The islands in the South Dalmatia, Korcula, Mljet, Lastovo and the group of Elafit islands, are characterized by the intact nature, a long historical tradition, fishing and olive cultivation, beaches and coves handcrafted by the sea and nature, with the possibilities of relaxation in a secluded accommodation, in authentic stone houses or accommodation by the sea.

Korcula, the island of beautiful coves, caves and Mediterranean palaces, is known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the world’s most famous traveler of all times as well as an island with a long boating tradition and a stone town core with forts and walls. The biggest three villages on Korcula are Vela Luka, Blato and the town of Korcula. There are other beautiful resorts such as Lumbarda, Pupnat, Zrnovo, Cara, Smokvica and Racisce. The traditional knights game “Moreska” has been preserved till today. It is danced during summer on the day of the patron saint of Korcula, in the memory of the war between the Turks and the Christians. The island of Korcula is a tremendous revelation for sports and active vacation lovers.

Mljet is an island with particularly clear sea and the rich Mediterranean vegetation,submarine world and sandy coves.  The Mljet national park is located in the north-western part of the island and is famous for the Big Lake and the Small Lake. There is an island St. Mary in the Big Lake on wehich the remains of the roman buildings have been discovered. It is also famous for the St. Benedict convent which makes a defense unit with the fort. The rich vegetation has secured Mljet the title of a “green island”, which is famous around the world for its lakes. The Mljet island is attractive to speleology lovers, it is filled with caves and pits, the most popular of which is the Ulysses cave which can be approached  from the seaside.

Lastovo is one of the ten edens of the Mediterranean included in the list of the prestigious World Wildlife Fund.  It is known for its chimneys. On Lastovo, everything is marked by the number 46: 46 islands that surround it, 46 beaches and 46 fields. The presence of the sea, islands and reefs, recreational programs on the sea is what makes the islands in the South Dalmatia ideal for a peaceful vacation.  Visit romantic coves such as Zaklopatica and Skrivena Luka (Portorus) on Lastovo. A small island near Lastovo, Saplun, is proud of its beautiful sandy coves.

The town of Korcula is located in the north-eastern part of the island of Korcula. The town consists of an old town, located on an elongated peninsula, and new parts along the shore to the east and west of the old town center. The world famous traveler and explorer, Marco Polo, was born in Korcula. His birth house is still preserved in the town. There are countless historical monuments in Korcula that testify about the interesting history of this town. The town of Korcula has its own natural air-conditioning system seeing how the streets were built so the fresh air can circulate even during hot days.

Vela Luka – is a small town in the western part of the island of Korcula in a deep and spacious bay. The locals are involved in agriculture, viticulture, olive-growing, fishing and tourism. Vela Luka is the second biggest town on the Adriatic islands – a safe anchor place and a port for the yachtsmen. This place has transformed into an attractive tourist destination in the last few years because of its mild climate, a rich tourist offer, clean sea and interesting cultural heritage. Vela Luka is known as the place of artists, painters and sculptors, poets and poems.

Lastovo is a town above the north shore in the north-eastern part of the island of Lastovo. It possesses all of the features of the Mediterranean climate, mild and humid winters, long, warm and arid summers. It is surrounded with 46 smaller islands and reefs. Lastovo is an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation, far away from the big tourist crowd. Quality accommodation (hotel, suits), homemade food (Lastovo is famous for lobsters), good wines and recreational possibilities – sailing, surfing, fishing – make sure your stay on Lastovo is even more pleasant. A boat excursion to the islands in the Lastovo archipelago, to swim and make a fish picnic, is very attractive. The island has astonishing coves such as Zaklopatica and Skrivena Luka (Portorus),while the island of Saplun is very proud of its beautiful sandy beaches.

Sobra – it is located on the island of Mljet. Sobra is a town and a port in the bay of the same name. It stretches along the port and has a few restaurants. The locals are involved in agriculture, viniculture, fishing and tourism. All year round Sobra is connected to Dubrovnik with a ferry line. During the summer it is also linked to Papratno on the Peljesac peninsula, which makes it a nautical-traffic center of the island. It is not difficult to get to Saplunara from Sobra (16km), as well as to Pomena and Polaca (29km), entrance points to the Mljet national park.

Microclimate

DUBROVNIK

Culture

Korcula island

• - The old core of Korcula has a layout in the shape of a fishbone dispersed on a small peninsula. On the highest slope the main square is located, the center of the social life with another, smaller square located next to the main town gates on the south side of the walls. There are also the Town Hall and the Duke’s court. There are 9 churches in the old core of Korcula. Two ancient entrances to the town of Korcula are also very interesting – Sea gate and Land gate.
• - St. Marko Cathedral is located in the middle of the square in the town of Korcula. Only three apses are preserved from the original 14th century cathedral. It was finished at the end of 15th century on the change over from gothic to renaissance.
• - Cultural center is located in the old castle in Vela Luka – it contains a valuable archeological collection of prehistory from the Neolithic findings, as well as Roman localities. There is a collection of modern art from Croatian and foreign artist.
• - Vela spilja – protected archeological finding on the southwest side of the island of Korcula. Current excavation results take us back to an era of about 20 000 years b.c.
• - The abbey palace in the town of Korcula which contains the famous Abby treasury of artwork exhibited in six halls and the courtyard. This treasury is one of the most valuable church collections in Dalmatia.
• - Birth house of Marco Polo is in the center of the Old town, north from the St. Marko cathedral

Lastovo island

• - St. Kuzma and Damjan church – built around 1474 and dedicated to the heavenly protectors of the island, the medicine brothers Kuzma and Damjan. The painting “Mourning of the Christ” belongs among the oldest artwork of this church, as well as a wooden rococo seating from the 18th century, silver and gold gothical, renaissance and baroque objects from the rich church treasury.
• - Struge lighthouse is the oldest Austro-Hungarian lighthouse on the Adriatic, located on a slope above the Portorus bay on about 90m above sea level (Skrivena Luka – Hidden Port). It offers a mesmerizing view of the open sea.
• - St. Luka church – pre-Romanesque church built in the 11th century is the oldest church on the island and the third oldest in Croatia.

Mljet island

• - Polace – small, protected harbor which owes its name to the astonishing palace built by the roman emperor. The palace was built by the Romans and today it is one of the most important monuments from the roman era. Churches, basilicas and the fort date back to the roman era and accentuate the importance of Polace in their time.
• - Ulysses cave – there is a 15 minute walk from Babino polje to the cave. It is believed that the famous Ulysses lived in the cave, when he was captured and kept as a prisoner for seven years by the island nymph Calypso. The tunnel is about 20 meters long while the sea depth is somewhere between 8 and 10 meters. The approach from the landside is possible, but down a very awry improvised stairway. The spectrum of colors created around noon is very interesting, when the sunlight hits the area of the cave the strongest – it creates a special natural phenomenon.
• - St. Mary church and convent – located on the island of St. Mary in the Big Lake on the Mljet island. It is the oldest vow church on the Adriatic, a sanctuary of the Virgin of the Lake, the island’s patron saint.

Excursions

While you are staying on one of the islands in South Dalmatia, Korcula, Mljet or Lastovo, visit Dubrovnik - one of the greatest pearls on the Adriatic, known for its old town core, surrounded by town walls. Boat trips are special and you will surely enjoy them. The island of Korcula, as well as other South Dalmatian islands, abounds in beaches and covert bays which enthrill every visitor with its unique whiteness near the turquoise sea. Visit the Prozid island where you can savor different homemade and international dishes in a special Mediterranean atmosphere. The three largest beaches “Bili boci” on the Prozid island, as well. Be sure to visit the “Island of Love”, a small island named Osjak. On this unique little island you can fell the indescribable peace and quiet in the intact nature which inebriates with its Mediterranean scents. During the tourist season an organized transportation to the island is offered a few times a day. You can go on your own, by your personal boat, taxi-boats or by means of a rent-a-boat service. Visit the town of Korcula and take a tour of the birth town of Marco Polo, famous for its renowned wines and town forts. There is the Mljet national park on the island of Mljet where you can see the richness of flora and fauna or visit the convent in the Big Lake on the island of Mljet.

The Lastovo island is ideal for walking, cycling or boat tours because of its size. Go on a full day outing on the sandy island Saplun in the Lastovnjaci archipelago. Visit the Susac island which has barren vegetation. There are numerous mild coves ideal for swimming and diving on the island.

Adventure

The islands of the South Dalmatia offer exceptional sports possibilities. For the courageous, we recommend free climbing on the hills and canyons on the islands of Korcula, Mljet and Lastovo or caving on the island of Mljet. Explore the Ulysses cave. There are other caves, as well, such as Ostasevica and Morvica behind the Veliki grad hill in the middle of the island. You will get to know the islands best if you try out the macadam cycling paths. For those who enjoy sailing, this is a true paradise – sail to the near islands of Vis and Hvar and discover the unexplored coves. Dive into a true submarine heaven.  Get to know a variety of fish and even more versatile algae and corals.

Gastronomy

The rich and authentic gastronomical offer of the islands in the South Dalmatia leaves every gourmet breathless. Gastronomy pleasures are very special on the islands of Korcula, Lastovo and Mljet where the fishermen bring fish, freshly caught from the crystal clear sea and the taste of ecologically cultivated vegetable is accentuated by homemade olive oil. The three excellent white wines, Posip, Marastina and Grk, the pride of Korcula, offer a special pleasure to the palate. The fish is usually roasted, but tastes exquisite even if it is cooked in a stew – cooked fish with vegetables served with corn flour. Do not think about the calories and give in to the sweet taste of “prikla” (fritters enriched with dry grapes and almond) on the island of Korcula. Be sure to savor the traditional pastries “cukarini”, “klasuni” (cake filled with almond), “hrostule” (brittle dough fried in oil), “kotonjata” (quince jello)…The archipelago of Lastovo and Mljet is rich with excellent fish so be sure to savor the grapor stew, lobster with pasta, roasted anchovy, we recommend oysters – sea shells that are usually eaten raw and have afrodiziak features.

Fun & Nightlife

Mljet, Korcula and Lastovo have a rich offer of beach bars for relaxation with coctails and the sound of the sea. Experience “Moreska” on Korcula, 29 July, a knights’ game danced every summer in memory of the war between the Turks and the Christians and today is the tradition of the island of Korcula. Do not miss the summer New Year’s Eve in Korcula celebrated at the end of every june. A carnival is organized on the island of Lastovo in the memory of an old legend when the old locals of Lastovo fought against the pirates. If you are a fine food enthusiast be sure to visit restaurants and taverns on Korcula, Mljet and Lastovo which have a rich offer of seafood specialties.