Mljet National Park: an oasis of nature at sea
Mljet National Park is one of the most fascinating places on the Adriatic Sea, offering an unusual combination of nature, history and culture. Occupying the northwestern part of the island of Mljet, it is a unique ecosystem of 5,300 hectares, with a protected area and a 500-meter-long sea belt. Since it was declared a national park on November 11, 1960, Mljet has become an icon of environmental protection in the Adriatic.
Location and area of Mljet National Park
The park covers the western part of the island of Mljet, from the Crna klada area to Cape Goli, the westernmost point of the island. The park includes the villages of Polače, Goveđari, Soline, Pristanište and Pomena. Each of these places has its own unique qualities, from the Roman palace to the Franciscan monastery on St. Mary’s Island in the Great Lake.
Importance of Mljet National Park
The Mljet Park has been recognized as an area of special importance due to several key elements:
- Panoramic Appearance of the Shores: The unique combination of cliffs, islets and surrounding hills makes the area extremely picturesque. The sloping coastline towards the sea is full of “garm” – caves and natural rock formations.
- The Great and Small Lake System is a unique geological and oceanographic phenomenon in its karst, presenting itself as the only one of its kind in the world. These two freshwater lakes hide endemic Dalmatian plants.
- Forest Wealth: Occupying more than 90% of the park’s area, the forests, including the Aleppo pine forest, are considered the most beautiful and intact in the entire Mediterranean region.
- Saint Mary’s Island: Located on the Great Lake, this Benedictine monastery and church dating back to the 12th century is a unique cultural and spiritual landmark.
- Cultural-Historical Heritage: From the time of the Illyrian tribes to the Roman Empire to the Dubrovnik Republic, the park harbors a wealth of history and cultural heritage.
Flora and fauna
The flora of the park is extremely lush, making Mljet known as the Green Island. Forests of Aleppo pine and holm oak are full of endemics such as dubrovačka zečina, Jupiterova brada and drvenasta mlječika.
Among the park’s fauna are Eurasian wild boars, common fallow deer, Canadian sheep and mangroves, which were brought to the island in 1909 for snake control. Among the birds scrolling through are psittacines, wrens, blackbirds, rusty nightingales, kestrels, sparrowhawks, honey buzzards, hawks, owls and owls.
Summary
A trip to Mljet National Park is a unique opportunity to discover the harmony of nature and Croatia’s cultural heritage. The green island of the Adriatic Sea welcomes you to magnificent landscapes, fascinating geological formations and charming historical sites. For nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this is an unforgettable experience to put on the list of trips of a lifetime.
See also: Krka National Park: discover the charm of Croatian nature
