10 AWESOME Things To Do in Mljet, Croatia (& Best Restaurants)

Saplunara Beach

Saplunara Beach is undeniably one of the most stunning and serene spots on Mljet Island (and one of my favourite spots) , making it a must-visit for beach lovers. Known for its powdery golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this secluded gem offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Croatia.

The beach is ideal for laid-back swims with its calm and shallow waters making it particularly family-friendly. Surrounding the beach is a lush pine forest that not only provides natural shade but also features a few hiking trails.

Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or explore the island’s greenery, Saplunara Beach offers the best of both worlds.

If you are looking to mix relaxation with a touch of adventure, the trails in the forest make for a leisurely hike.

If you get hungry during your time at Saplunara you’ll be pleased to know there’s a beachfront restaurant serving local delicacies and a small supermarket for essentials. You can also rent a sunbed on the beach for just €8 a day, though there’s plenty of space to spread out a towel or set up your own chair.

Saplunara Beach is a hot spot, especially during peak season. If you are planning to drive it’s best to arrive early so you can secure a space in the free onsite car park.

Beyond Mljet’s National Park, Sapularana was one of my favourite things to do in Mljet so make sure you do not skip a visit here!

Blace Beach (Limuni Bay)

Just southeast of Saplunara you’ll find the beautiful Blace Beach which is another hidden gem on Mljet island that is perfect for those after a tranquil escape.

Much like Saplunara, this sandy retreat is surrounded by a lush pine forest which offers natural shade from the sun during the summer months. Blace Beach’s shallow waters make it perfect for families, non-swimmers and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing dip.

Umbrellas and lounge chairs are ready to rent here and you can also find a beach cafe nearby that serves up drinks, snacks and light bites.

One of the most fascinating places to visit on Mljet has to be Odysseus’ Cave which is a natural wonder steeped in myth and mystery.

According to legend, Odysseus, the Greek King of Ithaca, was shipwrecked on Mljet’s coast after a fierce storm and spent seven years living in this cave under the spell of the nymph Calypso.

Whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology or simply a lover of awe-inspiring landscapes, a trip to Odysseus’ Cave is not to be missed.

To reach the cave you will need to start at Tommy’s Supermarket, where you’ll find a small car park. From here, follow the signposted trail for about 20-25 minutes through a scene route that leads to the cliffside.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the coastline and just before reaching the cave, you’ll come across Mars Bar which is a cosy cliffside spot where you can grab a drink or a snack whilst soaking in the views. From personal experience, I can guarantee the first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive is grab a drink from this bar (even though the walk is short it’s very hot in the height of summer).

Once you arrive you’ll find a spacious cliff area where you can leave your belongings before venturing into the cave. Accessing the cave itself is part of the adventure. Adrenaline junkies can cliff jump into the water and those who prefer a gentler option can use the rope and ladder that is provided.

For the best experience, I would suggest avoiding visiting at midday when the sun is at its hottest and the crowds tend to gather to watch the sun glow through the hole of the cave. If you’re okay with missing out on this event I would recommend visiting from 3 PM onwards when it’s cooler and quieter.

I would also recommend bringing an underwater camera for your visit here.

Prozurska Luka

Sutmiholjska

Sutmiholjska Beach is a small hidden gem tucked away between the towns of Ropa and Babino Polje. This picturesque pebble beach is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters which are perfect for leisurely swim or even some snorkelling.

While Sutmiholjska Beach boasts undeniable beauty, one drawback we noticed during our visit was the presence of litter scattered along the shoreline. It’s difficult to say whether this is due to visitors being careless or if the bay’s geography causes it to collect ocean debris. Regardless it is a good reminder of the importance of preserving these natural environments.

That said, Sutmiholjska Beach remains a beautiful and peaceful destination for those looking to unwind in nature. If you visit, consider bringing a small bag to collect any litter you come across. This is a simple way to give back to this stunning beach and help maintain its charm for others to enjoy.

Okuklje

Just a short distance from Prožurska Luka you can find the equally charming fishing village of Okuklje. 

At Okuklje you can take a dip in the sea or relax in the sun. The calm waters make it very easy to take a dip and the green surroundings give you a good opportunity to go on a hike.

If you’re feeling hungry there are several restaurants in the area where you can enjoy a chilled lunch and enjoy scrumptious Croatian dishes.

If you’re looking for a slightly “off the radar” place to visit in Mljet, Okuklje is a great option.

The Lakes  

One of the top must-see attractions on Mljet Island is undoubtedly the two sparkling blue lakes located inside Mljet National Park.

These stunning lakes, known as Veliko Jezero (Large Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake) are natural wonders that will probably be the highlight of your trip to Mljet. Veliko Jezero is a rich, deep blue whilst Malo Jezero is a shimmering turquoise colour. Malo Jezero was my personal favourite.

What makes these lakes even more unique is their high salt content which makes you extremely buoyant in the water, so it’s perfect for laying back and floating. If you are keen to avoid the other tourists here I recommend avoiding the popular swimming spots. Instead, you can venture off slightly to enjoy your own secluded lake-side oasis among the trees, where you can enjoy these waters with a bit of peace and quiet. This is what my boyfriend and I decided to do and it felt like we had a little slice of the lake all to ourselves (but please be sure to practice water safety).

There are plenty of rental spots scattered throughout the park which makes things very easy for you. However, the best place to grab one is in the area of Mali Most which provides convenient access to both lakes.

Rental prices for Kayaks and canoes begin at just €25 which is both an affordable and eco-friendly way to soak in the park’s natural beauty. You’ll find that the lakes are mostly calm so you can enjoy paddling through the waters whether you are an experienced kayaker or a beginner.

Mount Montokuc

For a breathtaking 360° view of the National Park hiking up Mount Montokuc is an absolute must. The hike offers some of the most stunning panoramas on the island so it’s well worth the trek.

There are two starting points: one at the National Park’s car park and ticket stand, and the other in the small town of Solina. 

The hike is well-marked, and locals or guides are always available for assistance should you need any help. The round trip is approximately 3-4 kilometres, taking around 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, so it’s manageable no matter what your fitness level.

Another option for those up for more of a challenge is to hike up Mount Veliki Gradac which you can start at the same car park and ticket stand. You can choose to hike Veliki Gradac separately or combine it with the Montokuc trail for an extra-long hike.

If you’re short on time and can only choose one then I highly recommend sticking with Mount Montokuc. Its panoramic views of the park, shimmering lakes, and surrounding landscapes are truly jaw-dropping and make it one of the best things to do in Mljet (so don’t skip it).

The Church and Benedictine Monastery on St Mary’s Island

St Mary’s Island is a picturesque islet in the heart of Veliko Jezero (large lake) and is a must-see attraction when you’re exploring Mljet National Park.

This charming little island is home to the historic monastery which now houses an old church. This is the perfect place for culture vultures to explore. After you have explored the island a little, you can also enjoy a spot of lunch at the island restaurant.

Despite its small size, St Mary’s Island is full of charm and you won’t need much time to explore it. If you’ve ever been to Lake Bled in Slovenia, this little island will bring back some memories of this experience.

Boats to and from the island and the mainland run frequently which means you can enjoy a stress-free trip over to the island. This transfer is included in your national park entry ticket, so you won’t have to pay any additional costs.

How to get to Mljet Island

The only way to get to Mljet Island is by ferry/catamaran. You can get a catamaran directly to Mljet from Split, Hvar, Brac, Korcula, Lastovo, Sipan & Dubrovnik. There are 3 main ports on Mljet; Sobra, Polace and Pomena.

Please bear this in mind when booking a ferry or catamaran service, as only certain services will stop at certain ports (see below).

G&V Line

The G&V Line will take you to the ports of Sobra and Polace and the journey time is roughly an hour. Please be aware that in the winter months, this ferry will only stop in Sobra. 

Kapetan Luka

The Kapetan Luka service will take you to Pomena only and runs from late May to mid-October. You can compare ferry schedules and prices here.

How to get around Mljet Island

By Bike (day trip)

If you’re planning a day trip to Mljet Island to explore the National Park, consider exploring it on foot or by bike. You can easily rent a bike or an e-bike from one of the rental companies inside the National Park as soon as you disembark the catamaran.

Long Stay (Rental Car)

If you’re spending a few days on Mljett the best way to explore will be by car. This will allow you to venture beyond the National Park and discover other beautiful spots the island offers. You can either rent a car on the mainland to bring over to the island on the ferry or you can rent a car from Mini Brum car rental located on Mljet (rental rates start at just €50 per day). I recommend comparing car rental prices here.

Their main office is conveniently located next to the ferry port in Sobra, and if you’re heading to Polace ferry port, you can arrange for a rental pick-up there.

It’s worth noting that some cars may be on the older side; my boyfriend and I got a Fiat 600 (which gave us a nostalgic 90’s holiday feel) but it did make the experience more memorable though.

*Please bear in mind cars are not allowed within the vicinity of Pomena.

Bus & Taxi

If you can’t drive, there are a couple of bus routes on the island that stop at major places. Keep in mind that the bus service isn’t very frequent, so you will need to plan your journey accordingly. 

Another option is using taxi services available on the island (some of which also provide tours of Mljet). This can be a good choice for those without a car who don’t want to use the bus, but it will be a lot more on the expensive side.

Budget-Friendly Options

• Apartments Angelo
  • Location: Polače
    • Budget-friendly apartments within Mljet National Park with sea views.
• Guest House Radulj
  • Location: Polače
    • Located 10 meters from the sea with sea views.
• Villa Anita
  • Location: Sobra
    • Affordable accommodations with barbecue facilities, and private beach access.

Midrange Choices

• Apartments Lorena Mljet
  • Location: Pomena
    • Fully equipped apartments near Mljet National Park that are close to park attractions.
• Villa Mirosa
  • Location: Saplunara
    • Guesthouse with a seasonal outdoor pool, sun terrace, and private beach.
• Apartments Lampalo
  • Location: Okuklje
    • Beachfront property with stunning balcony views and an on-site restaurant and barbecue facilities.

Luxury Stays

• Hotel Odisej
  • Location: Pomena
    • Luxurious hotel in Mljet National Park that has a private beach area and wellness centre.

Take a look at more of the best hotels in Mljet here. 

Is Mljet worth visiting?

Yes! I personally believe that Mljet is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia if not Europe. It is still often missed off the traditional tourist trail which means it’s retained some of that untouched magic and charm, which is often missing from many of the islands in Croatia. 

If you are looking for something unique to do on your Croatia holiday then a trip to Mljet is it.

Can you do a Day trip to Mljet Island?

Yes. Doing a day trip to Mljet is super common, especially for those staying in Dubrovnik.  You can either book a same-day return ferry and explore the national park by yourself, or you can book a guided tour which will give you access to more islands during the trip.

Can you Camp on Mljet Island?

Yes! There are approximately 3 campsites in Mljet with prices starting from just €10:

• AutoCamp Lovor Mljet
• Autokamp “Marina”
• Camp Mongoose

How long should you stay in Mljet?

Whilst you probably won’t want to leave, I recommend staying a minimum of 3 nights in Mljet. This will give you the chance to explore both in and outside of the national park, without feeling rushed.

Can you swim in Mljet National Park?

Yes, you can swim in Mljet National Park. You can swim in both Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Both lakes are good for a relaxed swim as the water is usually calm and safe for everyone.  There are specific areas in the lakes marked for swimming, so you can enjoy the water safely.

🛏️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget, then make sure to check out Hostelworld.

✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!

🚆Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.

🚗Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.

🎟️Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100s of activities whilst travelling.

🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.

📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download SIMs from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.

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• An EPIC 7-Day Croatia Itinerary From Dubrovnik
• The Top 13 Best Places To Eat And Drink In Dubrovnik, Croatia
• 9 Of The Very Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik, Croatia

Happy Exploring

I hope you have the best time uncovering all of the best things to do in Mljet. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.