Mljet is an island in the far south of Croatia, west of the most famous Croatian resort of Dubrovnik. The national park of the same name covers the western part of this, considered by many to be the most beautiful island in the Adriatic. The park is characterized by two deep bays, which are called lakes due to their very close connection with the open sea, and lush and diverse Mediterranean vegetation. Mljet also stands out for its rich cultural heritage, the most impressive example of which is the complex of a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century on a small island in the middle of a lake-bay.