History

For many tourists, Mljet is just another island lost out in the open sea. A little trickier to access, it’s fortunate for this reason however, that this little gem isn’t overcrowded by tourists with its separation from the mainland ensuring that feeling of serenity and silence which can be a great advantage for the de-stressing, recharging traveller. However, many have now caught on to one of the most attractive and culturally rich islands. Located in the southern Dalmatian archipelago, its close proximity to Pelješac and Dubrovnik make it a stopover must. After all, coming to Croatia and not visiting one of its 1185 islands is something you don’t want to do! 
Be prepared to fall in love with nature all over again, for this island has a stunning quality for you to discover. Croatia’s 8th largest island is approximately 3km wide and 37km length, making this island attractive to explore for a short or lengthier stop. It covers roughly 5.3 hectares with 131km of coastline and many little niches to discover, you’d be forgiven for wanting to stay.  Mljet’s unique panoramic landscape of coastline, cliffs, reefs and numerous islets as well as the rich topography of the nearby hills rise steeply above the sea and hide numerous ancient stone villages. The submarine world includes quite an array of fish as well as various types of corals.
Recreational sports, swimming, scuba diving, hiking and bicycle paths are only a fraction of the pleasures that you can enjoy here, along with the fantastic weather. 
 
Mljet has been protected since 1960 when it was proclaimed a National Park. First mentioned as Melita, this island has a long and interesting history, going back to the settlement of the ancient Greeks who founded it, thereby naming it Melissa, Melitta, (meaning, bee; honey) inspired from the many bees that made their home there.  Greek settlers became familiar with this island whilst colonising Vis (Issa), Pharos (Hvar) and Korkiru (Korčula). 
 
Other early inhabitants were the Illyrians, settling the entire island in the 2nd century BC. Much of their heritage can still be seen around the island, their fingerprints leaving behind a vast array of military fortifications and graves. The best preserved forts are located on Veliki Gradac hill, above the Big Lake and in Babino Polje, where the fort of Vodica sits.
The Romans followed on, their era lasting 1st BC - 7th century AD. After successful battling the Illyrians in 35BC, the Romans built their empire here, on the western side of the island. Evidence of their domain is most notable in Polače, where they built a palace, a significant cultural monument. Other Roman ruins are located in Pomena, Žara and Pinjevci.
 
The Croatian-Slavic nobility settled along the entire Adriatic coast. By the end of the 8th and the start of the 9th century, Byzantine unrest saw the Croatians descend down from the Neretva valley into Mljet. However, the Romans remained on their side of the island up to the 12th century. They then were defeated in a battle on the mountain Bijeđ. Evidence of this exists in the 1938 discovery of mass graves and their remnants of bones, spears, swords and arrows.
 
In 1151, Prince Desa of the House of  Vojislavljević donated the entire island of Mljet to the Benedictine order of St Mary from Pulsana in Apulia. Their arrival saw the construction of a church and grand monastery (1177-1198) on the islet of the Big Lake.
 
Despite the neighbouring island of Pelješac entering the Republic of Dubrovnik in 1333, Mljet, for a time, remains completely isolated. This changed however, when the Republic of Dubrovnik saw opportunity to gain quick possession of Mljet. On 15th September 1410, they succeed and Mljet entered the Republic of Dubrovnik, where it remained until the dissolution of the Republic under Napoleon in 1808.