Planjak

Planjak is a low hill rising above the village of Korita, in the eastern part of the island of Mljet, in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia. It sits near the coordinates 42.70°N, 17.71°E and marks a waypoint on a walking route that links the island's interior with its coastline.

Where exactly is Planjak?

The hill lies next to Korita, one of the small settlements tucked into the interior of Mljet, well away from the busier stretch of the island around Mljet National Park at its western end. This part of Mljet feels different from the postcard side of the island: instead of crowds and kayak rentals, you get quiet, stony slopes covered in Mediterranean maquis and pine woods typical of the whole island. Planjak's coordinates place it toward the eastern end of Mljet, in the area connecting Korita with the coves along the nearby coast.

How do you get to Planjak?

The starting point is the village of Korita, reached via the road that runs through the eastern part of the island. From Korita, a marked walking trail heads up toward Planjak and then continues down to Uvala Preć, a bay on the coast. The "Korita - Planjak - Uvala Preć" route is part of Mljet's network of footpaths linking inland villages with the shore - a pattern typical of the island, where settlements were traditionally built inland rather than directly on the water. The walk doesn't require any special equipment, but the terrain is stony and uneven, so sturdy walking shoes and enough water are worth carrying, since shade is scarce on the open stretches of the slope in summer.

What will you see along the way?

The path from Korita over Planjak to Uvala Preć crosses landscape typical of eastern Mljet: dry stone walls, rocky pastureland and patches of pine forest that give way to denser maquis closer to the coast. The hill itself, though modest in height, breaks up the dense vegetation and offers a spot with views both back toward the island's interior and forward toward the sea. This is a destination for travelers looking for quiet and a feel for Mljet's less-visited side rather than for a dramatic summit view - its appeal lies in the walk itself and in reaching a secluded bay at the end of the trail.

When is the best time to visit?

The best conditions for walking are in spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when temperatures are milder than in the height of summer and the maquis vegetation is at its greenest. In summer, especially July and August, the heat on the exposed, rocky sections of the trail can be intense, so it's worth setting out early in the morning.

Mljet is one of the most densely forested islands in the Adriatic, and the area around Korita and Planjak is no exception - pine woods and evergreen maquis line most of the route, offering at least partial shade even in the warmer months.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Planjak located? It's a hill next to the village of Korita, in the eastern part of the island of Mljet, in Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Is Planjak inside Mljet National Park? No - the national park covers the western end of the island around the Veliko and Malo Jezero lakes, while Korita and Planjak lie in the eastern, less touristy part of Mljet, outside its boundaries.

Where does the trail over Planjak lead? The route connects the village of Korita to the Planjak hill and then descends to Uvala Preć, a bay on the coast.

Is the trail difficult? It doesn't require climbing experience or specialized gear, but the stony terrain and summer heat call for good footwear and enough water.