October the 24th, 2025 – The stunning Croatian island of Mljet is the only one in all of Croatia of which over half is protected as a national park. As it opens its proverbial doors for the lovers of autumn, let’s delve deeper into the long history of this Dalmatian paradise.
As Putni kofer writes, hidden in the endless blue of the more southern part of Dalmatia, between the rugged, mountainous mainland and the crystalline Adriatic, Mljet is an island that effortlessly exudes mysticism, peace and unspoiled nature. It’s often referred to as the greenest island in all of Croatia, and its beauty enchants every visitor. The rich turquoise sea, dense Mediterranean pine forests and the intoxicating scent of its plant life create the impression that time flows more slowly on this island. What makes this Croatian island particularly special is not only its abundant natural beauty, but also the fact that more than half of its area has been declared a national park.
the croatian island of which half has been a protected national park since 1960
Mljet is the only Croatian island where more than half of its area has been declared a national park. The Mljet National Park was established back on November the 11th, 1960, making it the first marine park in what was then Yugoslavia. Today, it occupies a special place among all of Croatia’s many protected areas and is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of properly preserved Mediterranean nature.
The declaration covered the western part of the island, which extends over about 5,400 hectares of land and sea, which makes up approximately a third of the total area of the island. Later expansions further expanded the protected area, and today the national park covers approximately half of the island of Mljet, or more precisely, about 54% of its total area.
The most famous attractions of the Mljet National Park are its stunning Big (Veliko jezero) and Small Lakes (Malo jezero), two unique natural phenomena connected to the sea by narrow straits. In the very heart of the Big Lake sits the islet of St. Mary with a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, which has become the symbol of the entire park. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides, swimming in the crystal clear salt water, or simply observe untouched nature in complete and utter silence, worlds away from the crowds, stress and noise.
montokuc at sunset – a numinous experience
The park area boasts very many hiking trails and a series of peaks with beautiful views, among which Montokuc stands out. After a little over two kilometres of gentle climb to 235 metres above sea level, a spectacular view will open up before you: the Big and Small Lakes sit out in front of you as if they’re in the palm of your hand, with the islands of Korčula and Lastovo in the distance. It’s a truly special experience to visit Montokuc at sunset and watch Dalmatia’s scorching hot orange ball sink down into the darkening open sea.
Mljet is absolutely covered with dense forests of Aleppo pine and holm oak, and due to its rich vegetation, it’s often called Croatia’s “greenest island”. Its glorious coastline and rich underwater world are home to numerous endemic species, coral and all kinds of diverse marine life. The forests are home to martens, the animal that Croatia’s former currency (kuna) was named after, plenty of migratory birds and many other animals.
an island of myths…
In addition to its striking natural beauty, Mljet is also steeped in myths and ancient legends. According to one ancient Greek legend, it was precisely on Mljet that Odysseus stayed for seven years in the cave of the nymph Calypso, enchanted by her beauty and the countless charms of the island. This fascinating cave, known as Odysseus’s Cave, is still one of the most famous spots to visit on the entire island today.
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