If you are interested in visiting Dubrovnik and enjoying the rich history and cosmopolitan delights of the city but you are also interested in taking in the incredible natural beauty of Croatia while on holiday in Dubrovnik-neretva, then we highly recommend a visit to the Mljet National Park.
The Mljet National Park is an expansive area of stunning protected natural beauty that encompasses the entire northwestern part of Mljet Island and is located just a stone’s throw from the city of Dubrovnik. Bordered by two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero (Large and Small Lake), and characterised by lush forests juxtaposed against the azure sea, deep blue lakes, and endless skies, its breathtaking beauty, tranquillity, and opportunities for adventure make it an ideal destination for a day trip on vacation in Dubrovnik-neretva.
Designated for protection in 1948, Mljet National Park was granted national park status by the Croatian government in 1960. Today, Mljet offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy within its well-preserved and expertly managed grounds. Both lakes are encircled by well-marked paths, making them perfect for hiking or cycling. These paths provide pleasant shade from the surrounding trees, a welcome relief during the warm summer months. For the most captivating vistas in the area, you could choose, instead, to take one of the paths that lead to the hills, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the Mljet coastline and the park below. Those interested in hiking need only ensure that they wear comfortable shoes while those who prefer cycling, can avail of the various rental facilities that are available in Pomena, Polače, and Mali Most.
At Mali Most, you can additionally rent canoes and kayaks in order to head out and explore by paddling across the lakes. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can even kayak right out to the small islet of Melita in the middle of the large lake where you'll find a sizeable former Benedictine monastery dating back to the 12th century, which now houses a charming café and restaurant. Or, if you’re not quite up to that kind of undertaking (or simply want to take things easy while on vacation in Croatia) then you can simply take a ferry across and enjoy all that the island has to offer without having to work up a sweat!
Continuing with the theme of appreciating the park's natural beauty at a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of options of activities that will allow you to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings and fresh air in a more relaxed manner. For example, Mljet is an ideal place for lazy days of swimming or simply splashing around in the waters and laying out and soaking up the sun. The lake waters are notably warmer than the sea, providing pleasant swimming conditions all the way from April right through to October. And while there are great spots to work on your tan and enjoy the views lakeside, there are also ample shaded areas to allow you do just that while preventing overly excessive sun exposure.
So, if you are looking to make the most of the truly outstanding natural beauty of the country during a holiday in Croatia beyond her more famous and well-loved beaches, then we highly recommend heading on a day-trip to Mljet National Park during your time staying in one of our incredible villas in Dubrovnik-neretva. Offering relaxation, rejuvenation, and the opportunity to revel in the extraordinary natural surroundings, it is an wonderful place. To reach Mljet Island, you can simply take a Jadrolinija ferry from Dubrovnik – either a car ferry (which takes approximately two and a half hours) or a faster catamaran ferry (with a travel time of around ninety minutes).