Welcome to the island of Mljet, a drop of paradise in the Adriatic.

Miljet is a special place in the islands of southern Croatia. Long mentioned in history, the island has served as a resting point and place of meditation for many who have visited and stayed. Today it remains unspoiled, a collection of tiny villages around the Mljet National Park, one of Croatia’s first and most beautiful national parks.

Mljet surfaces in legends - Odysseus allegedly was enchanted by the nymph Calypso here, staying for seven years as he dreamt of home from this island paradise. St. Paul is said to have shipwrecked on the lush green island. Benedictine monks later called Mljet home for over six centuries, creating a peaceful monastery on the island’s tiny ‘island within an island,’ spectacularly located on one of its two interior lakes.

Even during the vibrant period of Dubrovnik’s renaissance, when Mljet was folded into the flourishing republic, the island was known for its tranquility, a place to meditate and appreciate natural beauty. Now just a two-hour boat ride from Dubrovnik, Mljet retains its solitude; on the 37-kilometer long island, there are a just few settlements and only one hotel, the appropriately named Odisej, located within the national park, which received its status in 1960.

The pace of life is as you’d expect on an island. Removed from the mainland, the island’s few inhabitants engage in fishing, olive growing and serving the tourists who arrive by boat to enjoy the scenery and national park. Guests to the island adjust to the new pace rapidly, enjoying leisurely hikes and walks, or discovering secluded spots to swim and sunbathe on the mostly undeveloped coastline. More adventurous explorers take to mountain bikes, kayaks and sailboards or strap on snorkel or scuba gear to get a different perspective on Mljet’s hidden beauty.

In the evening, when day-trippers have departed, the island is especially quiet. Guests in the Odisej are treated to stunning sunsets over the bay just outside the hotel. A full three-star resort, Odisej offers sea and park views from its terraces, a range of fitness and spa activities, as well as excellent dining options. Odisej’s staff is proud of their island and kindly gives professional assistance to help guests get more out of their stay in this unique place.

Mljet, an unspoiled green paradise in a sea of blue, is an excellent choice for those wishing to experience the natural beauty of the Croatian islands.