Mljet National Park Hiking Tour

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful escape filled with breathtaking landscapes, a visit to Mljet National Park offers exactly that. This 4-hour guided hiking experience takes you through some of the most stunning parts of Croatia’s famed “green island,” with opportunities to admire panoramic views, explore ancient sites, and even enjoy a refreshing swim in vibrant waters.

While your time is limited, this tour packs an impressive punch — combining nature, history, and a bit of adventure. We particularly love the chance to trek up Montokuc Hill for sweeping vistas, visit the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery on St. Mary’s Islet, and glide across the lakes in a small boat.

One thing to consider is that this tour demands a good level of mobility and fitness, given the hiking and walking involved. But if you’re comfortable in the outdoors, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse of Mljet’s natural beauty and cultural charm. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of scenic exploration and cultural insights in a compact timeframe.

Good To Know

• Stunning panoramic views from Montokuc Hill showcase the entire park and nearby islands.
• Cultural heritage shines through the Benedictine Monastery on St. Mary’s Islet.
• Beautiful lakes and forests provide a tranquil, lush setting for walking and swimming.
• Professional guides enrich the experience with insights into Mljet’s natural and historical features.
• Value for money at $106 includes expert guiding, scenic boat rides, and memorable hikes.
• Good for active travelers comfortable with walking and outdoor activities.

Mljet Island is often called Croatia’s greenest spot — and for good reason. Covering mostly forested land, the national park is a haven of holm oaks and Aleppo pines that create a lush backdrop for your adventure. The park’s defining features are its two narrow inlets, known locally as lakes: the Great Lake and Small Lake. Their calm, intensely blue-green waters seem almost surreal, offering a peaceful setting for both exploration and relaxation.

This tour begins in Pomena, a small seaside village on Mljet’s western tip. Meeting your knowledgeable guide, who speaks both English and French, you’ll set off on foot toward Veliki Gradac Hill. The hike starts through a shaded forest, gradually opening up to reveal stunning vistas. As you ascend, the views become more expansive, giving you a sense of how the park’s natural elements fit together.

We loved the way the trail offers a balance of shaded woodland and open lookout points, making it comfortable even if the sun’s shining brightly. About halfway through, expect to see the lakes so close it feels like you could reach out and scoop them up. One reviewer mentioned being “completely blown away” by the scenery, describing it as “simply stunning.”

Reaching the summit of Montokuc Hill (253 meters) is a highlight. From here, you’ll get a sweeping view of the entire park — the dense forests, the lakes, and distant islands like Korčula and Lastovo. On a clear day, the sight of the Pelješac Peninsula and beyond is enough to make your camera overheat.

The guide will share insights about the formation of the lakes and the native flora and fauna, including the curious absence of vipers and the presence of wild boars, which might surprise some visitors. These stories add a layer of understanding that elevates the hike beyond just a walk in the woods.

During the descent, you’ll make your way down to the shoreline of Great Lake, where the calm waters beckon. It’s here that the tour switches gears from hiking to boating, providing a relaxing way to see more of the park’s aquatic charm.

One of the most unique stops on this tour is St. Mary’s Islet, home to a centuries-old Benedictine Monastery. Built in the 12th century, the monastery has a fascinating history — from its expansion during the period of the Dubrovnik Republic to its time as a hotel during Yugoslavia days.

Today, the monastery is a kind of architectural monument, emerging gracefully from the lush greenery. Visiting it provides a tangible link to the past, adding depth to the day’s natural beauty.

Many reviews highlight the thrill of approaching this tiny island — “It’s a real fairy tale,” one traveler shared. The boat ride to the islet is short but scenic, and the peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spot to reflect on the island’s history.

What truly elevates this tour is the opportunity for a swim. After the hike and boat ride, you’ll have time to plunge into the lakes’ emerald waters. The lakes’ tranquility and vivid color make for a memorable swim — a refreshing way to cool off after the walk and soak in the scenery.

Travelers often mention how difficult it is to leave the lakes’ inviting waters, describing it as a “paradise for swimming,” with some noting how the water’s clarity makes it perfect for snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun.

The contrast between the still lakes and the restless sea on the coast creates a landscape that feels almost like a fantasy. The lakes’ gentle, turquoise waters are a stark contrast to the saltwater sea, making this experience both soothing and invigorating.

The tour duration of 4 hours strikes a good balance, giving enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed. The price of $106 per person is reasonable considering the included guided commentary, boat ride, and the chance to explore multiple scenic spots.

Participants should be in good physical condition; the hike involves some elevation and uneven terrain. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, and bringing essentials like a sun hat, water, snacks, a daypack, and your charged smartphone is highly recommended. The guide offers hiking sticks at no extra cost, which can help with stability on uneven sections.

Since entrance tickets to Mljet National Park are not included, plan to purchase these separately at the park gates. There are no meal options included, so bringing some snacks and a little extra water will keep you energized.

The meeting point is conveniently located right in front of the Hotel Odisej in Pomena, with a prompt arrival recommended to start the tour smoothly.

This experience is designed as a quick but comprehensive taste of Mljet’s natural and cultural highlights. It doesn’t include extensive visits to other parts of the island or additional activities like wine tasting or local food sampling, but that can be explored separately.

Children under 14 and those with mobility impairments might find the walk challenging, as the tour involves some hiking and uneven paths. Plus, restrictions on smoking, drones, fishing, and fireworks are enforced to preserve the park’s tranquility.

This guided hike is best suited for active travelers who appreciate scenic beauty and cultural heritage. If you’re comfortable walking for a few hours in nature, and enjoy learning about local stories and history, you’ll find this tour very rewarding.

It’s particularly ideal for those short on time but eager to see some of Mljet’s best features in a compact, well-organized package. Families with teenagers who enjoy outdoor adventures will probably enjoy the mix of hiking, boat riding, and swimming.

The Mljet National Park Hiking Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Croatia’s lush, tranquil side. With expert guides, scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and the chance to swim in the lakes, it balances education and adventure beautifully. The price point is fair for the quality of experiences, especially given the opportunity to see iconic sights without the hassle of planning logistics.

This tour is a fantastic choice for travelers who seek an active, immersive escape into nature and history in one of Croatia’s most captivating islands. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, the combination of breathtaking scenery and cultural insights makes it a memorable outing.

Is transportation provided during the tour?
You meet at the designated point in Pomena, and the boat to St. Mary’s Islet is included. The hike from the meeting point to the scenic spots is on foot, so no additional transport is needed.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 14 or individuals with mobility issues due to the hiking involved.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, snacks, water, comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, a daypack, and a charged smartphone. Hiking sticks are available at no extra charge.

Is the tour suitable for people in good shape?
Yes, a good level of physical condition is recommended because of the walking and some elevation involved.

Are drinks or food included?
No, drinks and food are not included, so plan to bring your own supplies for energy and hydration.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to St. Mary’s Islet is brief but scenic, offering a peaceful moment to enjoy the surroundings.

Can I swim in the lakes?
Absolutely. Many travelers enjoy taking a swim in the lakes’ emerald waters after the hike, which is often described as a highlight.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and French, making it accessible for most travelers.

In sum, this Mljet National Park Hiking Tour delivers a rich combination of scenic vistas, cultural discoveries, and refreshing lake swims — perfect for active travelers looking to experience Croatia’s famed “green island” in just a few hours.