What to see around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is a former city-state in southern Croatia. With its rich historical and architectural heritage, the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you have the chance to visit Dubrovnik, be sure to explore the surrounding area of this magnificent city.

Here are some of the best places to visit around Dubrovnik with your family or friends.

Visit Lokrum

Lokrum is a small island just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik (15 minutes by boat). This verdant island is home to a Benedictine abbey dating back to the 12th century, as well as a pine and cypress forest. Lokrum is also renowned for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimmers. There are no sandy beaches, but ladders on the rocks provide access to the sea.

There is also a nudist beach. Lokrum is also a chance to get away from the mass of tourists in Dubrovnik, where you won’t see a car or even a house, because it’s uninhabited. It’s a haven of peace where rabbits and peacocks reign.

1 – The Dead Sea

This salt lake offers the same properties as the Dead Sea, namely a high level of salinity that makes it very easy to float! The water is warm, which is also very pleasant. A first-rate attraction for divers looking for underground caves.

2 – Charlotte’s Well

Maximilian of Habsburg had it built so that he could water the exotic plants in the park, but also so that his guests could cool off. A giant bathtub built for the nobility of the time.

3 – Fort Royal

The construction of this fortress was undertaken by France during the Napoleonic era and completed by the Austrians. From this highest point, you can admire the splendours of the island of Lokrum from a panoramic viewpoint.

If you’re a trekking enthusiast, take the Paradise Trail. Game of Thrones fans will have a feeling of déjà vu…

Discover the Elaphite Islands

The Elaphite Islands are an archipelago of 14 islands just a few kilometres from Dubrovnik. The best-known islands in this archipelago are Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, and they are the only inhabited ones.

The Elaphite Islands are renowned for their natural beauty, tranquillity and Mediterranean atmosphere. Kayaking is possible on these islands.

1 – Kolocep Island

The closest to Dubrovnik, this island is just 2.35 km2 in size! Its small coves with crystal-clear waters are particularly popular for swimming, but be warned: many of them are nudist.

2 – Lopud Island

A little bigger at 4.63 km2, you’ll have the chance to discover the sumptuous architecture of the 15th and 16th century aristocratic villas. Also worth seeing are the Rector’s Palace and the 15th-century Franciscan monastery.

3 – Sipan Island

This is the largest of the 3 islands at 16.5 km2, and you’ll be surrounded by magnificent patrician villas, lavender fields and olive groves… A little corner of paradise.

Visit the village of Cavtat

Located just 20 minutes by bus from Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a charming fishing village set in a magnificent bay. Cavtat is home to a number of monuments and historic buildings, including the Sveti Nikola church, an ancient Roman villa and the white stone mausoleum of Racic, the Pinacoteca, which houses a superb collection of sacred art, and the Rector’s Palace, a museum displaying archaeological and ethnographic objects, traditional costumes, etc.

Excursion to the island of Mljet

Mljet is a small island around 2 hours by boat from Dubrovnik. This green and tranquil island is famous for its two salt lakes, numerous caves and white sandy beaches.

Mljet is also home to a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 12th century, as well as a forest of holm oaks (national park). Hiking, swimming and discovering unspoilt nature are all on offer.

The Trsteno arboretum

Just 30 minutes by bus from Dubrovnik, the Trsteno arboretum is a magnificent botanical garden created in the 15th century.

This peaceful, green setting is home to a rich collection of exotic plants, palms, cypresses and pines.

Head for the island of Korcula

Korčula is a small island located around 2 hours by boat from Dubrovnik. This verdant island is known for its vineyards, olive groves, white sandy beaches and historical and architectural heritage.

The town of Korčula is home to many monuments and buildings, including St Mark’s Cathedral, an ancient fortress, the Archaeological Museum and Marco Polo’s house, where the famous explorer is said to have been born. The Moreška is a typical dance of the island that is a must-see!

See the fjord of the Bouches de Kotor in Montenegro

The Mouths of Kotor is a magnificent fjord located around 2.30 hours’ drive from Dubrovnik. This peaceful, secluded spot is surrounded by rugged mountains and offers breathtaking views of the fjord’s turquoise waters.

The Bouches de Kotor are also famous for their many caves and white sandy beaches. Don’t miss: the medieval city and its maze of picturesque streets, the exceptional view from the top of Mount Lovćen, its ramparts, the fortress of St John, the Chapel of Our Lady of Salvation…

Heading for Mostar in Bosnia

Mostar is about a 3-hour drive from Dubrovnik. It is famous for its stone bridge over the River Neretva, which was built in the 16th century and is located in the old town.

Mostar is also home to many monuments and buildings, including the Kujundziluk Mosque, the Old Library and the Town Hall.

How can I visit the Dubrovnik area?

If you want to visit the area around Dubrovnik, there are a number of ways to get there. You can hire a car, take the bus or train, or go on an excursion organised by a travel agency.

Many companies offer day trips or multi-day excursions around Dubrovnik. These excursions will allow you to discover the best places to visit around Dubrovnik, without having to worry about organisation and transport.

Whatever you choose, there are many wonders to discover around Dubrovnik.