Discover Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Dubrovnik-Neretva County combines a narrow, diverse coastline with an inland area separated from it by a mountain range. The experiences on offer also have very different emphases: on the islands, protected areas and hiking trails shape nature-focused holidays; in Dubrovnik, historic buildings and folklore take centre stage; and the Neretva Valley has its own landscape and culinary traditions. When choosing your holiday apartment, therefore, first consider which of these aspects of the region matters most to your trip.

Island Nature and Trails

A total of 145 bird species have been recorded across the Lastovo Islands Nature Park archipelago to date. On the islets in the eastern part of the nature park, up to 70 percent of Croatia’s population of Audouin’s gull (Larus audouinii) breeds. These figures give the protected area a distinctive natural profile. Visitors interested in birds and island nature will find a different focus here than on a stay centred primarily on culture or regional cuisine.

The islands also offer a range of options for active days: the Lastovo Islands Nature Park has more than 200 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails in total. Mljet National Park also has a network of hiking and cycling trails. A marked hiking trail there leads from Babino Polje to Odysseus’ Cave. When planning, you can decide whether you would prefer to include an extensive trail network or a specific outing to a named destination in your trip.

Mljet National Park is the oldest marine protected area in the Mediterranean region. Veliko jezero and Malo jezero form a rare geological and oceanographic phenomenon in the karst landscape. A Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century is located on the island of Sveti Marija in Veliko jezero. Nature and history come together here in clearly defined features, without the two themes needing to be treated as one and the same. The Montokuc viewpoint offers views of the lakes, the open sea and the surrounding islands.

Culture, Water and Activities

Dubrovnik’s Old Town preserves Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Visitors with a particular interest in architectural history can make this diversity the central theme of their trip. During the summer months, the Linđo folklore group and its ensemble perform traditional music and dance at the historic Lazareti. On Lastovo, meanwhile, the carnival is considered living intangible cultural heritage and one of Croatia’s most valuable customs.

Vela spila, above Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, offers another historical perspective. This important archaeological site is also a geomorphological natural monument; the cave contains evidence of continuous human presence dating back to the Early Stone Age. Those weighing up different cultural interests can choose between Old Town architecture, living traditions and a site with a very early history of settlement.

Kayaking is offered in various places throughout the county, including in and around Dubrovnik, on the island of Mljet and in Cavtat. In the Neretva area, a trip in a traditional boat through narrow channels and side arms is also among the visitor experiences on offer. In Konavle, horse-riding excursions pass through vineyards, olive groves and extensive meadows along the Ljuta River, or follow cliffs high above the sea. These activities appeal to different interests and can help you decide on the right holiday focus when looking for a holiday apartment.

Regional Cuisine and Getting Around

Cuisine, too, tells the story of different regional traditions. Green manestra has a centuries-old history and was one of the most popular dishes among Dubrovnik’s nobility. The Neretva Valley is known for brodetto made with eel and frog, usually served with polenta. If you would like to include culinary discoveries in your trip, these dishes can be a reason in their own right to explore Dubrovnik or the Neretva Valley as a holiday destination.

Regular boat services operate daily throughout the county. Frequent, regular bus routes connect towns and villages, and there are also daily connections between major Croatian cities. This information provides an overview of the transport services available, but does not replace checking the connection that suits your specific destination. When choosing accommodation, it is therefore worth first deciding on your preferred focus and then selecting a location accordingly.

Explore More Destinations

For further guidance, you can visit the subordinate destinations individually: Municipality of Dubrovnik, Municipality of Pojezerje, Municipality of Konavle, Municipality of Lastovo, Municipality of Dubrovnik Primorje, Municipality of Slivno, Municipality of Župa Dubrovačka, Municipality of Opuzen, Municipality of Ploče, Municipality of Smokvica, Municipality of Kula Norinska, Municipality of Metković and Pomena.

For the broader travel overview: Croatia.