Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park protects the northwestern part of Mljet Island and is centred on two connected saltwater lakes: Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Forest trails, warm swimming water, cycling routes and the boat trip to St. Mary islet make this one of the easiest Croatian national parks to explore at a relaxed pace.

Most visitors combine a walk or bike ride around the lakes with swimming and a short boat crossing to St. Mary islet (Sv. Marija), where a historic Benedictine monastery and church stand in the middle of Veliko Jezero.

The most useful gateways are Pomena and Polače. If you arrive by car, Vrbovica provides the main parking access near the lakes. If your ferry arrives at Sobra, remember that you are still on the eastern side of the island and need onward road transport to reach the national park. For ports, ferries and wider island planning, see our Mljet travel guide.

Mljet National Park: quick overview

• Main sights: Veliko Jezero, Malo Jezero and St. Mary islet
• Best for: swimming, walking, cycling, kayaking and an easy nature day
• Main entrances: Pomena, Polače and Vrbovica
• Best base: Pomena for the shortest access to the lakes; Polače for a harbour stay with historic remains nearby
• Time needed: allow at least 4-6 hours; a full day is better if you want to swim, cycle or hike to a viewpoint
• From Dubrovnik: seasonal passenger services can make a day trip possible, but an overnight stay gives you much more flexibility
• Ticket: includes access to the park and one return boat trip to St. Mary islet

Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero

The two lakes are the heart of Mljet National Park. Despite their appearance, they are saltwater lakes connected with the Adriatic Sea through the Soline channel.

Veliko Jezero

Veliko Jezero is the larger lake and surrounds St. Mary islet. Walking and cycling routes follow much of its shoreline, with numerous places to stop for swimming.

The connection with the open sea through the Soline channel creates water exchange, currents and differences in temperature and salinity between the lake and the surrounding Adriatic.

Malo Jezero

Malo Jezero is smaller, more sheltered and generally warmer in summer. It is connected to Veliko Jezero at Mali Most and is particularly convenient for relaxed swimming and shorter walks.

The lakes are surrounded by dense Mediterranean forest, which provides welcome shade for much of the walking and cycling network.

St. Mary islet and the Benedictine monastery

St. Mary islet (Sv. Marija) sits in Veliko Jezero and is the park’s best-known cultural landmark. The small island contains the Church of St. Mary and a historic Benedictine monastery complex whose history reaches back to the medieval period.

Park boats connect the lakeshore with the islet according to a seasonal timetable. One return crossing is included with the standard park ticket.

Allow roughly an hour for the crossing and a straightforward visit, although you can stay longer if your boat timetable allows. For more history and details, see our dedicated St. Mary islet guide.

Tickets and prices for 2026

Mljet National Park uses seasonal ticket pricing. The standard ticket includes access to the inland visitor areas and marked trails, plus one return boat crossing to St. Mary islet and park transport operating according to the current timetable.

Tickets can be purchased at park sales points or through the official national parks webshop.

Important: the additional €5 boat ticket applies only if you want another return crossing after using the St. Mary return trip already included in your entrance ticket.

Student, disability, hiking-association, DU Pass and other special ticket categories may also be available. Eligibility and promotional discounts can change, so confirm the current official price list before travelling.

What your entrance ticket includes

• One return boat crossing to St. Mary islet
• Access to inland visitor sites within the park
• Marked walking routes around Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero
• Forest trail between Malo Jezero and Pomena
• Routes from Vrbovica toward Polače
• Trails to Montokuc and Veliki Gradac viewpoints
• Parking at Vrbovica for eligible visitors
• Visitor insurance
• Park transport operating according to the current timetable

Guests staying in eligible accommodation within the park area may also be able to purchase named tickets valid for several days. Ask at the park ticket office if you are staying locally.

Opening hours and seasonal services

Mljet National Park is strongly seasonal. Ticket-office hours, boats to St. Mary and internal transport operate on timetables that change through the year.

In summer 2026 the park operates extended daily hours, while spring and autumn have shorter visitor-service periods. Rather than relying on a fixed annual timetable, check the park’s latest announcement shortly before your visit.

Official schedules: boat schedule to St. Mary islet and electric train timetable.

How to get to Mljet National Park

The national park occupies the western part of Mljet Island. Your route depends largely on which island port your ferry uses.

Pomena

Pomena is the most convenient arrival point if your ferry or catamaran calls there. Malo Jezero and the main lake routes are within easy walking distance, making this the simplest choice for visitors without a car.

Polače

Polače is another excellent gateway and has restaurants, accommodation and important Roman remains. Marked routes connect the settlement with the lakes and viewpoints.

Vrbovica

Vrbovica is useful primarily for visitors arriving by road and provides the main parking access close to Veliko Jezero.

Sobra

Sobra is not next to the national park. It is an important ferry port on the eastern side of Mljet, particularly for vehicle-ferry arrivals, but you still need a bus, taxi, transfer or car to continue west to the park.

Getting to Mljet from Dubrovnik

Seasonal passenger services make Mljet National Park a popular day trip from Dubrovnik.

For the easiest day visit, choose a service that arrives at Pomena or Polače and make sure the return departure gives you enough time for the lakes and St. Mary boat.

See our Dubrovnik to Mljet catamaran guide and Ferry Booking in Croatia for route-planning advice.

Bringing a car to Mljet

Drivers commonly reach Mljet using the Prapratno-Sobra vehicle ferry from Pelješac and then continue across the island by road.

See our Pelješac to Mljet car ferry guide.

Walking routes in Mljet National Park

The lakes are easy to explore independently using marked trails. Choose your route based on how much time you have and whether you want swimming, St. Mary or a viewpoint hike.

If you are doing a day trip with a fixed ferry departure, build your walk around the latest practical boat and transport connection rather than simply choosing the longest route.

Cycling around the lakes

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Mljet National Park. Bikes and e-bikes allow you to cover more of the lakeshore while still stopping frequently for swimming and viewpoints.

Stay on the easier lakeside routes if you want a relaxed ride. Longer marked MTB routes include climbs and rougher terrain and are better suited to confident cyclists.

Bike rental is available seasonally within the park area, including around Pomena and the lakes.

Swimming in Mljet National Park

Swimming is one of the main reasons to visit Mljet National Park and one of the biggest differences between Mljet and parks such as Plitvice.

Malo Jezero

Malo Jezero is sheltered and usually warmer than Veliko Jezero, making it particularly attractive for relaxed swimming.

Veliko Jezero

Veliko Jezero has numerous rocky and pebble access points along its shoreline and works well for combining a swim with walking or cycling.

Mali Most

The area around Mali Most provides convenient access to the water and is a practical place to include a swimming break in a family visit.

Swimming is permitted in designated and unrestricted areas, but diving and other underwater activities are not permitted in Veliko Jezero or Malo Jezero.

Kayaking and paddling

Kayaks and canoes are available seasonally around the lake area. The sheltered water makes paddling a good alternative to cycling, particularly when winds are light.

Use sun protection, take water and follow current park rules regarding where rental craft may be used.

Best viewpoints

Montokuc

Montokuc is one of the park’s principal viewpoints and gives broad views over Veliko Jezero, Malo Jezero and the surrounding forest.

Veliki Gradac

Veliki Gradac provides another elevated perspective over the lake landscape and works well as an addition to a longer walking day.

Download any maps you need before setting out, as mobile reception can be inconsistent on some trails.

How long do you need in Mljet National Park?

2-3 hours

Possible for a very short visit, but you will need to choose between activities and keep closely to the boat timetable.

4-6 hours

The best minimum for most first-time visitors. This gives you enough time for the lakes, St. Mary and a swimming break.

Full day

The best overall option if you want to cycle, kayak, hike to a viewpoint or spend longer swimming.

Two nights or more

Worth considering if Mljet itself is part of your holiday. Staying near the park allows you to enjoy early mornings and evenings without planning around a same-day ferry back to Dubrovnik.

Suggested visit from Pomena

1. Start in Pomena and walk toward Malo Jezero.
2. Continue to Mali Most.
3. Use the park boat for the trip to St. Mary islet.
4. Visit the church and monastery complex.
5. Return to the lakeshore and add a swim.
6. Walk back to Pomena or rent a bike to continue around the lakes.

Suggested visit from Polače

1. Start in Polače.
2. Walk toward the lake area or add the Montokuc viewpoint if you have enough time.
3. Continue along Veliko Jezero toward the St. Mary boat connection.
4. Visit St. Mary islet.
5. Return toward Polače or continue toward Pomena if your onward transport allows it.

Best time to visit Mljet National Park

April and May

Excellent for walking and cycling, with green landscapes and comfortable temperatures. The lakes are cooler for swimming and visitor services are more limited than in summer.

June

One of the best all-round months, with warm weather, good swimming and long days before peak-season crowds.

July and August

The warmest period for swimming and the busiest time in the park. Start walking or cycling earlier in the day if possible.

September

One of the strongest months for Mljet, with warm lake and sea temperatures and generally fewer visitors than in peak summer.

October

Good for walking and quieter stays, but ferry schedules and internal park services become more seasonal.

Winter

Very quiet and best approached as an off-season nature stay rather than a conventional national-park sightseeing day. Confirm park services and transport before travelling.

Rules and responsible visiting

• Carry your ticket during your visit.
• Fishing is prohibited within Mljet National Park.
• Diving and underwater activities are prohibited in Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero.
• Open fires are prohibited.
• Smoking is restricted according to park rules and wildfire conditions.
• Stay on marked routes and respect temporary closures.
• Do not disturb plants or wildlife.
• Take rubbish with you or use designated waste facilities.

Private vessels, anchoring and navigation are subject to additional national-park rules. If arriving by yacht or sailboat, check the current official information for yacht visitors before entering park waters.

Where to stay near Mljet National Park

For accommodation options across the island, see Mljet hotels and accommodation.

Rentals and facilities

• Bikes and e-bikes: available seasonally around the main park visitor area
• Kayaks and canoes: available seasonally around the lakes
• Food: restaurants and seasonal visitor services are available in Pomena, Polače and other points around the park
• Parking: Vrbovica is the principal parking point for relevant day visitors

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Address & contact details

Street: Polače
Postcode: 20210
City: Island Mljet

Website: Javna ustanova “Nacionalni park Mljet”

FAQ - Mljet National Park

Is Mljet National Park worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy swimming, cycling, walking and quieter natural landscapes. The saltwater lakes and St. Mary islet make the park very different from Croatia’s waterfall-focused national parks.

How long do you need in Mljet National Park?

Allow at least 4-6 hours for the lakes, St. Mary and a swimming stop. A full day is better if you also want to cycle, kayak or hike to a viewpoint.

Pomena or Polače - which is better?

Pomena gives the quickest practical access to the lakes. Polače is also an excellent base and combines park access with a historic harbour settlement and Roman remains.

Can you swim in Mljet National Park?

Yes. Swimming is one of the main activities in the park and is permitted in unrestricted lake areas. Diving and other underwater activities are prohibited in Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero.

Is the boat to St. Mary islet included in the ticket?

Yes. The standard visitor ticket includes one return boat crossing to St. Mary islet. Additional crossings can be purchased separately.

Can you cycle around the lakes?

Yes. Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the park, with easier lakeshore routes as well as more demanding marked cycling trails.

Can you visit Mljet National Park from Dubrovnik in one day?

Yes, when seasonal ferry schedules allow. Choose a service to Pomena or Polače where possible and leave enough time between park activities and your return sailing.

How do you get from Sobra to Mljet National Park?

Sobra is on the eastern side of Mljet. From the ferry port you need onward road transport by car, bus, taxi or arranged transfer to reach Pomena, Polače or Vrbovica in the national-park area.

Can you drive into Mljet National Park?

Road access is possible to designated areas, with Vrbovica serving as an important parking point near the lakes. The core lake experience is explored on foot, by bike and using park transport.

Where should you stay for Mljet National Park?

Pomena is the most convenient base for direct lake access, while Polače combines park access with a harbour setting. Goveđari and Babine Kuće suit quieter stays inside the protected area.

Is Mljet National Park good for children?

Yes. Short walks, warm swimming water and the boat to St. Mary work well for families, although children should be supervised closely around water and on longer cycling routes.

What is the best time to visit Mljet National Park?

June and September provide an excellent balance of swimming, walking and manageable visitor numbers. July and August have the warmest water but are busier and hotter.