Veliko jezero and Malo jezero are two deep bays known as lakes. They are connected to the open sea via the Solinski Channel. Mljet National Park is within the municipality of Općina Mljet. The combination of bays, lake names and channel shapes the landscape you can discover here.
A Monastery Island in Veliko jezero
In the southern part of the Great Lake lies the island of St. Mary, with a Benedictine monastery and the Church of St. Mary. The monastery was built between 1177 and 1198; the central part of the church has retained its Romanesque style. The location and construction history give your visit a tangible historical connection: on the island, you can encounter both the monastery’s long construction period and a surviving Romanesque element of the church. Opening hours and boat services may be seasonal. Check visiting options for your chosen date.
History in the Towns
Mljet’s history can also be seen in a variety of buildings beyond the monastery island. Polače is home to the remains of a Roman palace as well as an early Christian church dating from the 5th to 6th century. These two landmarks belong to different eras, making Polače a place where Roman and early Christian history can be discovered side by side.
In Babino Polje stand the 15th-century Church of St. Blaise and the 16th-century Prince’s Palace, known locally as Palac. Access to the church interior may depend on services or local arrangements. In Prožura, Kaštio is a defining feature of the town: this square defensive tower dates from the 17th century. These three places offer different ways to connect with the island’s history—from a church and palace to a structure whose defensive purpose is apparent in both its name and form.
On Foot, by Bike and on the Water
For hiking, the Mljetska planinarska obilaznica route runs from the national park area to the center of the island. Trail markers and stamps at checkpoints indicate the route. Check trail conditions before setting out. A shorter, explicitly easy walk is the path from Babino Polje to Odysseus’ Cave; it is also suitable for parents with small children. Conditions on the path may change seasonally.
The “Biciklom kroz park” cycling route offers a different experience: it includes a circuit around Veliko jezero and Malo jezero. This lets you choose between a marked hiking route toward the center of the island, a walk to the cave and a cycling circuit around both lakes, without conflating the different routes.
Underwater, Štit Reef lies off the southwest of Mljet Island. It is considered an attractive dive site, rich in marine life, and can be reached by boat from Pomena. Experienced divers may find red coral jewelry there. Availability with providers and sea conditions vary. The deeply indented bay of Polače is also a nautical landmark: it is one of the preferred nautical bases and is surrounded by four islets. Check local rules for anchoring and mooring.
Island Cuisine and Events
Mljetski makaruli is a traditional pasta dish with homemade goat cheese, garlic and olive oil. Another local preparation features eels from Mljet’s saltwater lakes: they are grilled or served as brodet, among other preparations. What individual restaurants offer may vary.
In Prožura, the feast day of St. Roch is celebrated each year on August 16 with a procession. In Pomena, “Toast from the Host” takes place annually at the end of August, an eno-gastronomic event featuring regional specialties and wine tasting. Ask locally about the program and dates for your chosen year.
Arrival and Practical Information
Sobra is home to the only ferry terminal on Mljet Island. Since timetables are seasonal and may change, check the current schedule for your trip. There is a charging station for electric vehicles next to the gas station in Sobra; check the current state of the infrastructure before relying on it.
Discover more destinations: Sobra, Babino Polje, Govedjari, Polace, Mljet, Saplunara, Maranovići, Korita, Ropa, Okuklje, Blato, Prožura, Kozarica.
Back to the main travel overview: Mljet.
