Car Hire Mljet

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  From €40

Renting a car in Mljet is the ultimate way to discover this lush, unspoiled island, home to Mljet National Park and its famous saltwater lakes. Known as Croatia’s greenest island, Mljet is filled with hidden beaches, scenic coastal roads, and breathtaking nature trails, making a rental car the perfect choice for exploring at your own pace. Whether you want to swim in crystal-clear lakes, visit charming villages, or take in panoramic views, a car hire gives you the freedom to experience Mljet like a local if you don't want to cycle or e-bike around the lakes.

How to Rent a Car in Mljet

Car rentals are available near the marina in Polace where we are docked for the day. Prices for car rentals on Mljet range from €40 and up depending on the type, availability, and season. Your Skipper or Guest Experience Leader can recommend the best car hire options and scenic routes to explore.

What Are the Best Places to Visit by Car in Mljet?

Mljet National Park & Saltwater Lakes

Drive to Mljet National Park, home to the famous Veliko and Malo Jezero (Big & Small Lake), where you can swim, kayak, or take a boat to the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery on St. Mary’s Island. While you can't drive within the lake area, you can take a ferry to the monastery, walk the park trails, or hop on a kayak in the lake.

Saplunara Beach & Limuni Bay

Cruise to the southeastern tip of Mljet, where white sandy beaches and turquoise waters offer a perfect escape from the crowds.

Odysseus Cave

According to legend, the Greek hero Odysseus was stranded here for seven years. Park nearby and hike down to the cave for a refreshing swim in its deep blue waters, or relax at the nearby Kalypso cliffside bar.

Why Rent a Car in Mljet?

Hiring a car in Mljet allows you to see more in less time, venture beyond the main tourist spots, and explore hidden gems across the island. It's also a good option if you are less confident cycling the lakes or want to visit more remote areas of the island. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, a car hire lets you unlock the best of Mljet’s natural beauty.

What Makes Mljet Island Special?

Croatia's Greenest Island

Mljet, often called Croatia’s greenest island, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. This stunning Adriatic island, located near Dubrovnik, has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with evidence of early settlers found in ancient caves such as Odysseus’ Cave.

Deep Ancient History

During the Greek and Roman eras, Mljet was known as "Melita", meaning "honey," due to its lush forests and abundant wildlife. The Romans left behind remarkable ruins, including a 2nd-century palace in Polače, which served as a key trading and military post. Greek mythology also links Mljet to Odysseus, who, according to legend, was enchanted by the nymph Calypso and stayed on the island for seven years.

Mljet later fell under Venetian, Napoleonic, and Austro-Hungarian rule, each leaving its mark on the island’s architecture and maritime traditions. In 1960, Mljet National Park was established, preserving the island’s dense pine forests, saltwater lakes, and diverse marine life.

A Pristine Island Monastery

In the 12th century, the Benedictine monks from Monte Gargano, Italy, settled on the island and built the famous monastery on St. Mary’s Island in Veliko Jezero (Big Lake), now a major attraction in Mljet National Park. For centuries, the monks played a crucial role in developing the island’s agriculture, culture, and education.