Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mongooses to rid the island of problematic serpents. Because of this historical foot-
note, people from Mljet are nicknamed “mongooses” by other Croatians.
The heroics continue with today's “mongooses.” There have been more than 100
firesontheislandinthelast20years(mostcausedbylightning,somebycarelessvis-
itors), but only three have spread and caused significant destruction. That's because
the people of Mljet—well aware of the fragility of the island that provides their in-
come—are also a crack volunteer firefighting force, ready to spring into action and
save their home at the first wisp of smoke.
Biking
The Great Lake is surrounded by a paved, mostly level road that's good for an hour or two
ofpedaling(unfortunately,youcan'tgoallthewayaroundbecausethepathisbrokenbythe
channel connecting the lakes to the sea). The unpaved path around the Small Lake is rough
and rocky, making biking there more difficult. The handiest place to rent a bike for a quick
ride around the Great Lake is right at the lake itself, by the Small Bridge. Other bike rent-
al points are scattered around the island, including in both Pola
č
e and Pomena. But those
towns are separated from the lakes—and from each other—by steep hills, making cycling
from either town to the lakes a headache for casual bikers.
Swimming
Options are everywhere, most temptingly at the Great Lake and Small Lake. Even though
it's fed by seawater, the Small Lake is always about seven degrees Fahrenheit warmer than
the sea. The beach by the Small Bridge is particularly handy (but there are no showers or
WCs).
Boating
You can rent kayaks at the Small Bridge. Motorized boats—except for the occasional local
resident's dinghy—aren't allowed on the island's lakes.
Hiking to Montokuc
The most rewarding hike takes you up to the national park's highest point, Montokuc. At
830 feet above sea level, this is a serious hike up a steep hill—skip it unless you're in good
shape, and be sure to bring water (allow at least one hour round-trip at a steady pace). The
trailrunsbetweenPola
č
e,atthenorthendoftheisland,andthevillageofSoline,beyondthe
far end of the Great Lake (past the old, broken bridge called Veliki Most). If you're doing
this or any other hike, the park map is essential (sold at park entry kiosks and other mer-
chants).
