chose to live there, you know it was fabulous. If the Brijuni Islands were his place to party, then Mljet was his place to relax and get away from it all.

4. Bike Rentals Are Available

It is helpful to know that there are bike rentals available on the island. A bicycle can make touring the grounds much more appealing and enjoyable.

There are 14 kilometers of mostly flat, paved paths. It is nearly impossible to cover the entire distance in one day without a bike. Bike rentals cost about USD 15 per day. You’ll find the bike rental stand next to the ferry in Polače.

5. Mljet is Difficult to Reach

Despite its beauty, unfortunately, most people visiting Croatia never make it to Mljet. To reach the island, the majority of travelers must take a ferry there and back in one long day. Many tourists don’t have the luxury of giving up a full vacation day to make this excursion.

With the long ferry ride, both back and forth from Dubrovnik, a day trip here may feel extremely rushed. A great alternative is to take a private speed boat or go on a private tour. Select one from the list below.

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