Mljet in one day: lakes, monastery, bike loop.

A third of Mljet is a national park, with pine forest down to the waterline. In the park are two saltwater lakes, and on an islet in the larger lake stands a 12th-century Benedictine monastery.

The crossing

From Dubrovnik the crossing takes about 90 minutes, past the Elaphiti Islands. We dock at Pomena, a ten-minute walk from the park entrance. Passengers on the public catamaran arrive at the other end of the island, about 40 minutes’ walk away.

The two lakes

Veliko and Malo Jezero, the large and small lakes, are connected to the sea by a narrow channel. They are salt water but usually a couple of degrees warmer than the open sea.

The monastery islet

The islet of St Mary, with its monastery, is in the middle of the large lake and is reached by a park boat included in the entry ticket. Allow about 45 minutes for the cloister and a coffee at the islet café.

The bike loop

Bikes can be rented at Mali Most, the bridge between the lakes. The loop around the large lake is 9 km, flat and car-free, and takes about an hour, with swimming spots along the way.

Quick answers

Is the national park ticket included?

No. The Mljet National Park ticket is not included and is paid at the park entrance.

Can you swim in the Mljet lakes?

Yes. The lakes are warmer than the open sea, and the small lake is especially calm for children. The park entry fee is paid separately.

How long do you need?

Our tour takes about nine hours: 90 minutes each way, about five hours on the island, and a swim stop on the way back.

Planning a Mljet National Park day trip

A Mljet National Park day trip from Dubrovnik works best when you decide in advance how you want to spend the five or so hours on the island. Walking, cycling and swimming in the lakes all fit, but not all at a relaxed pace. Most guests pick two: the monastery and a swim, or the bike loop and a swim.

The alternative to a private boat is the public catamaran, which runs on a fixed timetable and arrives at the far end of the park, or the car ferry from the Pelješac side, which means a long drive before you even reach the island. For a single day from Dubrovnik, the boat to Pomena is the simplest option.

• Park ticket: bought at the park entrance and paid separately. It covers the park boat to the monastery islet. The price is set by the park and differs between high and low season.
• Cash or card: bring something for the ticket, bike rental, lunch and a coffee on the islet.
• Shoes: the paths around the lakes are gravel and roots, so trainers or sandals with a strap are better than flip-flops.
• Price of the tour: on request. We quote per boat, not per person, and send an itemised quote by email or WhatsApp.

Beyond the lakes

The lakes and the monastery are what most people come for, but Mljet is a long island, about 37 km from end to end, and the park covers only its western part. A few other places are worth knowing about:

• Polače, a small harbour village inside the park with the walls of a large late-Roman palace standing right by the waterfront.
• Pomena itself, where we dock: a short promenade, a few restaurants and a quiet bay for a last swim before the return.
• Odysseus Cave near Babino Polje, a sea cave linked by local legend to Homer’s Odyssey. It is outside the park and usually a separate plan.
• Saplunara, at the eastern tip of the island, one of the few sandy stretches in the area.

Every trip is private, so stops can be swapped or added. Ask when you plan the day, and the skipper will tell you what fits with the time and the weather.

Park rules worth knowing

Mljet is a national park, and the rules are what you would expect in a protected area. Keep to the marked paths and the lake road, take your rubbish back with you, and do not pick plants or disturb wildlife. Swimming in the lakes is allowed and is one of the best parts of the day. Cyclists share the lake road with walkers, so ride slowly near the bridge at Mali Most and the boat stops.

The monastery islet is a religious site as well as a monument. Bring something to cover your shoulders if you want to go inside the church.

Season, heat and who it suits

June and September are the best months: warm sea, long days and fewer visitors on the paths. July and August are the hottest and busiest, so book two to four weeks ahead and plan your walking for the morning, when the pine shade is cooler. In May and October the lakes are calm and the park is quiet, though the open sea is cooler for swimming.

In the heat, bring a refillable bottle and a hat for the walk. There is water on board, and the shade under the pines is the coolest place on the island at midday.

It is a long day, so it suits older children best. For toddlers we usually suggest the shorter Elaphiti Islands tour. If anyone is prone to seasickness, tell us in advance; most of the crossing runs past the Elaphiti, and on days with a strong jugo or bura we check the forecast the day before and contact you if conditions look uncertain. If it is not safe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund of your deposit.

Staying on Mljet

If you want more than a day, you can spend a night or two on the island and travel one way by boat. Our private boat transfer to Mljet takes you to the harbour you need. For the day itself, see the Mljet National Park boat tour for the route, the boats and what is included.