Dubrovnik Riviera extends from the delta of the Neretva River to Cape Ostro in the south of Croatia. The specificity of this area is that it is interrupted by the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, for which a passport is required. It is divided into two parts: the lower Neretva valley, which has a natural connection with the Croatian inland and the narrow coastal area at the foot of Dinara massif with several islands, the most important of which are Korcula, Mljet and Lastovo Elafiti group. The coast is dotted with bays, sandy beaches of exotic beauty, steep cliffs exposed to the open sea and numerous forested islands, where towns and cities coalesced , ennobled by human life. Dense vegetation dominated by cypress, pines, olive trees, vineyards, lemon and orange plantations, palm trees, agaves and cacti create a special atmosphere of the Mediterranean. Characteristics of a turbulent past have left many traces of sovereignty and of naval forces so the Dubrovnik Riviera  is abundant in places with a long historical memory, cultural and natural heritage as well as Renaissance cottages built in the sea coves surrounded by gardens and parks. There are historic towns as well: Dubrovnik- The pearl of the Mediterranean, Korcula and Ston and prominent settlements merged into carefully nurtured landscapes; Cavtat, Lopud, Trsteno, Slano, Mali Ston, Orebić, Lastovo… Many natural phenomena in the Dubrovnik Riviera will leave every visitor breathless : plateau Rudine, Majkova valleys, Ston fields, Ombla as the spring of the longest rivers in Europe, the National Park of Mljet with its lakes and the Lokrum Reserve ...tourist offer in Dubrovnik Riviera will meet the expectations of very demanding visitors.

Sights:

Dubrovnik - a city which was rightly named the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Over the centuries, Dubrovnik was the cultural capital, surrounded by almost 2 km long walls, towers and turrets which offers a magnificent view of the open sea and of the city surroundings. Even 30 years ago, Dubrovnik was listed on the UNESCO list of world heritage. Churches, monasteries and museums have been created in finely carved stone and remind of the turbulent history and expressive artistic tradition. Dubrovnik is a city with a very rich tourist  offer with numerous beaches that provide entertainment and comfort during day and night. Read on our blog why the city of Dubrovnik will enchant you with romance and why Banje is one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

Cavtat – is a city of beautiful palaces, villas and hotels, lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and bays. The coast of the town of Cavtat is surrounded by numerous small islands. Here you can enjoy the peace of secluded coves and long walks by the sea, or experience an active vacation with recreational sports, entertainment and cultural programs.

Mlini- situated in the beautiful cove of the Zupa Bay, 7 km southeast of Dubrovnik. It was named after the mills that were driven by a small river Zavrelja, rich with springs of drinking water today which flows through the town. Along with its historical and cultural heritage  Mlini enthrills with its sandy beaches and lush vegetation which has been preserved and nurtured for centuries. Abundant moisture and plenty of sunshine favored the emergence of fragrant Mediterranean gardens transforming the place into a unique ecosystem in the Adriatic.

Klek - a place with about two hundred inhabitants engaged in farming, fishing and recently in tourism. Klek is adorned with a large pebble, illuminated promenade - Lungo Mare, which connects Klek with Radalj. Sports and active holiday lovers can enjoy various sports activities like biking, table tennis, tennis, mini golf, bowling, hiking, diving and sailing. It is an ideal place for a family holiday.

Island of Lopud - Lopud is situated northwest of Dubrovnik and is part of Elafit Islands which consists of a group of islands: Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, Jakljan, Ruda, Golec and Crkvine and some smaller islands. There is only one settlement on the island, also called Lopud and two beautiful bays, Lopud bay and Sunj. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic The bay is located in the Sunj bay. Cars are not allowed on the island so you can enjoy the indescribable peace. Find out more about the island Lopud on our blog.

Trsteno -  a romantic place famous for its 500 year old monuments of nature and the gigantic Asian planes. Visit the Arboretum Trsteno, with garden villas, aqueducts, water-mill,  a Baroque fountain with Neptune and nymphs.

Microclimate

DUBROVNIK

A typically Mediterranean position of this region favors mild and wet winters and hot and humid summers.

Average winter air temperature is 17 C. There are many sunny days during the winter months, an average of 2,600 hours of sunshine annually. The average summer air temperature is 27 C and sea temperature 22 C. The summer heath is softened by a mild summer heat - Mistral - the messenger of good weather, while during  colder months, the usual winds are bura and jugo.

Culture

Dubrovnik

• - The city walls - one of the largest fortification monuments in Europe. The walls are 1940 meters long and give Dubrovnik that typical look, known around the world. The  wall high up to 22 m in some places .
• - Rector's Palace - a moderate and simple construction, famous for historical events that took place in Dubrovnik.
• - Sponza Palace is a beautiful customs palace - Divona, called Sponza was the lifeblood of the trade in the town. Even now the square hosts opening ceremonies of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
• - Onofrio's Fountain, built around 1400-and, as a symbol of the construction of urban water supply and spring water from the 12 km distant Dubrovnik River
• - Stradun – the famous Dubrovnik Stradun, the real name of which is Placa, is a favorite promenade of all citizens of Dubrovnik, particularly of young people and tourists from all over the world
• - Monastery "Mala braca" – the monastery library is one of the most important in the world. One of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, founded in 1317th Year is still in the monastery.
• - Lovrijenac – a monumental and impressive fortress outside the city walls, it is located on a 37 m high cliff. Fort Lovrijenac is known worldwide as an excellent stage and the equivalent of the Danish castle of Elsinore for the performance of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

Trsteno

• - Summer house Gucetic - Gozze with a garden that has been nourished since the 15th century, the aqueduct, mill, Baroque fountain with Neptune and the nymphs, and a lookout towards the sea and islands.  It is a very nice example of garden architecture of Dubrovnik summer houses.

Ston

• - Ston walls with towers and castles are one of the largest medieval urban ventures the total length of which is 5.5 km, with 40 towers and 5 forts.

Cavtat

• - Mausoleum of the Racic family crab is the masterpiece of the most famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. It is situated on the St. Roko cemetery.
• - The Rector's Palace is a palace from the 16th century, which was once the seat of Dubrovnik's Prince and today is a gallery.

Island of Lokrum

• - Benedictine monastery -the botanical garden founded in 1023
• - Fort Royal is in the form of a star which offers a magnificent view of Dubrovnik, Cavtat and the islands.

Excursions

Due to the great diversity of natural areas and cultural benefits of the Dubrovnik Riviera, every visitor wants to return again and again. The Dubrovnik Riviera offers a diverse combination of full-day and half-day excursion: The island of Mljet, Korcula, the Neretva Delta, Trsteno, Ston, Cilipi and many others. No matter which part of the Dubrovnik Riviera you stay in, do not forget to visit the old town of Dubrovnik. It is enclosed by stone walls, within which you will find narrow cobbled streets, cozy, warm coffee bars, preserved churches, mystical town fortress and squares. If you come to visit the town of Dubrovnik by your personal car, we recommend to park the car in a public parking garage, just five minutes’ walk away from  Ilijina glavica , or in some of the street parking lots. If you intend to visit some of the islands the parking in Gruz port will come in handy.

Read on our blog which 10 attractions you should definitely visit in Dubrovnik.

If you want to get to know the tradition of the life in the hinterland of Dubrovnik Riviera, visit the original taverns and farm houses in Konavle and relax by riding or walking. The island of Korcula is the birthplace of the famous seafarer Marco Polo. Hike through the island of Korcula, go on one of many organized walking routes. See Moreska, one of the three chivalrous dances you can only see on the streets of this beautiful island. The National Park of Mljet is near as well. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Big and Little Lake there. The monastery from the 12th century is situated in the middle of the lake on the island of St. Mary. the Neretva River Delta is very interesting, interwoven with a network of winding canals that surround the plantations of oranges rich with a variety of marsh birds (more than 250 species). Walk through Ston, a small town with the longest preserved city walls in Europe from the 14th century. Elafit islands consist of a group of islands: Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, Jakljan, Rude, Golec , Crkvine and some smaller islands, where the aristocracy of the medieval Republic of Dubrovnik built their summer homes to have a pleasant sanctuary during the hot summer days.

Adventure

Sailing or motor yacht riding, rowing, swimming, underwater or big game fishing have their roots deep in this area. One of the oldest and traditionally popular sports on the Dubrovnik Riviera is waterpolo. Those who are interested in the underwater, can join diving schools on Mljet and in Prisapno on the island of Korcula. Numerous playgrounds, courts and props can be found there for all types of sports, from tennis and table tennis to sailing. Countless sports halls and fitness centers with pools, saunas, massages, aerobic and solariums are located here, as well. 

Gastronomy

You should definitely start your gastonomic voyage through the Dubrovnik Riviera in the valley of Neretva, where the characteristic delicacy is eel or frog stew as well as well as game animal dishes. Wild duck is a special delicacy and an unforgettable experience.Ston is well known for its fresh shells, oysters and clams. The inhabitants of Korcula worship their ancient dishes such as macaroni or “cukarini”, while the citizens of Blato will proudly offer a selection of eighty dishes, drinks and desserts that are collected and jealously guarded, and almost annually presented on special feasts.You can taste a variety of delicacies and specialties of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins on the island of Korcula. On the islands of Mljet, Sipan, Lopud and Koločep you can savor delicious dishes of dried fish or seafood. On the coast, visit the port Slano, savor the prosciutto and cheese in olive oil, and the famous black risotto and
green pasta which is especially prepared in Srebreno, Mlini and Cavtat. All of these dishes should be followed by sips of good wine such as Grk,, Posip or Marastina. You can visit our blog and find recipes of traditional dishes in Dubrovnik, such as Rozata or “dirty” macaroni.

Fun & Nightlife

The city of Dubrovnik, as the center of Dubrovnik Riviera, is famous for its numerous musical evenings, play performances in the unique atmosphere of the fortress and the palace which during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival become an open stage. The city center streets abound in restaurants and bars, each special in its own way. Theme parties with famous DJs are organized in Lazareti and on the famous beach Banje. Find out why is the beach Banje voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world to our blog. The cafe Troubadour is famous, as well, where jazz festivals and music evenings are frequently organized. The places surrounding Dubrovnik offer a rich program, as well, which includes folklore evenings, classical music evenings, Dalmatian choir performances, the unavoidable fishing nights and exhibitions of handicrafts.