South Dalmatia

South Dalmatia is the southern part of Croatia; it is a coastal region with almost no hinterland which borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. It stretches from the Neretva River on the north down to the border with Montenegro on the south where the southernmost point of Croatia's coast is placed – Rt Ostra (peninsula Prevlaka) - and it includes the Dubrovnik-Neretva county with the cities Dubrovnik, Metkovic, Ploce, Opuzen and their surroundings, the peninsula Peljesac and islands Korcula, Mljet, Lastovo, the Elaphiti islands (Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan…).

This region has an amount of historical heritage, untouched and preserved nature, beautiful landscapes, clear sea, mild Mediterranean climate, cultural attractions and events, original wine sorts. Dubrovnik is the most famous city of South Dalmatia and one of the most famous Croatian cities in general. It is the center of the county, the administrative, cultural and traffic leader of the region. The world famous fortification towers and stone walls surround the old city that stands under the protection of UNESCO since 1979 (Minceta Fortress, Bokar Fortress and Fort of St. John, Revelin, Fort of St. Lawrence, the Church of the Holly Savior, Convent of St. Claire, Franciscan Monastery, great Onofrio fountain, Dominican Monastery, Arsenal, Orlando’s Column, the Sponza palace, Bell tower, Luza, the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, City walls...).

But this area has a lot more to offer than just one amazing ancient city. The abundance in quiet and untouched nature attracts every year more and more people. No matter where you will be staying in South Dalmatia, one thing is sure, you will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and you will enjoy in the clear sea and best local meals. The unique flora and fauna, the fascinating subterranean caves (Nakovana, Mocile, Sipun, Raca, Vela Spilja, Gromaca) and white sea cliffs are to be seen in this county. The National Park Mljet is known for its lush and diverse Mediterranean vegetation, its two lakes, antique monuments and the Benedictine monastery from the 13th century. Other attractions in the area are: the Arboretum – the oldest Renaissance garden in Dalmatia with exotic plants (massive plane-trees, palms, eucalyptus, camphor); special reserves – Pod Gredom, Prud, Orepak, Mouth of the Neretva River, Gulf of Mali Ston; forest parks: Kolocep, Osjak, Orebic, Park Hober (Korcula), Predolac – Sibanica (east of Metkovic); Lokrum (special forestry reserve under the protection of UNESCO; small lake Mrtvo More).

This area is rich in touristic offer. You can have adventurous holidays with lot of happenings and events in the bigger cities (cultural events – Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Julian Rachlin & Friends, the Libertas Film Festival, Festival of St. Blaise and the Carnival), take a bath in the clean sea or sunbath on one of the beaches (Babin Kuk, Lokrum, Mlini, Spilan, Cavtat). The Dubrovnik marina is the ideal jumping-off spot for a relaxing vacation on the nearby islands (Korcula, Lastovo). If you are staying in South Dalmatia you are in a good position for a trip to the nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar, Medjugorje).

South Dalmatia

Destinations