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, is the most southerly and easterly of the larger Adriatic islands of the Dalmatia region of Croatia. Population 1,111 with 98% Croats (2001). Mljet lies south of the Pelješac peninsula, from which it is divided by the Mljet Channel. Its length is 23 miles; its average breadth 2 miles. It is of volcanic origin, with numerous chasms and gorges, of which the longest, the Babino Polje, connects the north and south of the island. Port Polače (It. Palazzo), the principal harbour in the north, is a port of call for tourist ferries. Mljet contains one hotel - The Odisej (from the Greek Odysseus) in the north-west corner of the island.
The northwestern part of the island includes an inland sea as well as a small island within it. It has been a national park since November 12, 1960. Ancient Greeks called the island "Melita" or "honey" which over the centuries evolved to become the Slavic name, Mljet (pronounced "mill-YET").
Over 72% of the island of 388 square miles is forest. The island's geological structure consists of limestone and dolomite forming ridges, crests and slopes. A few depressions on the island of Mljet are below sea level and are known as blatine ("mud-lakes") or slatine ("salt-lakes"). During the rain seasons all blatine are filled with water and turn to brackish during dry seasons. The climate is Mediterranean; an average air temperature in January is 48°F (9°C) and in July about 75°F (24°C).
Walking and cycling are allowed all around National Park Mljet. Some parts of the National Park can be reached by car too. National Park Mljet offers a lot of silence and numerous islolated spots to be enjoyed. Saplunara Beach and Bay - unusual bay located on the southeast end of the island Mljet - a longish bay with unusual shape, with two sandy beaches - Large and Small Saplunara, surrounded by a thick pine tree forest.
Transportation The Island of Mljet has no airport. Dubrovnik airport on the mainland provides the main international connection for the island. Mljet has ferry lines with Pelješac peninsula and Dubrovnik. Transportation to the island is provided by Jadrolinija ferry service. Sobra, the main port on the island, is connected to Dubrovnik-Gruž and Ston via a car ferry. There is also a ferry between Polače and Trstenik (Pelješac peninsula). There are two type of ferries available: a car ferry and a faster catamaran ferry (2.5 hours and 90 minutes to Dubrovnik, respectively). The two-lane paved road runs throughout the island. Scheduled buses on Mljet travels just once or twice a day.
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