Grabova glava

Grabova glava is a 384-metre hill inside Mljet National Park, rising just above the village of Goveđari on the Croatian island of Mljet. It ranks among the finest viewpoints on the whole island, and reaching the top rewards the climb with one of Mljet's most complete panoramas.

How do you get to Grabova glava?

Goveđari is the starting point — it's the main gateway village to the western, national-park side of Mljet, home to the Great and Small Lakes (Veliko and Malo Jezero). A marked path climbs from the village through Mediterranean woodland to the ridge. Grabova glava also sits on the Mljet Mountaineering Circuit, a long-distance loop of roughly 43 kilometres normally split over 3–4 days (around 23 hours of walking in total). One leg of that circuit, running from Goveđari to the town of Blato, takes about 7.5 hours and passes directly over the Grabova glava summit. It isn't a stroll for everyone: the ground is rocky, and the ascent calls for a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear, though technically it's a straightforward hike rather than a climb.

What will you see from the top?

The summit opens onto both lakes of Mljet National Park — the larger Veliko Jezero and the smaller Malo Jezero — plus the rest of the island, its jagged coastline, cliffs and the scattered rocky islets offshore. It's the kind of view that justifies stepping away from the coastal paths and heading inland. Nearby, on the same ridge, stands the slightly higher peak of Veliki Planjak (391–392 m), the highest point on Mljet, so the hike can easily be extended to take in a second lookout.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable conditions, with milder temperatures than midsummer and the Mediterranean scrub at its greenest and most fragrant. In summer, heat and the lack of shade on the exposed sections of the trail can make the climb considerably tougher, so an early morning start is worth planning for. Whatever the season, carry your own water — there are no springs along the way.

What can you pair it with?

Grabova glava combines naturally with a visit to Mljet National Park from the Goveđari side. After coming down from the summit, you can take a boat out to the islet of Melita on Veliko Jezero, where a Benedictine monastery stands, or rent a bicycle and ride around the lake shores. That way, a morning of hiking turns into a full day that also includes the park's calmer, classic sights.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Grabova glava? The summit reaches 384 metres above sea level and lies within Mljet National Park, close to the village of Goveđari.

How long does the climb take? The stretch of the Mljet Mountaineering Circuit that runs from Goveđari over Grabova glava to Blato takes about 7.5 hours, though a direct out-and-back hike to the summit and back to Goveđari can be done more quickly.

Is the trail difficult? The terrain is rocky and demands decent fitness and proper footwear, but the route is a hiking path rather than a technical climb.

What views does the summit offer? A panorama over Veliko and Malo Jezero, the rest of Mljet island, and the surrounding cliffs and offshore islets.