Discover the Adriatic's Best-Kept Secrets
Dubrovnik's treasures are undeniable, but just beyond its ancient walls lie equally captivating landscapes and historic towns that await discovery. Here are seven day trips ideas when in Dubrovnik.
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Korcula Island: The Mythical Birthplace of Marco Polo
Korcula, often compared to Dubrovnik for its medieval beauty, is also believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. This lush island is famed for its vineyards, olive groves, and Venetian-era architecture. A ferry from Dubrovnik brings you to Korčula's shores, where history, gastronomy, and natural beauty converge.
What to do:
• Explore Korčula Old Town: Korčula Old Town's layout, designed to resemble a fishbone, maximizes ventilation and minimizes wind. The town has stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, including St. Mark's Cathedral, whose intricately carved facade and striking interior are among the island's highlights. Explore the winding streets, each with unique nooks and crannies, boutique shops, and galleries featuring local artists.
• Visit Marco Polo's House and Museum: While Marco Polo's birthplace is debated, Korčula claims him as its own. The Marco Polo House provides a fascinating look into the life of this great explorer, with exhibits detailing his travels and his influence on trade between East and West. Climb to the top for scenic views of the Adriatic.
• Wine Tasting in Lumbarda: The village of Lumbarda produces Grk wine, an indigenous white variety not found elsewhere. Stop at a local winery for a tasting experience, where wine is often paired with local olives, cheeses, and seafood. This unique wine, grown in sandy soil, offers a crisp and refreshing taste with citrus notes.
• Unwind at Vela Pržina Beach: One of the few sandy beaches on the island, Vela Pržina is surrounded by vineyards and offers a view of the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. It's an ideal spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim. Local beachside cafés serve cold drinks and light snacks, making it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon.
• Watch the Moreska Sword Dance: Korčula is famous for its traditional Moreska sword dance, a centuries-old performance. The dance, performed with swords and vibrant costumes, depicts a battle between Moors and Christians, symbolizing the island's resilience and cultural heritage.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Confluence of Cultures
Mostar, a city shaped by its history at the crossroads of Ottoman and Western European influences, offers a unique cultural experience. Its famous Stari Most Bridge and Old Town capture the essence of resilience and unity that characterizes Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is approximately a two-hour drive from Dubrovnik, and each visit uncovers layers of history and tradition.
What to do:
• Walk Across the Stari Most Bridge: Built in the 16th century, this Ottoman-era bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an enduring symbol of Mostar. Watching the local divers leap from its 24-meter height into the Neretva River is a longstanding tradition, requiring both courage and skill. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even sign up for diving lessons to experience the thrill.
• Explore the Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk): This vibrant market is filled with stalls offering Bosnian textiles, intricate jewellery, and handcrafted pottery. Wander through its narrow lanes, where traditional Bosnian music sounds mingle with Turkish coffee's scent. The bazaar reflects Mostar's Ottoman heritage and is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir.
• Visit the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque: Dating back to the 17th century, this mosque is known for its striking Ottoman architecture and beautiful location by the Neretva River. Climb its minaret for unparalleled views of Mostar and the Stari Most bridge. The interior, adorned with ornate geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions, provides a peaceful retreat for reflection.
• Enjoy Traditional Bosnian Coffee: Bosnian coffee is a ritual that involves patience and ceremony. It's served in a small copper pot known as a džezva and accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight or a sugar cube. Find a cosy café by the river, and take your time to savour this distinctive coffee culture.
• Swim at Kravice Waterfalls: Located about 40 kilometres from Mostar, Kravice Waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools, surrounded by lush forest. You can swim in the natural pools, rent kayaks, or enjoy a picnic nearby. The falls are a popular local getaway and provide a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
Cavtat: Dubrovnik's Picturesque Coastal Neighbor
Cavtat, located just 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, is a charming coastal town with a laid-back ambience. Its waterfront promenade, historic sites, and clear waters make it an ideal escape for those seeking a slower pace and local charm.
What to do:
• Stroll Along the Cavtat Promenade: The palm-lined promenade hugs the waterfront, offering beautiful views of Cavtat Bay and the sparkling Adriatic. Numerous seaside cafés and ice cream parlours line the path, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a leisurely walk. Artists often shop here, selling paintings and crafts inspired by the local scenery.
• Visit the Račić Family Mausoleum: Designed by the renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, this mausoleum is an architectural marvel perched on a hill. The white stone structure, adorned with reliefs and carvings, honours the prominent Račić family. You get sweeping views of the Adriatic from the mausoleum, creating a peaceful spot to appreciate the blend of art and nature.
• Explore the Rector's Palace and Museum: Cavtat's history is showcased at the Rector's Palace, where you'll find artefacts ranging from ancient Roman relics to paintings by Croatian masters. The building is a relic, with Renaissance architecture and period rooms that offer a glimpse into the town's past.
• Snorkel at Sustjepan Peninsula: The waters around Sustjepan Peninsula are known for their clarity, making it a great spot for snorkelling. Discover underwater flora and fauna, or simply enjoy the peaceful cove. Small rocky beaches here offer quiet sunbathing spots away from the crowds.
• Hike the Snježnica Mountain: Standing at 1,234 meters, Snježnica is the highest mountain in the Dubrovnik region and offers hiking trails with breathtaking views over Cavtat and beyond. The hike is moderately challenging but well worth the effort for panoramic views of the Croatian coastline and, on clear days, even neighbouring Montenegro.
Mljet National Park: A Green Island Oasis
Mljet, one of Croatia's greenest islands, is home to a sprawling national park that's a paradise for nature lovers. Known for its lush forests, saltwater lakes, and tranquil monastery, Mljet National Park offers a serene retreat just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik.
What to do:
• Swim in Veliko and Malo Jezero (Big and Small Lakes): The sea feeds These saltwater lakes, giving them a unique turquoise hue. The lakes are calm and warm, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating in the tranquil waters surrounded by dense pine forests.
• Visit St. Mary's Island and Monastery: Situated in the middle of Veliko Jezero, this 12th-century Benedictine monastery is a focal point of Mljet National Park. Accessible by a small boat ride, the island is steeped in mystique, with centuries-old stone buildings and olive trees swaying in the Adriatic breeze.
• Cycle through the National Park: Mljet is a cyclist's dream, with well-maintained paths meandering through the park's lush landscapes. Rent a bike and take the loop around the lakes, which offer scenic stops and viewpoints.
• Kayak Around the Lakes: For a more immersive experience, rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of Veliko and Malo Jezero. You'll feel at one with nature, gliding past verdant forested shores and soaking in the serenity of Mljet's natural beauty.
• Snorkel at Saplunara Beach: Located on the island's eastern coast, Saplunara Beach is one of Mljet's best-kept secrets. This beach is ideal for snorkelling, with soft sands, shallow waters, and no tourist crowds. Discover Mljet's underwater world, rich with marine life and colorful fish.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro: A Majestic Fjord
Just a two-hour drive from Dubrovnik, Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is a stunning natural bay flanked by steep mountains and dotted with medieval villages. Known for its beauty, history, and vibrant seafaring culture, the Bay of Kotor is one of the Adriatic's most scenic spots.
What to do:
• Discover Kotor Old Town: Kotor's fortified Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow alleys, stone churches, and Venetian palaces. As you wander, visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon and climb the ancient walls that offer beautiful views over the bay.
• Climb to the Fortress of San Giovanni: A hike up the 1,300 steps to the San Giovanni Fortress rewards breathtaking views of Kotor and the bay below. Along the way, stop at ancient ruins, churches, and viewpoints offering prime photo spots.
• Take a Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks: This artificial island near the town of Perast is home to a picturesque church built by sailors. The island is surrounded by local lore, and the church's interior boasts stunning frescoes and relics from the region's maritime history.
• Swim in the Blue Cave: Take a boat ride to the Blue Cave, a natural wonder where sunlight illuminates the water in an electric blue. You can swim, snorkel, and marvel at the otherworldly glow from sunlight filtering into the cave.
• Explore Perast's Waterfront: Just a short distance from Kotor, Perast is a village of baroque stone palaces, old churches, and waterfront cafés. It's a charming place to relax, stroll, and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
Peljesac Peninsula: Croatia's Wine and Oyster Capital
An hour's drive north of Dubrovnik, the Pelješac Peninsula is a culinary paradise known for its robust wines, fresh oysters, and stunning coastal landscapes. Dotted with family-owned wineries and seafood farms, Pelješac offers a deliciously immersive experience for food and wine lovers. It's a slower-paced escape that feels like stepping back in time.
What to do:
• Wine Tasting in Dingac and Postup: Peljesac is famous for the Plavac Mali grape, a bold red variety that thrives on the steep, sun-drenched slopes of Dingac and Postup. Many wineries here are family-run, and you’ll often be welcomed by the winemakers who are eager to share the stories behind their vintages. Tastings usually include locally produced olive oils, cheeses, and cured meats, making for a genuinely Croatian feast.
• Try Fresh Oysters in Ston: Ston's Bay is known for producing some of the world's best oysters, grown in nutrient-rich waters that lend them a distinct flavour. Enjoy a plate of freshly shucked oysters at you'llide restaurant in Ston, paired with a glass of local white wine. For a hands-on experience, join a boat tour to the oyster farms, where you can harvest and taste oysters straight from the sea.
• Walk the Walls of Ston: The Great Wall of Ston, a massive medieval structure originally built to protect the valuable salt pans, stretches over five kilometres. Climb the walls for panoramic views of the town, the salt fields, and the coastline—a unique vantage point for understanding the region’s rich history.
• Relax at Prapratno Beach: Tucked away near Ston, Prapratno Beach is one of the few sandy beaches in Croatia. The beach is family-friendly, with shallow, calm waters ideal for swimming. Pine trees provide natural shade, and a beach bar offers refreshments for a laid-back afternoon.
• Visit the Salt Pans of Ston: Salt has been harvested here since Roman times, and today, you can take a guided tour to learn about this age-old process. The salt pans are beautifully scenic, especially at sunset, when the light reflects off the water’s surface, creating a dreamy landscape.
Lokrum Island: Dubrovnik's Serene Botanical Refugthere's
a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town; Lokrum Island is a protected nature reserve known for its lush botanical gardens, historic ruins, and exotic peacocks. Lokrum is car-free, making it an exceptionally peaceful escape for travellers seeking nature and history in equal measure.
What to do:
• Explore the Benedictine Monastery Ruins: The ruins of the 11th-century Benedictine monastery are a hauntingly beautiful place to explore. The monastery is steeped in legend, with tales of curses and lost treasures adding an air of mystery. Stroll through the cloisters, and don’t miss the botanical gardens nearby, which contain a variety of exotic plants brought by monks over centuries.
• Swim in the Dead Sea: Lokrum’s “Dead Sea” is a saltwater lake naturally filtered from the surrounding Adriatic. The water is calm, warm, and buoyant, making it an ideal swimming spot. Surrounded by cliffs and shaded by trees, the Dead Sea has an ethereal quality that makes for a memorable swim.
• Climb to Fort Royal: Built by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, Fort Royal is perched at Lokrum’s highest point and offers sweeping views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic, and the surrounding islands. It’s a moderate climb, but the panoramic vista at the top is well worth the effort, especially during sunrise or sunset.
• Wander Through the Botanical Gardens: Lokrum’s botanical gardens feature a variety of plants from around the world, including towering cacti, vibrant succulents, and unique Mediterranean flora. Cultivated initially by Austrian Archduke Maximilian in the 19th century, the gardens are a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
• Spot the Island’s Peacocks: Lokrum’s peacocks, descendants of birds introduced by Archduke Maximilian, roam freely throughout the island. Their colourful feathers and curious personalities make them a charming part of Lokrum’s unique character. Watching them strut against the backdrop of ruins and lush greenery is a magical experience.
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