Dubrovnik‑Neretva is Croatia’s southernmost county. It blends UNESCO heritage, calm islands, vineyards, and wetlands. The Pelješac Bridge now links the region end to end (opened 26 July 2022 and toll‑free). Journeys are smoother. Border checks at Neum are no longer required on the main route. The area is compact. Distances look small but islands add time. Plan with ferries in mind.
Reasons to Visit
Ancient walls. Sun‑drenched vineyards. Clear coves. Quiet car‑free islands. Salt pans. Oysters. Wild parks. Starry skies. Kitesurf flats. The county offers all of it. Culture lovers wander Dubrovnik’s marble lanes. Families play on sandy beaches in Lumbarda and Lopud. Hikers and cyclists circle Mljet’s salt lakes. Sailors hop between safe marinas. Food lovers tour Pelješac reds and Ston oysters. Photographers chase golden light on Korčula’s towers.
Where Is Dubrovnik‑Neretva County
It sits at Croatia’s far south. Bosnia and Herzegovina borders it inland. Montenegro lies just southeast of Dubrovnik. The Adriatic Sea wraps its islands and peninsulas. The county stretches from the Neretva Delta to Konavle’s hills. Pelješac forms a long arm that points to Korčula.
Getting There
By Air
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) serves the region. Many European routes operate in season. Some run year‑round. Buses and shuttles connect the terminal with the city. Taxis and app rides are widespread. Car hire is easy but book early in summer.
By Road
The A1 motorway runs from Zagreb toward the south. It links to the Pelješac Bridge. The bridge is toll‑free. It creates a smooth coastal drive. You avoid the short Bosnia corridor at Neum. Coast roads are scenic but slow. Allow buffer time.
By Ferry and Catamaran
Passenger line 807: Dubrovnik – Koločep – Lopud – Suđurađ (Šipan), year‑round.
Car ferry 634: Orebić – Dominče (Korčula), frequent, year‑round.
Car ferry 633: Ploče – Trpanj (Pelješac), year‑round. Some routes are seasonal in summer; buy tickets early in peak months. Foot passengers use fast catamarans; cars queue for larger ferries. Check schedules close to travel dates.
By Bus
Intercity buses link Dubrovnik with Split and Zagreb. They also reach Pelješac and Korčula. Buses can use the bridge route now. Journey times are more reliable.
Getting Around
Driving
Driving offers the most freedom on Pelješac and the mainland. Roads are narrow in places. Distances are short but curves slow you down. Parking in Dubrovnik Old Town is limited and costly. Park outside the core when possible.
Without a Car
Base yourself near ferry ports or bus stops. Use catamarans for day trips. Dubrovnik’s Lokrum and the Elaphiti are easy. Mljet is also practical for a full day. Korčula and Pelješac pair well using the Orebić ferry.
Cycling
Cycling is excellent on Mljet and Lastovo. Traffic is light. Gradients vary. Bring water. Summer heat is serious.
Taxis and Rides
Taxis cluster around airports, ports, and Dubrovnik. App rides operate in urban areas. Always confirm the price before starting.
When to Visit
April–June
Spring feels fresh. Wildflowers bloom. The sea warms slowly. Ferries and flights ramp up. Crowds remain manageable. Wineries and parks are open.
July–August
This is peak season. Days are hot. Seas are calm. Events fill calendars. Book ferries early. Start sightseeing early. Rest at midday. Swim often.
September–October
Warm seas. Softer light. Harvest time on Pelješac. Oyster tastings continue. Crowds thin out. Ferries still run frequently.
November–March
Quiet months. Some services reduce. Weather shifts fast. Dubrovnik stays lively. Nature is moody and beautiful. Bring layers and a flexible plan.
Where to Base Yourself — By Traveler Type
Families with Small Kids
Choose Lopud or Lumbarda. Both have sandy shallows. Pick Orebić for beach days and easy ferry hops. Look for apartments near the sea. Check for shade and playgrounds.
Hikers and Nature Lovers
Base in Polače or Pomena on Mljet. Trails loop around Veliko and Malo Jezero. Lastovo offers rugged paths and dark skies. Pelješac has ridge hikes with sea views.
Island Dreamers
Stay in Korčula Town or Vela Luka. Short drives reach coves and vineyards. Elaphiti islands are car‑free and slow. Šipan suits longer, lazy stays.
Sailors
Marinas at Dubrovnik, Slano, and Korčula are reliable. Channels are sheltered by islands. Legs between stops are short. Anchorages are scenic and safe in calm weather.
Food and Wine Lovers
Pick Ston or Orebić. Taste Dingač and Postup reds. Try fresh oysters and mussels in Mali Ston. Visit the historic salt pans in Ston. Book tastings with producers.
Top 15 Experiences by Area
Dubrovnik & Riviera
Walk the city walls at opening or sunset.
Kayak below the forts; swim at Šulić or Danče.
Half‑day escape to Lokrum from the Old Port.
Pelješac Peninsula
Taste oysters in Mali Ston and tour the salt pans.
Drive the ridge road and hike Dingač terraces.
Orebić promenade and the Franciscan Monastery viewpoint.
Korčula Island
Climb St Mark’s bell tower at golden hour.
Lumbarda’s Bilin Žal or Pržina for sandy swims; taste Grk.
Boat to Badija and Vrnik for swims and quiet coves.
Mljet & Lastovo
Cycle the Mljet lake loop and boat to St Mary’s islet.
Swim from stone steps into Mljet’s salt lakes.
Lastovo night sky and coves like Skrivena Luka.
Neretva Valley & Beyond
Kitesurfing at Ušće Neretve’s shallow flats.
Trsteno Arboretum’s sea‑view gardens.
Cavtat seaside walk and Račić Mausoleum views.
Dubrovnik City and Riviera
Old Town Highlights
Dubrovnik’s stone lanes shine. The Stradun divides the core. The city walls loop the old town. Gates, bastions, and forts line the route. The views take your breath away. Go early or late. Heat and crowds are strong at noon. Many sights sit close together. Plan short breaks in shade.
Essential Stops
City Walls circuit
Rector’s Palace courtyard
Franciscan Monastery cloister
Fort Lovrijenac outlook
Dominican Monastery museum
Jesuit Stairs and baroque terrace
Beaches Near the Core
Banje Beach for a city‑and‑sea photo
Šulić Beach under Lovrijenac
Danče for deep water swims
Lapad and Babin Kuk
These peninsulas offer seaside walks, family hotels, and calm bays. Paths hug the shore. Sunsets are reliable. Cafés line the promenade. Buses link the area with Old Town.
Lokrum Island
Lokrum lies just offshore. Boats depart from the Old Port. The island is a nature reserve. Paths weave through pines and groves. Peacocks roam freely. Swimmers find rocky ledges. The water is clear. Bring water shoes. No cars. No accommodation. It suits a half‑day escape.
Elaphiti Islands
The Elaphiti chain is close to Dubrovnik. Year‑round passenger ferry 807 links Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan with Dubrovnik. Tours add extra sailings in season.
Micro‑guide: Families → Lopud (Šunj) • Walkers → Koločep • Slow stays → Šipan
Mljet National Park
Why Go
Mljet blends pine forests, salt lakes, and calm coves. The park protects Veliko and Malo Jezero. Paths hug the shores. A small boat reaches the monastery islet. Cycling is ideal. Shade helps on hot days.
Where to Stay
Stay in Polače or Pomena. Both sit inside or close to the park. You can walk or cycle into nature. Shops and cafés are nearby. Book early in July and August.
What to Do
Cycle the lake loop. It is mostly flat.
Cross to the monastery islet. Visit the church.
Swim from stone steps into the lakes.
Walk forest paths above the coves.
Snorkel near the channels between the lakes.
Practical Tips
Buy park tickets at official points. One return boat ride to St Mary’s islet on Veliko Jezero is included with the park ticket; extra rides cost a small fee. Keep the ticket handy. Bring cash for small kiosks. Respect signed swimming zones. Carry water. Summer sun can be fierce.
Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park
Why Go
Lastovo is remote and wild. The night sky is dark and clear. Villages feel timeless. The sea is deep blue. The archipelago includes many small islets.
Getting There
Fast boats run from Split and Korčula in season, with year‑round ferries via Split. Connections from Dubrovnik may be seasonal and indirect. Journeys take time. Plan at least two nights. The reward is deep calm.
What to Do
Hike ridge paths with sea views.
Swim in coves like Zaklopatica and Skrivena Luka.
Rent a boat for a day. Check the weather.
Taste fresh fish in family konobas.
Watch the stars after dinner.
Moorings and Boating
Park rangers manage ecological moorings in select bays. Follow instructions on site. Leave no trace. Respect fishing rules.
Pelješac Peninsula
Character
Pelješac feels rugged and generous. Vineyards grip steep slopes. Coves hide bright water. Small towns dot the coast. The ridge road gives huge views. The peninsula produces famous red wines.
Main Towns and Areas
Ston and Mali Ston: walls, oysters, and salt pans
Orebić: beaches, ferry to Korčula, monastery viewpoint
Trpanj: ferry link to Ploče, family beaches
Dingač and Postup: terraced vineyards and tasting rooms
Wine Routes
Plavac Mali rules here. Dingač and Postup are classic designations. Many cellars welcome visitors. Book tastings ahead in summer. Designate a driver or join tours. Try fresh seafood with local reds. Balance with still water in the heat.
The Ston Walls and Salt Pans
Ston’s fortifications run over the ridge. You can walk sections. The views span sea and marsh. The salt pans are historic and still active. Guided tours explain the craft. The town’s grid plan dates to the Republic of Dubrovnik.
Oysters and Mussels
Mali Ston is known for shellfish. Boats take you to farms. Tastings are simple and fresh. Pair with local white wine. Ask about seasonality and weather.
Korčula Island and Town
First Impressions
Korčula is a refined island. The main town sits on a small peninsula. Towers and gates guard the core. Narrow streets rise to a crest. Many streets catch the breeze. The layout keeps lanes cool.
Where to Stay
Korčula Town suits culture and dining. Lumbarda suits beach days and families. Vela Luka suits slower stays and western coves. Cars help, but buses cover key routes.
Top Things to Do on Korčula
Climb St Mark’s bell tower.
Circle the walls and towers at sunset.
Swim at Bilin Žal or Pržina in Lumbarda.
Sail to Badija and Vrnik for swims.
Visit the town museum in a restored palace.
Watch the Moreška sword dance in season.
Taste Grk in Lumbarda and Pošip from nearby Čara.
Practical Tips
Parking is tight in the old core. Use marked lots. Book boats to islets early in peak months. Bring cash for small beach bars. Respect sun and hydration.
Cavtat and Konavle
Cavtat
Cavtat curves around two bays. A pine‑shaded path rings the peninsula. Swims are easy from ladders and platforms. Cafés face the water. The Račić Mausoleum crowns a hill. Views sweep toward Dubrovnik.
Konavle
The countryside feels pastoral. Stone hamlets dot valleys. Sokol Grad stands on a bluff. Trails follow old watermills and channels. Restaurants serve local specialties. It is a peaceful day away from crowds.
Neretva Delta and Ploče
The Landscape
The Neretva River spreads into wetlands and sandy flats. Channels reflect the sky. Birds migrate through in season. Produce markets sell mandarins in autumn.
Active Days
Kitesurfers love Ušće Neretve. The water is shallow and flat. Winds are reliable in summer. Beginners can book lessons. Ploče sits nearby with a port and beach.
Beaches — County Highlights
Sandy Spots
Šunj Beach, Lopud: long, shallow, and kid‑friendly
Lumbarda beaches, Korčula: soft sand and family facilities
Pebble and Rocky Coves
Pupnatska Luka, Korčula: bright water under a steep road
Divna, Pelješac: a curving pebble bay with views
Beach Šulić, Dubrovnik: tiny cove under high cliffs
Family‑Friendly Bays
Orebić town beaches: easy access and facilities
Slano bay: sheltered waters and a seaside path
Wild Swims
Lastovo coves: deep blue and hushed
Mljet park steps: slip into clear salt lakes
Always bring water shoes for rocks and sea urchins. Respect flags and local advice.
Food and Wine — What to Taste
Sea and Salt
Oysters and mussels from Mali Ston are a highlight. Anchovies, sardines, and Adriatic fish fill menus. Salt from Ston seasons dishes and stories.
Wines and Grapes
Plavac Mali thrives on hot Pelješac slopes. Dingač and Postup lead the reds. Try Pošip from Korčula’s interior. Seek Grk from sandy Lumbarda. Many vineyards welcome visitors.
Olive Oil and Sweets
Look for small mills and tastings. Fritule and klašuni appear at festivals. Citrus from the Neretva scents desserts and liqueurs.
Eating Tips
Reserve in July and August. Early dinners avoid queues. Ask for wines by the glass to sample widely. Carry cash for small konobas.
Sailing, Marinas, and Boating
Why It Works Here
Channels are protected by islands. Distances between marinas are short. Anchorages are scenic. Weather is stable in summer. Afternoon winds freshen but stay friendly.
Key Marinas
ACI Dubrovnik (Komolac): river setting with full service
ACI Slano (Veljko Barbieri): modern, sheltered, and convenient for Pelješac
ACI Korčula: near the old town and lively at sunset
Suggested Hops
Dubrovnik → Koločep → Lopud → Šipan
Šipan → Slano or Ston for oysters
Pelješac bays → Korčula Town
Korčula → Mljet park moorings
Rules and Etiquette
Reserve berths in high season. Use mooring lines properly. Respect speed limits near swimmers. Leave no trace in coves. Check park rules for moorings.
Culture and Events
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Music, theatre, and dance fill courtyards and terraces. Performances use historic stages. Evenings feel magical. Book ahead for prime nights.
Local Festivities
Salt harvest events run in late summer in Ston. Oyster tastings peak in spring. Wine celebrations dot harvest time. Island towns host small concerts.
Itineraries
3 Days Without a Car
Day 1: Dubrovnik Old Town and walls. Swim at Šulić or Banje. Sunset drink on a terrace. Day 2: Boat to Lokrum in the morning. Afternoon ferry to Lopud. Walk to Šunj Beach. Return to Dubrovnik. Day 3: Fast catamaran to Mljet. Cycle the lake loop. Boat to the monastery islet. Evening return.
5 Days With a Car
Day 1: Dubrovnik Old Town. Drive to Lapad for dinner. Day 2: Pelješac Bridge to Ston. Walls and salt pans. Oyster tasting in Mali Ston. Overnight in Orebić. Day 3: Ferry to Korčula Town. Explore towers and lanes. Swim in Lumbarda. Overnight on Korčula. Day 4: Drive Pelješac ridge. Tastings in Dingač and Postup. Overnight in Slano or Ston. Day 5: Trsteno Arboretum and Cavtat. Fly from DBV.
7 Days Island Focus
Day 1: Dubrovnik Old Town and city walls. Day 2: Elaphiti trio by boat. Swim and stroll. Day 3: Transfer to Mljet. Lakes by bike. Day 4: Mljet coves and forest walks. Day 5: Fast boat to Korčula. Town ramparts at sunset. Day 6: Lumbarda beaches and wine tasting. Day 7: Badija and Vrnik islets. Return to Dubrovnik.
10–14 Days Slow Travel
Break your stay across Dubrovnik, Pelješac, Korčula, and Mljet or Lastovo. Plan two to three bases. Keep jumps short. Mix city days, wine days, and park days. Leave room for swims and lazy lunches.
Practical Tips
Money and Payments
Cards are widely accepted. Small shops may prefer cash. ATMs are common in towns. Keep coins for parking meters and small ferries.
Packing
Pack light clothing and a hat. Bring reef shoes and a quick‑dry towel. Carry a reusable bottle. Sunscreen is essential. A light jacket helps on boats.
Health and Safety
Tap water is safe in towns. Seas are usually calm. Always follow local advice. Heat peaks in early afternoon. Swim within your limits. Watch for urchins and slippery rocks.
Accessibility
Old towns have steps and cobbles. Many beaches use ladders. Choose promenades and bays with ramps where possible. Check accommodation details in advance.
Driving Notes
Speeds drop in villages. Watch for cyclists near coves. Do not rely on a single petrol station at night. Fill up in larger towns. Use the bridge for the fastest through route.
Ferries and Tickets
Buy tickets online or at kiosks. Summer sailings can sell out. Arrive early. Foot passengers board quickly. Cars queue in marked lanes. Bring ID for check‑in.
Responsible Travel
Stay on marked paths. Carry your rubbish out. Use reef‑safe sunscreen. Respect quiet hours in villages. Do not touch sea life. Support local producers. Choose refillable water and avoid single‑use plastics. Taste but do not waste.
FAQs
Is the Pelješac Bridge open and free to cross?
Yes. It is open and toll‑free. It links the coastal route without the Neum border.
Can I visit islands without a car?
Yes. Use catamarans and local boats. Elaphiti and Lokrum are simple. Mljet and Korčula also work as day trips.
Where are the best sandy beaches?
Šunj on Lopud and Lumbarda on Korčula. Both suit kids and casual swims.
Do I need to prebook the Dubrovnik city walls?
Tickets are sold on site and online. Go early or late to avoid the heat.
What wine should I try on Pelješac?
Plavac Mali is the grape. Dingač and Postup are the famous labels.
Are there moorings in the parks?
Yes. Lastovo uses ecological moorings. Mljet regulates mooring too. Follow local instructions.
Can I swim in Mljet’s lakes?
Yes. Many spots have steps for entry. Respect marked zones and boats.
Is Lastovo too far for a short trip?
It is remote. Plan at least two nights. The calm is worth the journey.
What is the best base for first‑timers?
Split time between Dubrovnik and either Korčula or Pelješac. You cover culture, beaches, and wine.
How busy is July?
Very busy. Book early. Start days early. Use shade and water. Plan swims at midday.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, in towns and resorts. Carry a bottle and refill.
Do I need cash?
Cards work almost everywhere. Keep some cash for small vendors and beach bars.
What about parking in Dubrovnik?
Parking is scarce near the Old Town. Park further out. Use buses or walk in.
Is kitesurfing possible?
Yes. The Neretva Delta offers flat water and steady winds. Summer is best.
Can I watch cultural shows?
Yes. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival runs in July and August. Korčula hosts the Moreška sword dance in season.
Plan Your Route
Ready to design your route? Pick two or three bases. Combine Dubrovnik with one island and Pelješac. Add Mljet for nature or Lastovo for wild calm. Book stays early in July and August. Check ferry times close to travel. Taste the wines. Try the oysters. Leave space for swims and sunsets.
Final Word
Dubrovnik‑Neretva County rewards slow travel. Bridges make journeys simple. Ferries feel like mini adventures. You can hike, swim, and sip within a single day. Plan smart and move lightly. The region will do the rest.
Discover Dubrovnik-Neretva county: Cities, Villages, Posts & Nature
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