Mljet National Park

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.

Mljet National Park: quick overview

• Best entrances: Pomena and Polače for the lakes; Vrbovica for parking access if you drive.
• Top highlights: Veliko Jezero, Malo Jezero, and St. Mary islet (monastery visit and lake views).
• Time needed: 3-4 hours for the classic lakes + St. Mary; half-day if you add cycling or kayaking; full day if you include viewpoints and extended swim stops.
• Getting around: marked walking trails around both lakes and to lookouts, plus boat transport to St. Mary (ticket includes one return crossing) and an electric train service operating by timetable (seasonal).

Tickets, what’s included, and discounts (2026)

Ticket prices for Mljet National Park change by season, but the core inclusions are the same: access to inland park sites and marked trails around the lakes, plus transport services that operate by timetable. Adults pay the same price online and on-site in 2026, but buying in advance helps you avoid queues during summer and on busy day-trip days.

Tickets can be bought online, at ticket offices in Pomena, Information centers and online tickets for Mljet National Park.

Discounts are also available if you choose to purchase Dubrovnik Pass.

Entrance fees for all visitors include:

• Included in the entrance fee: one return trip by solar boat to St. Mary islet (Sv. Marija) in Veliko Jezero.
• All inland park sites: access to all inland sites within the visitor zone of the park.
• Marked walking trails: around Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, the forest trail from Malo Jezero to Pomena, the route from Vrbovica to Polače, and trails to the Montokuc and Veliki Gradac lookouts.
• Parking (Vrbovica): available for single-day visitors and for guests staying in private accommodation around the lakes where car parks are not provided.
• Visitor insurance: insurance for each visitor is included.
• Electric train: transport by electric train according to the published timetable (when operating).
• After 16:00 discount: one-day tickets purchased in the park after 4pm (adult bought in park, child ticket purchased in park, student ticket) are reduced by 25%.
• Extra St. Mary crossings: after you use the included return trip, an additional return boat ticket costs 5,00 EUR.
• Student tickets: purchase requires a valid student ID.
• Staying near the lakes: guest tickets for private/hotel accommodation can be valid up to 7 days (issued to a named guest and valid with ID).

Discounts and special tickets

Mljet National Park offers several discounted and special ticket options in addition to standard adult, child, and student entry. Most discounts require proof of eligibility at purchase.

• After 16:00 discount: one day tickets purchased in the park after 4pm are reduced by 25% for these categories - Adult ticket purchased in Mljet National Park, Child ticket (7 - 18) purchased in Mljet National Park, and Student ticket.
• Free entry: disabled veterans of the Homeland War and members of the Families of Fallen Soldiers Association receive free entry upon presentation of a membership card.
• Disability discount: visitors with disabilities receive a 50% discount, available only with a valid disability ID.
• Promotional periods: during designated promotional periods, visitors receive a 35% discount on entrance tickets (dates vary by year).
• Student tickets: student entry is available only upon presentation of a valid student ID.
• Hiking association members: a separate entrance ticket category applies to hiking association members.
• DU Pass discount: visitors with a weekly DU Pass receive a 30% discount (adult and child categories).
• Guest ticket (up to 7 days): if you are staying in private or hotel accommodation, a named guest ticket can be valid for up to 7 days. It is issued to the guest and valid with ID, and you must provide accommodation address and stay duration at purchase.
• Groups: a group is defined as 9 people. Groups should announce arrival to the park by email in advance to reduce delays for boat transport to St. Mary islet. If a group arrives without prior notice, acceptance cannot be guaranteed.

Opening hours and seasonal notes

Mljet National Park is strongly seasonal. The lakes area is easiest to visit from spring to early autumn, when ticket offices and internal transport (boat to St. Mary and the electric train) operate on longer timetables. Outside the main season, access can be limited and you should always check the latest official announcements before you travel.

• Internal timetables change: the boat to St. Mary and the electric train operate by timetable, which is updated through the season (including in late summer and autumn). Check the official schedule page close to your visit.
• Best time to avoid crowds: late spring and early autumn usually offer easier planning than July and August, with comfortable temperatures for walking and cycling.
• Day-trip planning: if you are coming by catamaran from Dubrovnik or Korcula, aim for an early arrival so you have enough time for the lakes loop and St. Mary before your return sailing.

How to get to Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park is in the north-west of Mljet Island. The official access points for visitors are Pomena, Polače, and Vrbovica. For most travellers, the simplest approach is to arrive by catamaran to the west side (Polače or nearby) or by car ferry to Sobra, then continue by road to the lakes area.

Arriving by catamaran (foot passengers)

In season, passenger-only catamarans connect Mljet with Dubrovnik and other islands on selected routes. The national park authority lists a catamaran connection from Dubrovnik, and another coastal-island catamaran route (Split - Brač - Hvar - Korčula - Mljet - Dubrovnik) that typically stops at Pomena in summer.

If you are visiting as a day trip from Dubrovnik, prioritise routes that call at Polače or the west side of the island to minimise transfer time to the lakes. For timetables and practical day-trip planning, see our Dubrovnik to Mljet catamaran guide.

Arriving by car (via Pelješac and Sobra)

If you are travelling with a car, the main route is via the Prapratno - Sobra car ferry. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, then you drive from Sobra towards the national park area.

As a practical guide, the drive from Sobra to Polače is around 25 km and typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes (longer in summer traffic). For the current sailing schedule and planning notes, see our Pelješac to Mljet car ferry guide.

Park access points - Pomena vs Polače vs Vrbovica

Pomena is the most convenient base if you want to start directly in the lakes zone and combine walking, cycling, and swimming with minimal transfers. Polače is also a practical entry point, especially for travellers arriving by catamaran or staying nearby, with a straightforward connection to the lakes trails. Vrbovica is used mainly for road access and parking for day visitors and accommodation guests around the lakes area.

Local transport on Mljet

Public transport on Mljet is limited, but there is a bus route that links Sobra with Polače and Pomena (via Goveđari). Taxis and private transfers are widely used in summer, especially for connecting ferry arrivals with the lakes entrances.

Visiting Mljet as a day trip

Mljet National Park is a popular day trip from Dubrovnik, especially in summer when passenger catamarans make it possible to visit without an overnight stay. For a realistic day-trip plan, choose the earliest possible departure, aim to arrive on the west side of Mljet (Polače or Pomena depending on the line), and allow enough time for the lakes walk or bike loop plus the St. Mary islet crossing before returning to the port.

If you are comparing options and timings for other nearby destinations, see our guide to day trips from Dubrovnik.

Timetables inside the park (boat + electric train)

Internal transport in Mljet National Park runs by timetable and changes through the season. For the most up to date information, use the official schedules for the boat to St. Mary islet and the electric train before you start your lakes route.

• Boat to St. Mary islet: departures operate on Veliko Jezero and typically allow boarding from the main lake-side docks such as Pristaniste and Mali Most (depending on where you start your walk). In peak season, boats usually run frequently (often every 30 minutes), but exact times can change on short notice.
• Electric train: the park publishes a separate timetable for the electric train service (used to reduce walking time between key points around the lakes area). Services are seasonal and follow the published schedule.
• Best practice: check the timetable on the morning of your visit and plan your route around the last return departures (especially if you are doing Mljet as a day trip with a fixed catamaran return time).

Official schedules: Boat schedule to St. Mary islet and Electric train timetable.

Note: the park also publishes frequent timetable updates in its news posts (for example, schedule changes announced for late October 2025). Always follow the latest official update.

Map and routes - lakes walk, cycling loop, and viewpoints

The lakes area is easy to explore without a guide if you follow the marked routes and plan around your swim stops and the St. Mary boat timetable. For route planning on the day, use the official park map and trail descriptions, then pick a route that matches your available time and fitness level.

Classic lakes walk (Veliko Jezero + Malo Jezero)

The standard option is a loop around the lakes starting and ending in Pomena. It follows the shoreline, crosses the Great Bridge (Veliki most) where the sea and lakes connect, and can include a visit to St. Mary islet.

• Recreational trail A (Pomena - Pomena): 8.7 km, marked, no major climbs. Estimated time (including St. Mary visit) is about 3h45min.
• Shorter link option (Pomena - Polače): 5 km, marked, no major climbs. Estimated time is about 1h45min. Useful if you are entering at one harbour and exiting at the other.

Cycling loop (bike and e-bike)

Cycling is one of the fastest ways to cover the lakes zone, but route difficulty varies. If you want an easy ride, stay on the flatter lakeshore lanes. If you choose the longer MTB routes, expect climbs and rougher surfaces in places.

• Cycling trail F (Pomena - Pomena): 17.7 km, marked, demanding MTB route with major uphills. Estimated time is about 3h.
• Cycling trail G (Polače - Polače): 14.7 km, marked, demanding MTB route with major uphills. Estimated time is about 2h40min.

Best viewpoints - Montokuc and Veliki Gradac

If you want the best views over Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, add a viewpoint climb. The park recommends the Montokuc lookout as a straightforward hike from the main entrances, and longer marked routes can combine Montokuc with lakeshore walking.

• Montokuc viewpoint: allow about 1 hour from the official entrance to reach the viewpoint (then plan extra time for breaks and the descent).
• Longer hike with Montokuc: marked hiking route starting in Pomena includes a Montokuc climb plus Soline and Goveđari, with an estimated total time of about 4 hours.

Practical note: some parts of the park have limited mobile signal. Download what you need (maps, tickets, timetables) before you start walking.

Best things to do in Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park is built around simple, low effort activities - walking shaded trails, swimming in the lakes, cycling between viewpoints, and visiting St. Mary islet. Most visitors combine two or three of the options below in a single half day.

Swim and relax at Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero

Swimming is one of the main reasons to visit Mljet National Park. The lakes are sheltered and warm up in summer, with water temperatures commonly higher than the open sea. In peak season, Malo Jezero is usually the warmest, while Veliko Jezero feels slightly cooler and more open.

• Best family friendly beach: Mali Most has a pebble beach that is usually the easiest entry point for children.
• Other swimming access: there are additional pebble beaches in Polače, while many other swimming spots around the lakes are rocky.
• Important rule: diving and other underwater activities are not allowed in Veliko Jezero or Malo Jezero.

Visit St. Mary islet and the Benedictine monastery

The park’s signature sight is St. Mary islet (Sv. Marija) in Veliko Jezero. A Benedictine monastery and the Church of St. Mary were built here in the late 12th century, and a short boat ride connects the islet to the lakeshore. If you want the history and what to see on the islet, read our St. Mary islet guide.

• How to visit: use the park boat service (runs by timetable) and plan your walk so you can catch a return departure.
• Time needed: allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for the crossing and a quick visit, longer if you want a slow coffee stop and photos.

Cycle the lakes loop (bike and e-bike)

Cycling is the fastest way to cover the lakes area and is popular in warm weather when you want to combine short rides with swimming breaks. Bike rentals are available within the park zone, including at Pomena, Malo Jezero, and Vrbovica.

• Easy option: stay on flatter lakeshore routes for a relaxed ride between swim stops.
• More demanding routes: longer marked trails include climbs and are better suited to confident cyclists.

Kayak or SUP on the lakes

If you want time on the water, kayaking is a practical option because the lakes are sheltered. Canoes and kayaks can be rented in the lakes area (commonly around Malo Jezero), and paddling to St. Mary islet is a popular short route when conditions are calm.

• Best time: morning and late afternoon are usually calmer and more comfortable in summer heat.
• Safety note: wear sun protection and carry water - there is limited shade once you are on the water.

Short hikes and viewpoints

For panoramic views over Veliko Jezero, Malo Jezero, and the surrounding islands, add a short hike to a viewpoint. The park highlights Montokuc as a key lookout, and marked trails also reach Veliki Sladin Gradac (often referred to as Veliki Gradac in travel guides).

• Montokuc: a popular viewpoint with a fire lookout and wide views across the national park.
• Trail planning: some routes include ascents and sections with limited mobile signal, so download maps and check timetables before you start.

Organised tours and guided options

You can explore Mljet National Park independently on marked trails, but guided options are available if you want a structured route, local context, and easier timing around the boat and electric train schedules. The park offers several guided formats, from short sightseeing tours to full-day programmes.

• Standard sightseeing tour: up to 3 hours, focused on the main highlights (lakes area and key viewpoints).
• Half-day guided tours: a longer visit that typically combines lakes walking with a St. Mary stop and time for swimming.
• Full-day guided tours: best if you want a slower pace or to add additional island stops beyond the classic lakes loop.
• Walking tours: guided routes on the main marked trails around Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero.
• Cycling tours: guided bike routes for visitors who prefer to cover more distance than on foot.

To book an official guided tour, contact the park in advance and request confirmation by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The official price list notes that cancellations should be made at least 24 hours before arrival to avoid being charged in full.

If you prefer a packaged day trip from Dubrovnik that combines transport with time in the park, compare options in our Dubrovnik day trips guide.

Suggested itineraries (pick your pace)

These routes follow the official park tour suggestions and work well whether you arrive by catamaran or by car. All timings are approximate and depend on the St. Mary boat timetable and how long you stop for swimming.

3 to 4 hours (classic lakes and St. Mary from Pomena)

1. Arrive in Pomena and walk the promenade towards Malo Jezero (about 15 minutes).
2. Walk the path around Malo Jezero (about 10 minutes) to Mali Most (Small Bridge).
3. Board the park boat at Mali Most and cross to St. Mary islet.
4. Visit the church and monastery area on St. Mary, then return by boat to Mali Most.
5. Use the remaining time for a swim break or rent bikes near the lakes, then return to Pomena on foot.

Half-day (viewpoint hike, lakeshore walk, and St. Mary from Polače)

1. Arrive in Polače and start from the official entrance.
2. Hike to the Montokuc viewpoint (about 1 hour), then descend to Soline (about 30 minutes).
3. Walk along the shore of Veliko Jezero to Pristanište (about 2.5 km). The park recommends a swim stop at Veliki Most (Great Bridge).
4. Take the boat from Pristanište to St. Mary islet, then return to Pristanište after your visit.
5. Walk back to Polače (about 40 minutes) and plan your return connection.

Full day (best overall: viewpoint plus long swim and slower pace)

1. Use the Polače or Vrbovica itinerary above as your base route, but add longer lake stops.
2. After St. Mary, continue around the lakes on foot or by bike for extra swim spots, shaded breaks, and photos.
3. If you are visiting on a day trip, keep the last boat and train departures in mind and leave a buffer to reach your port before your catamaran or ferry.

Rules, safety, and responsible visiting

Mljet National Park is a protected area. Follow basic rules on trails and on the water to avoid fines and to protect the lakes ecosystem.

• Keep your ticket: carry your entrance ticket during your entire visit and be ready to show it at checks.
• Fishing is prohibited: fishing is not allowed within the national park area.
• No diving in the lakes: underwater activities (including diving) are not allowed in Veliko Jezero or Malo Jezero.
• Private boats are restricted: vessels are forbidden to enter the Soline channel and the lakes, except for vessels owned by local residents (as defined by park rules).
• Swimming is allowed, with exceptions: swimming is generally permitted in the park, except where it is specifically prohibited and clearly marked.
• Wildfire risk: in hot, dry periods the risk of forest fire is high. Do not light fires and follow official warnings, including restrictions on smoking in open areas.
• Stay on marked routes: use marked trails and respect closures and signs, especially near sensitive habitats.
• Leave no trace: take rubbish with you and avoid disturbing plants and wildlife.

Before you enter the park, check the latest official announcements and timetables, especially in summer and late season when conditions and services can change.

Where to stay near Mljet National Park

If you want to experience the lakes without rushing, staying near the national park makes a big difference. The most practical bases are Pomena and Polače, both close to the main walking and cycling routes and the St. Mary boat timetable. Goveđari is a quiet alternative slightly inland, and works well if you have a car or transfer arranged.

• Stay in Pomena: best if you want to start early in the lakes area, walk to Malo Jezero in minutes, and keep your visit flexible around boat and train departures.
• Stay in Polače: convenient for catamaran arrivals and a good base if you want a slightly calmer harbour area while still having easy access to the lakes trails.
• Stay in Goveđari: useful if accommodation near the waterfront is limited, or if you prefer a quieter base close to the park zone.

For accommodation options and practical booking tips, see our guide to Mljet hotels and accommodation.

Veliko jezero (Big lake)

The first inhabitants of Mljet, with all options available, chose the northwest tip of the island for their new home. In doing so they provided that the area of first priority for habitation are the Mljet lakes with their surrounding, wooded lands. Nature has nurtured a secret life here, a marvellous world of enchantment, long before human beings encroached. And the humble Benedictines loved the area and strove to keep it for themselves, happy that they could revel in its wonders.

The Veliko and Malo Lakes and Soline are the heart of the Mljet National Park. Until the human hand got involved, with clumsy attempts at correcting nature, Veliko Lake (actually a sea bay that originated from sunken karst coves) could only be entered through Soline by small boat. The passage was small and shallow and it was probably the Benedictines who had it artificially dredged in the 15th century to facilitate passage.

Powerful currents started washing sea water along the channel, changing the direction in sequences of high and low tides. The clever Benedictines immediately put this natural phenomenon to good use by building a mill on the shore of the channel. The small bridge was probably built at that time. Around year 1960. the deserted Benedictine monastery was re-built as a hotel, a lovely stone bridge was devastated so the channel could be widened and the old mill was gone.

The water in it is salty, since it is connected to the open sea through Solinski Channel, but since there are no other outlets to the sea, the replacement of water in lakes is limited. This is the origin of the differences in salinity and temperature between lakes and the sea: the waters in the Lake are warmer in summer (about 24 to 26°C) and colder in winter, than open sea water. The salinity on the surface of the Veliko Lake is lower than that of the sea, and it decreases with depth.

The Big Lake abounds in varied forms of aquatic life: grey mullet, sea bass, gilt head, eel, red mullet, sea bream, moray eel, annular git head, lettered perch, scorpion fish, spiny lobster...

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Malo jezero (Small lake)

The Big and Small Lakes used to be connected by a channel so shallow that one could wade across it. On the eve of WWII, during the construction of a road around Big Lake, a broader passage was dredged, so that small boats could have access. At that time the channel was bridged with the stone Small Bridge.

Small Lake is fed by rainwater, and underground stream, just as Big Lake is. The temperature of the water in Malo Lake in summer (average 26 to 29°C) is greater than the temperature of Veliko Lake and the sea, while in winter (about 5°C) it is considerably below that of Veliko Lake and the sea. The salinity of the Malo Lake surface is lower than that of the sea, but it increases towards the lake floor. It is assumed that somewhere there must be a direct underground connection between Small Lake and the sea.

Rentals and facilities in the park

The main visitor services are concentrated around the lakes zone and the park’s access settlements (Pomena, Polače, Pristanište). In peak season you can rent bikes and water equipment on site, then combine an easy lakes loop with a St. Mary crossing.

• Bike rental: bikes can be rented at Pomena, Malo Jezero, and Vrbovica (near Veliko Jezero).
• Kayak and canoe rental: canoes and kayaks are available for rent at Malo Jezero (Mali Most area is commonly used as the rental point in practice).
• Car and scooter rental: cars and scooters can be rented in Pomena (useful if you are staying outside the park zone).
• Diving club: there is a diving club in Pomena (note: diving is not allowed in Veliko Jezero or Malo Jezero).
• Running and easy walking: the park highlights a running-friendly path around Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, alongside numerous marked walking trails.
• Food and basics: Polače has restaurants and tourist services, and seasonal services are also available around the lakes area and St. Mary islet.

Sailing to Mljet - information for yachtmen

If you are arriving to Mljet on a sailboat or yacht, you can visit the sea area of Mljet National Park, but navigation is allowed only with a valid vessel entrance ticket (permission for navigation). The park sea area includes the west of Mljet plus a 500 m offshore belt around the most prominent points and adjacent islets.

Where you can anchor and berth

Anchoring and berthing are concentrated around Polače and Pomena. In the Pomena area, anchoring is permitted in Lokva bay and in the designated anchoring sea area offshore (avoid restricted islets). In the Polače area, anchoring is permitted through Luka Polače bay within the defined limits, in addition to berthing to the quay and shore.

Where anchoring is prohibited

• No anchoring in zone IIc: anchoring is not permitted in the park's zone IIc sea area.
• Examples of prohibited sites: Križice bay, Zaklopita bay, Bijela bay, Zaobraslo Prijeslo bay, Liskanje bay, Borovac bay, Srednja bay, Međuporat bay, Lastovska bay, Male and Velike Blace bays, Gonoturska bay, and Vratosolina passage at the entrance to the Soline channel.

Navigation rules in the park sea area

• Speed limit: within 150 m of the coast, maximum speed is 5 knots.
• Small Lake and Soline channel: only rowing boats are allowed to enter Malo Jezero (Small Lake) and the Soline channel, except for authorised local and park vessels.
• Veliko Jezero and Soline channel speed: for authorised vessels, speed is limited to 5 knots.

Wastewater, toilets, and environmental protection

• No discharge: it is prohibited to discharge wastewater, residual oils, or to drain marine sanitation devices into the sea.
• Vessels without holding tanks: while at berth or anchorage, it is prohibited to use toilets and drain wastewater from sinks.
• Underwater ambient lighting: prohibited.
• Anchoring best practice: avoid Neptune grass meadows, anchor on sand when possible, and use adequate scope (at least 3 times depth, and 4 to 6 times for depths up to 20 m).

Vessel entrance ticket prices (2026)

The vessel ticket price depends on your LOA (length overall) and season. A 1-day ticket is valid until 12:00 noon the next day.

Official references: Information for yachtmen and Vessel ticket price list 2026 (PDF).

Address & contact details

Street: Polače
Postcode: 20210
City: Island Mljet

Website: Javna ustanova “Nacionalni park Mljet”

FAQ - Mljet National Park

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

Yes. The entrance ticket includes one return trip by solar boat to St. Mary islet (Sv. Marija). If you want to cross again after using the included return trip, you pay for an additional return boat ticket (5,00 EUR in 2026).

How long do you need in Mljet National Park?

Plan 3 to 4 hours for the classic visit (lakes walk plus St. Mary). Allow a half-day if you add cycling or kayaking, and a full day if you also include viewpoints and longer swim stops.

Can you visit Mljet National Park as a day trip from Dubrovnik?

Yes. Many visitors do Mljet as a day trip by catamaran from Dubrovnik in season. Choose an early departure, plan around the St. Mary boat timetable, and leave buffer time to return to the port for your sailing back.

Which entrance is better - Pomena or Polače?

Both work well. Pomena is usually the most convenient for the lakes loop with minimal transfers. Polače is a practical choice for catamaran arrivals and also connects to the lakes routes. If you arrive by car, Vrbovica is mainly used for parking access.

Is there an after 16:00 discount?

Yes. One-day tickets purchased in the park after 16:00 (adult bought in park, child bought in park, student) are reduced by 25%.

Do you need to book tickets in advance?

Booking is not always required, but it is recommended in summer and on busy day-trip days to reduce waiting time. Internal transport (boat and electric train) runs by timetable, so checking schedules in advance helps with planning.