Govedjari is a village established in the 18th century within Mljet National Park. The park’s spatial plan designates Govedjari as an Ethno Village because of its originality and preservation. The local history and a hike that can begin in the village give a visit different points of focus: you can explore the area’s cultural heritage or choose Govedjari as the starting point for a route to the lakes. The village is accessible via a paved road as well as numerous footpaths.
Village and lake landscape
Nearby, the Great Lake associated with Govedjari is part of the two-bay saltwater lake system consisting of Veliko jezero and Malo jezero, which forms a distinct ecosystem. On Mljet, these deep bays are called lakes; the Solinski Channel connects them to the open sea. The Great Lake is therefore both a specific point of interest near Govedjari and part of a larger landscape on Mljet.
A hike from Govedjari
The national park’s hike can begin in Govedjari and be completed either in sections or as a route of approximately four hours. It connects the two saltwater lakes, which are fringed by forests, with the island of Saint Mary and its Benedictine monastery. In spring, orchid spotting is also part of the tour. This hike brings together the lake landscape, the monastery island and a seasonal natural highlight.
Local heritage and documented events
Local points of interest include the 20th-century Church of Saint Nicholas, traditional threshing floors and structures associated with livestock keeping. Together with its designation as an Ethno Village, these sites and building forms offer insight into the village’s history.
Scientific lectures on microfossils and paleobotanical research were held at Galerija Stara skula on April 3, 2025. On December 6, 2023, the 18th Festa sv. Nikole included a Mass at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Govedjari, followed by a boat procession departing from PolaÄŤe. These dates represent different cultural occasions: scientific lectures and a celebration with a Mass and procession.
More discoveries on Mljet
On Mljet, in the southern part of the Great Lake, lies the island of Saint Mary, with its Benedictine monastery and Church of Saint Mary. The monastery was built between 1177 and 1198; Romanesque features have been preserved in the central section of the church. Opening times and boat access may vary by season, so check the conditions before your visit. The monastery island is also part of the hike from Govedjari. Another historical point of interest is the remains of a Roman palace and an early Christian church from the 5th to 6th century in PolaÄŤe on Mljet.
Other hiking options on Mljet differ in route and starting point. The Mljetska planinarska obilaznica runs from the area of the national park to the island’s interior and is marked with trail signs and stamps at checkpoints. Check trail conditions before setting out. Another route leads from Babino Polje to Odysseus’s Cave. It is not very demanding and is also suitable for parents with small children; actual trail conditions may vary seasonally.
For travel to Mljet, Sobra is an important ferry port: it is the island’s only ferry port. Schedules are seasonal and subject to change; check the connection for your travel dates. Traditional dishes on Mljet include Mljetski makaruli, pasta with homemade goat cheese, garlic and olive oil. Whether individual restaurants serve the dish depends on the restaurant.
Other places on Mljet also have seasonal event dates. In Prožura, the feast day of Saint Roch is celebrated each year on August 16 with a procession. Every year in late August, Pomena hosts “Toast from the Host,” a culinary event featuring regional specialties and wine tasting. Check the date and program for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Sobra, Ropa, Saplunara, Mljet, Blato, Prožura, Maranovići, Korita.
Go to the main travel overview: Mljet.
