Lake island of Mlhet

Continuing on our tour of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is the beautiful Adriatic island of Mljet.  The island's two lakes form the centre of a national park that is almost completely ringed by a well kept cycle path, which most tourists pedal along in order to take in the beautiful views of the sea lakes.  

Bicycles can be rented from the small port at the bottom of the ihill.  We were impressed with the quality of the bikes we were given and paid about €17 to hire them for 3 hours, although I think this was for a daily rate.  The cycle around the lakes is very quiet, with few vehicles using the ring.  It is not terribly strenuous, although getting up the hill to the start of the national park is a challenge.  As you cycle around the lakes you encounter small clusters of houses and cafes, where you can stop to rest and enjoy the view.  The restaurants along the lake are family run and pleasantly rustic, often with pets and naked toddlers running through them.  It is scenes like this that make me smile and yearn for island living.  

More expensive bars and restaurants can be found at the marina, where there is a small hub of activity.  The island is much quieter compared to Korcula or Dubrovnik, and so is often visited as a day trip from either.  We took a tourist boat from Lumbarda in Korcula for €30 pp, not including entrance fee to the national park at approximately €8 pp.    The journey was 2 hrs each way. If you don't want to make the trip in one day then there are plenty of accommodation options in Mljet, includ=ing the usual local rooms, as well as small hotels.  


Whatever way you decide to visit Mljet it is definitely worth it.  It is a stunning island that should not be overlooked on your visit to Croatia.