The Island of Mljet

Located in the historic Dalmatia, Mljet is the legendary island of Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and even Benedictine monks, and most notably part of the maritime Republic of Ragusa with the medieval city of Dubrovnik and other islands along the coast. The first name of the island during the ancient times was “Melita” and derives from the greek word “μέλι” which means honey. The name over the centuries evolved to become the Slavic name, Mljet. 

St Paul the Apostle is believed to have spent three months on the island.

The island is a natural paradise covered with rugged hills and lush valleys. Over 85% of the terrain is a forest and along with the characteristic saltwater lakes and the sea belt, form a very special unspoiled environment which was characterised very early, in the early 60s, as a protected National Park. It actually holds the title of the oldest Mediterranean marine protected area. 

This preservation status has created a safe place for wild fauna and flora and has kept the area intact and unspoiled from harmful human activity. There are only a few settlements with no more than 250 people each scattered along the slopes of the green hills. 

The island is synonymous with nature and beauty, and here on Mljet wildlife is vibrant. 

The climate on the island is mild and gentle, characteristic of the Mediterranean coastal areas. There is some rain during the winter period and the summer is long and warm. The villagers enjoy the generosity of the island in terms of weather and natural habitat and occupy themselves with traditional activities like vineyards and olive groves. The pace here is calm and slow with no sign of industry and harsh development.