Discover Korcula: Island Nature and Culture

Near the town of Korčula lies an archipelago of twenty uninhabited islands, densely covered in maquis and with accessible coastline. On Ošjak, a wooded, uninhabited island in the Korčula archipelago, a hiking trail leads around the entire island. Korcula thus offers a specific island-focused experience. Dubrovnik-Neretva County also has other destinations, each with its own nature, history, and traditions to discover.

Island Nature Around Korcula

The archipelago near Korčula and the circular trail on Ošjak offer different highlights: the island group is characterized by uninhabited islands and maquis, while the trail circles the entire wooded island of Ošjak. These are two specific points of reference for planning your trip, but the circular trail does not cover the entire archipelago.

Lastovo and Mljet: Trails and Nature

The Lastovo Islands are accessible only by ferry, catamaran, or seaplane. Routes and timetables may change, so check them before planning your trip. A total of 145 bird species have been recorded across the archipelago in the Lastovo Islands Nature Park. The park has more than 200 kilometers of hiking and cycling trails in all; conditions on individual trails may vary.

On Lastovo is the 70-meter-long Rača Cave, a geomorphological natural monument and an important archaeological site. The Lastovo Carnival is also an important part of the local cultural life: it is celebrated every year with elaborate costumes and masks, preserving a living oral tradition.

In Mljet National Park, a marked forest trail leads from the Small Lake to Pomena. Veliko jezero and Malo jezero form a rare geological and oceanographic phenomenon in a karst landscape. The national park is the oldest marine protected area in the Mediterranean. A Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century is also located on the island of Sveti Marija in Veliko jezero.

Historic Places and Regional Traditions

In Dubrovnik, the historic Stradun is a popular promenade used by locals and tourists alike. The Sponza Palace houses the Dubrovnik Archive, which contains historical documents from the city and surrounding areas. From the top of Minčeta Fortress, you can enjoy views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding landscape.

The old town of Cavtat is the ancient Epidaurum and was built according to a town plan in the Middle Ages. The Račić family mausoleum was built in 1921 on the site of the 15th-century Chapel of St. Rok. In Konavle, Sokol Fortress offers views across the entire region; as you climb, you can experience the sophisticated defensive system of the historic Republic of Dubrovnik.

Folklore events are held in Čilipi every Sunday from Easter until the end of October. They showcase the customs and traditions of Konavle. A traditional boat trip on the Neretva takes you through narrow canals and tributaries. The host shows visitors how people there fish and grow citrus fruit; the trip includes regional specialties and Neretva wine served in wooden mugs.

Choose the Main Focus of Your Stay

Each destination has its own highlights: here, Korcula is represented by its archipelago and the circular trail on Ošjak; Lastovo and Mljet each offer their own nature and trail experiences, while Dubrovnik, Cavtat, and Konavle are known for their history and traditions. The Neretva adds a boat trip with insights into regional fishing and citrus cultivation. So the first thing to consider when choosing a hotel is your preferred destination. Tailor your search to the travel experience you want to define your stay.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Općina Vela Luka, Općina Blato, Općina Korčula, Lika-Senj, Sisak-Moslavina County, Krapinsko-Zagorska, Molat, Losinj.

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