Dubrovnik-Neretva County: Nature, Islands and Culture

Dubrovnik-Neretva County has a narrow, varied coastline, separated from the inland area by a mountain range. Its landscapes and attractions range from protected areas and lakes to historic buildings and regional dishes. When planning your trip, you can focus on nature, culture or activities.

Natural Areas and Distinctive Landscapes

A total of 145 bird species have been recorded so far across the Lastovo Islands Nature Park archipelago. Up to 70 percent of Croatia’s Audouin’s gull (Larus audouinii) population breeds on the islets in the eastern part of the nature park; this proportion may change as further surveys are conducted. The birdlife makes the park a distinctive natural attraction in the county.

Mljet National Park is the oldest marine protected area in the Mediterranean. Veliko jezero and Malo jezero form a rare geological and oceanographic phenomenon in a karst landscape. From the Montokuc viewpoint, you can look out over the lakes, the open sea and the surrounding islands. Saplunara is another important protected landscape: the sandy coves of Velika Saplunara and Mala Saplunara are framed by dense pine forest and Mediterranean vegetation.

Cultural Heritage in Dubrovnik, Lastovo and Korčula

Dubrovnik’s Old Town preserves Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, as well as monasteries, palaces and fountains. During the summer months, the Linđo folklore group and its ensemble perform traditional music and dance at the historic Lazareti. The program may change; check the dates in advance. On Lastovo, the carnival is considered living intangible cultural heritage and one of Croatia’s most valuable customs.

Archaeological and religious heritage also gives these places their distinctive character. Vela spila, above Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, is an important archaeological site and a geomorphological natural monument. The cave contains evidence of continuous human presence since the early Stone Age. A Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century stands on the island of Sveti Marija in Veliko jezero.

Hiking Trails and Outdoor Experiences

The Lastovo Islands Nature Park has more than 200 kilometers of hiking and cycling trails in total; conditions on individual trails may vary. Mljet National Park also has a network of hiking and cycling trails. A marked hiking trail on Mljet leads from Babino Polje to Odysseus’ Cave. Sea and trail conditions can affect your visit, so it is advisable to check conditions before setting out.

Kayaking is offered at various locations in the county, including in and around Dubrovnik, on the island of Mljet and in Cavtat. Available tours and launch sites may change. In the Neretva Valley, a ride in a traditional boat through narrow channels and tributaries is offered as a visitor experience. In Konavle, horseback riding excursions go through vineyards, olive groves and extensive meadows along the Ljuta River, or along cliffs overlooking the sea. Tour offerings and routes may vary by provider.

Regional Cuisine and Getting Around

Green manestra has a centuries-old tradition 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. How these dishes are prepared and whether they are available may vary by location and season.

Regular boat services operate daily to help you get around the county. Frequent, regular bus routes connect towns and villages; daily services also connect major Croatian cities. Schedules and reservation requirements may change. Before traveling, check the routes and conditions relevant to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Dubrovnik, Municipality of Lastovo, Municipality of Dubrovačko Primorje, Municipality of Slivno, Municipality of Župa Dubrovačka, Municipality of Opuzen, Municipality of Ploče, Municipality of Smokvica, Municipality of Kula Norinska, Municipality of Metković, Municipality of Pojezerje, Municipality of Konavle, Pomena.

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