Visiting Mljet National Park in Croatia

UPDATED: 18.9.2023.

Mljet National Park covers 5.300 hectares of the northwest part of the island of Mljet, located near the Pelješac peninsula on the southern coast of Croatia.

Mljet’s most beautiful landmarks are submerged bays, beaches, sea caves, native species, and archaeological finds. Due to its lush and rich vegetation, Mljet is the greenest Croatian island, which is why its nickname is Zeleni otok (Green island).

In this post, we cover:

• Location
• Reasons to visit
• When to visit
• How to travel
• Tickets and prices
• Solar boats

The facts are these…

Visiting Mljet, a national park in Croatia

Where is Mljet National Park situated in Croatia?

Mljet National Park is on the northwest part of the island of Mljet. The park covers about one-third of the island, and it is the southernmost national park in Croatia.

[Read: National parks in Croatia PLUS detailed visitor guides]

Why you should visit Mljet National Park

#1 Mljet’s forests

90% of the park is covered by forest, most of which is alepski bor (Aleppo pine), a tree that can reach up to 20 meters high. Hrast crnika or česmina (Holm oak) is also very common.

#2 Great and Small lake

Veliko jezero (Great lake) and Malo jezero (Small Lake) are deep sea bays formed by rising sea levels. They were once karst sinkholes filled with freshwater. Now, they are filled with seawater.

#3 Rich fauna

In addition to the many native invertebrates that live in Mljet’s caves and pits, snakes, lizards, mammals, and a lot of bird species also live here. Small songbirds such as zeba (finch), crvendać (robin), kos (blackbird), slavuj (nightingale), and others populate the dense pine forests.

#4 Isle of Saint Mary

Sveta Marija (Sveta Marija) is a smaller island that sits within the Great Lake. On this island is a Benedictine monastery where you will find the Church of Saint Mary, built in the 12th century.

Tickets for nacionalni park Mljet include a return boat ride to the Isle of Saint Mary and a visit to the Benedictine monastery. The boat rides every hour from Mali most and Pristanište. It is also possible to rent a canoe or a kayak.

When to visit Mljet National Park in Croatia

You can visit Mljet year-round. Every season brings its own beauty to the park.

During high season (May 1 to October 31), nacionalni park Mljet is open all day. During the winter (November 1 to April 30), arrival announcements are necessary.

You can announce your arrival by calling +385 (0)20 744 041 or sending an email to turizam@np-mljet.hr.

How to get to Croatian Mljet National Park

There are three official entrances to the Mljet National park:

• Pomena
• Polače
• Vrbovica

You can arrive on the island by:

• Your own vessel
• Catamaran from Dubrovnik to Polače (Dubrovnik – Lastovo line)
• Catamaran from Split to Pomena (Split – Dubrovnik line)
• Catamaran from Split to Sobra (Split – Dubrovnik line)
• Ferry from Prapratno (Pelješac) to Sobra (Mljet)

[Read: Guide to ferry and boat travel in Croatia]

Arriving by your own vessel

It is possible to arrive at NP Mljet by your personal vessel. The price of the vessel’s entrance ticket depends on the vessel’s size.

[Read: How to import and register a boat in Croatia]

How to buy tickets for NP Mljet, Croatia

National park tickets can be purchased:

• Upon arrival at the park
• Online at the NP Mljet’s webshop here

The price list for NP Mljet is available here.

The price list for vessels is available here.

Organized tours for NP Mljet

If you’d like to hire a tourist guide for an individual or group visit, email turizam@np-mljet.hr before you come to the island. One group can contain from 10 to 35 people.

Organized tours include standard sightseeing, half-day guided tours, full-day guided tours, VIP tours, walking tours, and cycling tours. Tours are available in Croatian, English, and German.

Mljet’s solar boats

Nacionalni park Mljet has solar-powered catamarans produced by Croatian startup company iCat. They are used to transport passengers all over the park. This method of transport is quick, inexpensive, and comfortable while protecting the park’s environment.

The catamarans use solar energy collected through solar panels installed on the boat’s roof. Their solar batteries will last approximately 15 years, and their capacity is 54 passengers. These boats do not make noise, so that you can enjoy the park without disturbance.

Visit other Croatian national parks

• Brijuni National Park
• Kornati National Park
• Krka National Park
• Northern Velebit National Park
• Paklenica National Park
• Plitvice National Park
• Risnjak National Park

Source:
Nacionalni park Mljet