Mljet is known as a “green island” because more than 70% of its surface is covered with forests. The western side of the island is a national park, with two saltwater lakes – Veliko and Malo jezero – as its centerpieces.
About
Mljet is known as a “green island” because more than 70% of its surface is covered with forests. The western side of the island is a national park, with two saltwater lakes – Veliko and Malo jezero – as its centerpieces.
The water in the lakes is warm (25° to 30°C) and their high saline concentration is said to have healing properties, especially for skin diseases and rheumatism. The smaller lake used to be a swamp until the 12th century, when Benedictine monks connected it to the larger lake by a channel. They also built a church and a monastery on St. Mary’s Islet on Veliko jezero.
Traffic
Mljet is easily reached by boat from Dubrovnik and other islands and points on the mainland, either by ferries or excursion boats.
Visit
Odysseus’s cave
Odysseus’s cave, located on the island of Mljet, is a large shaped cave near the beach that is accessed by a 30 meter tunnel. Legend says that this is where Odysseus found his shelter after surviving a shipwreck. It’s said that due to the beauty of the island, he remained there for seven years.
Recreation
Renting a bicycle is an excellent way to explore the national park. You can also rent a small electric car or a paddle boat. Mljet offers some unusual opportunities for diving. There are remains of a Roman ship from the 3rd century and a German torpedo boat from WWII.