Attractions and Places To See in Mljet National Park - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see in Mljet National Park include a diverse range of natural features and historical sites on the western part of Mljet Island. The park is characterized by dense forests, primarily Aleppo pines, and two interconnected saltwater lakes. Visitors can explore ancient monasteries, Roman ruins, and a variety of landscapes from coastal areas to inland trails.
Best attractions and places to see in Mljet National Park
- The most popular attractions is Benedictine Monastery and Church on St. Mary Island, a religious building and historical site located on an islet within Veliko Jezero. This 12th-century monastery is a significant cultural landmark, accessible by boat.
- Another must-see spot is Pomena Harbour, a settlement that serves as a starting point for exploring the park. It offers amenities and is a common place to rent bicycles or scooters for island exploration.
- Visitors also love Malo Jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Big Lake), Mljet National Park, two interconnected saltwater lakes. These lakes are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and are connected by a channel where water flows from the larger to the smaller lake.
- Mljet National Park is known for its natural lakes, extensive forests, and historical sites. The park offers a variety of attractions, from ancient ruins to unique marine life and panoramic viewpoints.
- The attractions in Mljet National Park are appreciated by the komoot community, with 62 upvotes and 49 photos shared.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Pomena Harbour
Highlight • Settlement
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Trail from Pomena to Malo Jezero (Small Lake)
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JNA Military Bunker and Artillery, Mljet National Park
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The bunker is super dark (even during the day) and a bit creepy, so having a flashlight is a must. There are several corridors and rooms inside and halls leading to the other side. If you go to the end of the hall and then turn left and go to the end of that hall you will find a way out that leads to the old (and still "functional"!) cannon. Try controlling it, everything still works and is pretty easy to move. It's really cool!
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Benedictine Monastery and Church on St. Mary Island
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Popular around Mljet National Park
Tips from the Community
Pomena is a small fishing village in the far west of the island of Mljet, about 30 kilometers from the neighboring towns of Sobra and five kilometers from Polace. The village actually has only about 50 inhabitants, but swells to several times its size during the holiday season due to the attractive ferry connections to and from Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands of Korcula, Hvar, and Brač, its proximity to the inland lakes in Mljet National Park, and a surprisingly wide range of restaurants, souvenir shops, and private accommodations. Nevertheless, the village has lost little of its relaxed and authentic fishing village feel. Source: https://www.lust-auf-kroatien.de/insel/pomena-winzige-hafenstadt-in-mljets-westen/
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An old military bunker was allegedly built by the Jugoslav National Army JNA in 1969 as part of the Total National Defence Force to guard sea lanes along the Adriatic after the Soviet invasion of the Czech capital ending the Prague Spring. The bunker is super dark (even during the day) and a bit creepy, so having a flashlight is a must. There are several corridors and rooms inside and halls leading to the other side. If you go to the end of the hall and then turn left and go to the end of that hall you will find a way out that leads to the old (and still "functional"!) cannon. Try controlling it, everything still works and is pretty easy to move. It's really cool!
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From here you can rent bicycles, e-bikes or even scooters. Scooter costs 290 kuna for 5 hours in 2022 plus fuel costs... But whatever, it's great fun to drive on the island.
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At the bridge between the small and large lake there is a bicycle and canoe rental.
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There is a small supermarket directly opposite the National Park ticket booth. Drive through the village for parking. At the end comes a large parking lot.
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Small fishing village with marina. The place thrives on individual tourism and the smaller cruise ships. Cute, sleepy, ideal for slowing down.
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The trail leads into the nature reserve from Pomena on stone steps through a forest. If you have climbed the highest point, open up in front of one of the "Little Sea". The views between the trees are outstanding. The last few meters to the merger between "Small Lake" and "Big Lake" you have to share with the mountain bikers, but is not a problem.
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The "Small" and the "Big Lake" have different heights. They are connected by a brick channel. Due to the differences in altitude, the water flows from the Great Lake at a high flow rate into the Small Lake. This is an event for the bathers. They can be drifted from the Big Lake to the Little Lake like in an accelerator. Both lakes used to be freshwater lakes. After the monks built their monastery on the island in the Great Lake and found that they had to fight with mosquitoes and Malariamücken, they created a connection to the sea. The lakes have since been saltwater lakes and much warmer than the Mediterranean, which encloses the island of Mjlet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main natural features to explore in Mljet National Park?
Mljet National Park is renowned for its pristine natural beauty. Key features include the two interconnected saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake), which are perfect for swimming and kayaking. The park is also covered by dense forests, primarily Aleppo pines, and boasts a rich marine life in its clear waters, including Croatia's only known coral reef in Veliko Jezero. For stunning panoramic views, hike up Montokuc, the highest accessible peak within the park.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in Mljet National Park?
The park offers several significant historical sites. On a small islet within Veliko Jezero, you'll find the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery and Church on St. Mary Island, a major cultural landmark accessible by boat. In the village of Polače, explore the remains of a 5th-century Late Antique Roman palace, considered Croatia's third best-preserved Roman monument. Additionally, near Babino Polje, the legendary Odysseus Cave offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, accessible by swimming or boat.
Are there good hiking opportunities in Mljet National Park?
Yes, Mljet National Park offers excellent hiking opportunities with well-marked trails, especially around Veliko and Malo Jezero. A popular route is the hike to Montokuc for panoramic views. For more detailed routes and options, including easy to moderate trails, you can explore the Hiking in Mljet National Park guide, which features routes like the 'Branimir Gušić Memorial – Montokuc Viewpoint loop from Pomena'.
Can I cycle in Mljet National Park, and where can I rent bikes?
Cycling is a popular way to explore the park, with trails weaving through the forests and around the lakes. Bikes are available for rent, notably in Pomena Harbour, which serves as a common starting point for exploration. For specific cycling routes and their difficulty levels, refer to the MTB Trails in Mljet National Park guide.
What water activities are available in Mljet National Park?
The calm, clear waters of Veliko and Malo Jezero are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. You can rent canoes at the bridge between the two lakes. The surrounding Adriatic Sea also offers opportunities for diving, with the park's waters being rich in marine life, including a unique coral reef in Veliko Jezero.
Are there family-friendly activities in Mljet National Park?
Mljet National Park is very family-friendly. The calm waters of Malo Jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Big Lake), Mljet National Park are perfect for swimming and gentle kayaking. Easy hiking and cycling trails around the lakes provide safe and enjoyable ways to explore the natural beauty. The boat trip to St. Mary's Island and its monastery is also a pleasant outing for all ages.
When is the best time to visit Mljet National Park?
The best time to visit Mljet National Park is typically during the spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (July-August) is also popular, offering warm temperatures ideal for swimming and water sports, though it can be busier.
How can I get around Mljet National Park, and where can I park?
Within the park, you can get around by walking, cycling, or using the boat services that connect various points, including St. Mary's Island. For parking, Pomena Harbour is a main entry point with a large parking lot available. Public transport options to the park are limited, so many visitors arrive by car or ferry to the island and then use local transport or rented bikes/scooters.
Where can I find the best panoramic views in Mljet National Park?
For breathtaking panoramic views of the lakes, the Adriatic Sea, and surrounding islands, hike to the summit of Montokuc. This peak offers stunning vistas and is accessible via well-marked trails through the pine forests.
What makes the lakes in Mljet National Park unique?
The two interconnected lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, are unique because they are saltwater lakes, connected to the sea. They are warmer than the surrounding Adriatic, making them ideal for swimming. They are also home to endemic species, including a unique jellyfish, and Veliko Jezero hosts Croatia's only known coral reef.
Are there any less-known or unique attractions in Mljet National Park?
Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting the Odysseus Cave on the southern coast, a sea cave steeped in legend. Another intriguing spot is the JNA Military Bunker and Artillery, an old Yugoslav-era bunker with tunnels and an intact cannon, offering a glimpse into a different kind of history. Remember to bring a flashlight for the bunker!
Where can I find amenities or stay overnight near the park?
Charming villages like Pomena, Polače, and Goveđari offer amenities for visitors, including accommodation, restaurants, and cafes. Pomena, in particular, is a popular hub with a small supermarket and options for renting bikes or scooters.
Most popular routes in Mljet National Park
Most popular attractions in Mljet National Park
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