The park contains the oldest Benedictine monastery in the Adriatic, founded in the 12th century.
The two saltwater lakes were originally freshwater until the Benedictine monks dug a passage to the sea in the 12th century.
A small islet named Melita sits in the middle of the Great Lake and is entirely occupied by the monastery complex.
The park is home to a population of small grey mongooses, introduced in the early 20th century to control the island's snake population.
Underwater caves and coral formations characterize the surrounding marine section of the national park.
The island is traditionally identified as Ogygia, the legendary home of the nymph Calypso from Homer's Odyssey.
Mljet National Park covers the western third of Mljet Island, Croatia, encompassing two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero. The park is characterized by dense Aleppo pine and evergreen oak forests surrounding these inland lakes. A 12th-century Benedictine monastery sits on the islet of St. Mary, located within the larger Veliko Jezero. The park's interior is connected to the open sea via a narrow canal, creating a unique marine ecosystem. Visitors access the park primarily through the Pomena or Polače ports. The island maintains a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The park area includes various hiking and cycling paths that navigate through limestone terrain and coastal shrubland.
The elevated viewpoint above the Great Lake, offering a panoramic view of the monastery islet.
Rent a bicycle near the lake entrances to cover the trail network efficiently.
Bring swimming gear to enjoy the distinctively warm, buoyant salt water of the lakes.
Carry sufficient sun protection and water, as shade on the trails can be intermittent.
Attempting to hike the entire park perimeter without adequate preparation or water supplies.
Open year-round, though ferry schedules and some services reduce significantly during the off-season winter months.
Maintain silence near the monastery; do not remove flora or fauna from the protected area.
