When the Roman army disembarked on Mljet Island, the Illyrians, a native population, withdrew into the island’s interior. The Roman commander, attracted by a dense forest, went for a walk, but his path soon came to an end. Surprised by the Small Lake which spread out in front of him, the commander stopped short to observe this miracle of nature. ‘Where am I?’ – he asked himself. Then, suddenly, he spotted an Aleppo pine leaning over the lake, as far as it could, its branches dangling into the water. Curious, the commander went down to the shore. He stared at the branches, and the branches stared back at him. And suddenly he noticed a nest! Seriously, a bird’s nest was nestling on one of the branches! The commander seized his sword, swung at the branch, and cut it off. Then he pulled the branch out of the water, and as the branch came out onto the shore, a beautiful conch appeared on it. The nest and the conch – the commander was delighted. Immediately he gave an order:
– Send me the fastest soldier!
The fastest soldier came, quick as a flash. The commander handed him the branch, and the words he declared at that moment still resound around Mljet today:
– Take this branch to Rome, and tell to Caesar that I’ve found paradise on Earth!

On Mljet Island, no remains of the Greek settlement have been found. But probably the ancient Greeks did navigate through the Mljet Channel, using the island’s coves as a shelter from adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, we are indebted to the Greeks for the most ancient name for Mljet – Melita. Melita translates as ‘a bee’ in English, from the Greek mélitta, mélissa. Presumably, on Mljet Island, the bees have always existed, due to the luxuriant vegetation. It’s an interesting fact that the same name was given to Malta Island as well. Later, a Latin term was added to the islands’ names to make it easier to distinguish them: Melita Illyricum was used for Mljet Island, and Melita Africanum for Malta Island. Anyway, on Mljet Island you’ll find honey as a typical souvenir.
This package holiday includes a hiking tour, which is the best way to get to know the national park inside out. We’ll adapt the hike to suit your interests, but we would be the happiest guides if you agree to climb with us up the Montokuc Hill (253 m), within the national park. The path meanders through a forest, opening here and there to wonderful views. The icing on the cake – from the top, the lakes will appear as if in the palm of your hand! Probably, you will not be able to stand the view for too long – it’s simply stunning! Nature always heals us, but Mljet is too beautiful to be real! Below Montokuc lie the Soline Straits, and in the distance you’ll see the islands of Lastovo and Korčula. Also, you’ll discover how close to Mljet Island the Pelješac Peninsula stands, it seems to watch its back…
From the Montokuc viewpoint, we’ll descend to the shore of the Great Lake, and there, we’ll take a boat to St. Mary’s Islet. In the 12th century, the Benedictine Monastery was built on the islet. During the time of the Republic of Dubrovnik, the monastery was enlarged, during the time of Yugoslavia, it was turned into a hotel, and today it emerges from the green of Mljet’s vegetation as a Renaissance monumental residence…

This package holiday includes 4 nights with breakfast in private accommodation in Pomena, a tiny hamlet at the western tip of Mljet Island. Pomena numbers about forty residents, but Pomena also has the only hotel on the island – the hotel Odysseus. In Pomena, you can walk from one end to the other in ten minutes. In the centre, you’ll see a waterfront on which a public catamaran ferry puts ashore to link Mljet with Dubrovnik and Korčula. In Pomena, there is a small grocery store, a souvenir shop and several restaurants. Pomena is an ideal starting point for exploring the national park. For example, to reach the Small Lake from Pomena, you’ll need ten minutes on foot.
For accommodation, you can choose between a private room for 2 people, a private apartment for 2 people, a private apartment for 3 people and a private apartment for 4 people. All units are categorised 3*, fully furnished, modern, comfortable and pleasantly decorated. Rooms include an electric kettle for heating water, while apartments have a well furnished kitchen that gives you the option of eating in. Also, you’ll have your own entrance and free WiFi. Some units include a parking place. Please advise us at the time of booking whether you’ll need a parking place or not. We’ll send you a detailed description and photos of your hotel that is not a hotel.
Whenever you come, you will be more than welcome!