Mljet
Mljet is a national park in Croatia, occupying the western part of the island of the same name. It was founded in 1960 on an area of 54 km2. The total area of Mljet Island is 100 km2, its length is 37 km, and its width is 3 km. Almost the entire territory of the island is shrouded in impenetrable forests.
The main attractions of Mljet National Park are 2 salt lakes: Large and Small. Near the Big Lake there is the island of St. Mary, on which the monks rebuilt the Benedictine monastery of the same name. The monastery is considered another attraction of Mljet Park. Previously, the lakes were fresh, they became salty because of the monks, who in the 12th century dug a channel connecting the lakes with the sea. In the Middle Ages, they decided to remove snakes from the island and for this they brought mongooses here, which, in addition to snakes, destroyed almost all birds by eating their eggs. Nowadays, the natural balance has been restored, and mongooses have been able to settle on the island. In the middle of the 20th century, hares, deer, and wild boars were brought here, which became a real scourge for the islanders, as they destroyed their vineyards.
There are settlements in the Mljet National Park: Polac, a small port from where various tours of the park depart, as well as the villages of Govedari and Pomena, the latter has a hotel. Ancient churches can be found in the villages, and a basilica was built near Polach Bay back in the 5th century. In addition to the ancient churches, the island has wonderful beaches, and diving is popular in the local waters. Of the beaches, the most famous are Bolshoy and Maly Saplunara. There is a secluded cove with a beach not far from them. The beach is also favored by nudists for its privacy.
There are legends that a nymph in one of the caves of the island kept Odysseus for seven years. Maybe it was witchcraft or beauty that helped her keep Odysseus. But tourists who have visited Mljet will say with confidence that Odysseus was fascinated by the beauty of the island, not the nymphs.
