Colourful Mljet: Dreaming the Croatian Dream

For those looking for the perfect green getaway that still feels like a part of Croatia's impressive historical heritage, Mljet is an amazing destination: one of the most attractive Croatian islands, located not so far from the city of Dubrovnik, and one of the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean region year after year. 

Reserve the whole day for this chraming island and plan your trip thouroghly: Mljet is quite big and one day definitely won't be enough to see everything the island has to offer. The National Park, which occupies the western part of the island, is the best place to start if you haven't been on this stunning island before. The main focus of Mljet's National Park are disputably two lovely lakes with salt water: Malo jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko jezero (Big Lake). A day in the aromatic pine forest surrounded by cristal clear blue-green water will exceed your expectiations! The water in the lakes tend to be warmer than in the Adriatic sea so you don't have to worry about water being too chilly. The lakes are encircled by foot and cicle paths  - bikes are a handy way to get around quickly and don't mind the heat: designed by mother nature herself the island offers enough sun and shade for every one who comes here for some breathtaking scenery. 

The most popular highlight of the park is certainly St. Mary's island, where the Benedictines established a monastery in the twelfth century. You will find the tiny islet in the middle of the Big Lake – tourist boats will take you there from 2 piers inside the park (boat tickets are included in the price of the entrance fee to the park).  If sticking to the National Park is not enough for you in terms of panoramic views and natural experience  – go deeper into the pristine Mediterranean forest to enjoy the sublime opportunities for hiking, especially in low seaon when the outside temperature is more comfortable for taking a trail up the green hills of the island. 

For everybody yearning for the perfect swim in a picturesque secluded lagoon with white-sand beaches, surrounded by the wild lush Mediterranean vegetation, the island has such idyllic spots as f.ex. Saplunari – an attractive bay located far away from the Park: in the eastern part of Mljet. Blaca beach, also called Limuni, is every sandy beach lover's dream. 

All the adventureous souls on the other hand should defintiely pay a visit to the famous Ulysses Cave: a natural phenomenon which is believed to be known from the ancient times: the legendary Ulysses was allegedly shipwrecked near it and stayed on the island for 7 years. The cave has a shape of a low tunnel, and diving inside it is an unbelievable experience.

A lot of different tours and cruise programs offer a chance to explore the island. Evidently, the Croatian coastline is full of brilliant cruising destinations and Mljet is undoubtedly worth a visit at any time of the year.