BY UE STUDIO

Updated Friday,26May2023-10:57

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If there is a jewel within Croatia that is the Dubrovnik Riviera, one of the most beautiful and visited destinations in this part of Europe. Located in the south, this fascinating region perfectly combines history, nature and adventure in a territory that goes beyond the city itself and extends to the islands of Korcula, Mljet and Lastovo, the Peljesac peninsula and the Neretva region. For this reason, Dubrovnik is postulated as a destination designed to fulfill the dream of anyone, both the foodie, thanks to its fascinating gastronomy, the beach lover, its incredible kilometers of coastline, the culture enthusiast or the history buff.

Unrepeatable views and dream beaches

One of the biggest claims to visit the Dubrovnik Riviera is its spectacular coastline, with crystal clear waters that bathe different beaches, coves and bays of golden sand and pebbles, out of reach of prying eyes. To this are added spectacular cliffs and green forests that offer an interesting landscape contrast.

Whether to seek tranquility and lie in the sun or to find the animation and mingle with the locals, the Dubrovnik Riviera has beaches for all tastes. Starting with Banie, with crystal clear waters and one of the most popular. This is located a few steps from the historic center of Dubrovnik and is the perfect parenthesis for a day visiting the city. Also, who would say that in this area of Croatia Copacabana could be found. Yes, this spacious beach offers endless possibilities with sun loungers, umbrellas and a variety of outdoor activities and sports, among which the jet ski, only suitable for intrepid souls, and the paddleboard, to test the balance.

Not far from there, just five kilometers south of the city, is another essential destination: Cavtat and its Pasjaca beach. Now, if there is an unmissable place on this trip along the Adriatic coast, that is the island of Lastovo. This piece of land is located in the middle of the sea, away from the city, the madding crowd and light pollution, which make it the ideal place to glimpse the starry sky and disconnect for a few hours.

TB Dubrovnik Riviera.

Natural scenery for hundreds of experiences

Beyond sun and beach, Dubrovnik has much more to offer on your tour along the coast. In the region, nature is one more protagonist and this gives a good account of the wide range of activities that can be done outdoors. Starting, of course, with water sports. In this sense, who has not imagined sailing on a sailboat through an enclave of coves and cliffs? The Elaphite Islands are precisely a perfect place to anchor and, why not, take a dip, snorkel or dive.

Wind lovers can also find hours of fun and adventure in the western part of Peljesac, an ideal area for windsurfing, while kitesurfers usually visit the mouth of the Neretva River with three kilometers of shallow coves, sandbanks and strong hot winds. But not only from the sea lives the coast of Dubrovnik, the lakes of Bacinska, which extend about 15 km², are home to a great ecological diversity of flora and fauna. In addition, in this privileged enclave, which serves as a refuge for endangered species and migratory birds, you can also practice fishing, sailing and swimming. Although, another option to take into account is to navigate calmly through its waters.

Whether on land, on foot or on wheels, the possibilities of entering nature are endless. As in the Mljet National Park, one of the most beautiful and intact islands in Croatia. Here, hiking or cycling routes are a more than attractive attraction, since they can be done by the Big and Small lakes, crossing their forests, virgin coasts and passing through vineyards, olive groves and other coastal towns. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular hiking routes in Dubrovnik is Ston Walls Walk, a 5.5 km trail that follows the historic walls of Ston and offers stunning views of the Peljesac peninsula and the Adriatic.

Ston, Vladimir Franolic, TB Dubrovnik Riviera.

A paradise for food and wine lovers

Leaving behind so much activity, a tour of the Dubrovnik Riviera also involves an immersion in its gastronomy. Its long culinary tradition includes a great diversity of fresh fish and seafood, grilled meats, homemade pastas and excellent sweets and desserts, to which are added its wines and olive oils. Its specialties include its black risotto with black cuttlefish ink, grilled octopus, peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables) and brodet (fish stew), as well as oysters and seafood from Mali Ston Bay. What's more, for fine palates, there are also two Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubrovnik and Korcula.

But what would these dishes be without a good wine pairing? The Dubrovnik Riviera stands out for a favorable climate and soil for its wines, among which the robust reds of the Peljesac peninsula, such as Dinga and Postup, stand out, while Korcula is well known for its white wines of the Poip and Grk varietals, and Konavle for its Malvasia grape. On this tour, the Neretva Valley deserves a must, where family farms predominate where citrus fruits and fruits are grown and local jams and liqueurs are made.

Dubrovnik, TB Dubrovnik Riviera; Vladimir Franolic.

A historical journey through its past

In any trip, you can not miss the vestiges of past cultures to understand in depth the character of its people, its culture and tradition. This is the case of Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The city stands out for its medieval walls, built in the thirteenth century, and its picturesque old town with the Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Sponza Palace, as main heritage claims. However, the beauty of the city can also be enjoyed from above. Specifically from the top of Mount Sr, where you can reach by cable car to be impressed by the magnificent views of the city and the surrounding islands.

Near Dubrovnik is the city of Ston, known for its impressive walls built in the fourteenth century and also for its salt pans, which date back to Roman times and are still in operation. In fact, they are an interesting visit to learn about the traditional process of salt production. From Ston, the tour along the coast of the Dubrovnik Riviera continues to the island of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. This charming island town, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, retains its medieval design where the Cathedral of San Marco and the Marco Polo Museum stand out.

And from island to island, because the next stop you can't miss is Lastovo, known for its folklore and traditions. An example of Mediterranean essence and unspoiled landscapes, this island city preserves the military installations that were used during and after the Second World War, which can be visited. From there, the last stop is Mljet, a hidden gem of the Adriatic with a millennial history. Once a Greek colony and later a Roman settlement, the city keeps intact a Roman palace and an ancient Christian church that will delight fans of the oldest heritage.

With this trip to the past, the Dubrovnik Riviera brings us back to the present to place it on the map of our next destination. Discovering it is an adventure.

Mljet, Source CNTB, Ivo Biocina.

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This text has been developed by UE Studio, creative branded content and content marketing firm of Unidad Editorial, for THE DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY TOURIST OFFICE.

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