Parks and Beaches on Island Mljet
Mljet national park and numerous beaches makes this island a true paradise for nature lovers and people that wish for some peace and tranquillity in their lives. The most popular sandy beach on Mljet is Saplunara.
Mljet National Park is the main attraction on Island Mljet and one of the most popular nature day trips from Dubrovnik. The park protects the island’s north-western area, centred on two connected saltwater lakes - Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake, with shaded trails, calm swimming spots, and straightforward routes that work well even if you only have a few hours.
Most visits focus on an easy lakes circuit and a short boat crossing to St. Mary islet (Sv. Marija) in Veliko Jezero, where the Benedictine monastery complex is located. Tickets are designed around this core experience and also cover access to marked walking trails, including routes to viewpoints such as Montokuc and Veliki Gradac.
For practical planning, aim to enter via Pomena or Polače (the most convenient bases for the lakes area). If you are arriving by car, Vrbovica is the key access point for parking and onward routes. Many travellers visit as a day trip by catamaran from Dubrovnik (typically arriving in Polače or Pomena, depending on the line), then combine the lakes walk or bike loop with a monastery stop and a long swim break. For broader island logistics (ports, ferries, and where to base yourself), see our Mljet travel guide.
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- Written by: Orsat Munitić