Last day of Croatia Hiking, Islands of Mljet and Sveta Marija

We’re back on the catamaran to hike Mljet. Some of my fellow hikers decided to take a day off to enjoy the hotel resort and spend more time in the Old Town, Korcula. Me, a glutton for punishment or a searcher of adventure, I’m not sure which, I was on that catamaran sailing to an island that is totally made up of a national park. The only homeowners are those who are grandfathered, where their properties have been in their families prior to the national park designation.

Mljet is the most forested of all of the islands. On this our most challenging hike in Croatia, we climbed to the highest peak on the island and paid a visit to the fire tower. The hike up was not only steep, but numerous switchbacks required some interesting foot placement.

The photos below are of the flag flying at the Montokuc Peak, and photos of that peak with the flag atop. We made out way back to the base on a slightly less daunting path with fewer switchbacks.

With the lion’s share of the hiking done, we are back on the water to visit the even smaller island of Sveta Marija.

What a beautiful and peaceful treat. We nose around the remains of a 12th century Benedictine monastery and walk near two salt water lakes.

With poles stashed in my backpack and sandals replacing hiking boots, what you see is a tired and appreciative smile. It’s been a day of tough climbing, thick forest, beautiful lakes and history.

Returning to Korcula, we are hosted at a local family-run farm where meats are prepared on outdoor spits in stone ovens, delicious Croatian olive oil is served and the Croatian wines flow freely. And all of that under a full moon, no less.