The back story
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The back story
Dubrovnik & south Dalmatia: the back story
Fortress walls, noble gardens and walled islands: the old republic and its coast.
Area guide · Croatia
Dubrovnik & south Dalmatia: Our Favourites
Dubrovnik inside its walls, Lapad and Ploče, and the island of Korčula to the north. For Zagreb itself, see our Zagreb guide.
Show 9 places on a map
What to see and do
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3 photosMedieval walls
Walls of Ston
Medieval walls that once ran about 7 km across Pelješac, linking Ston with Mali Ston.
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3 photosWorking salt pans
Ston Saltworks
Salt is still harvested here by sea, sun and wind, as in the days of the Dubrovnik Republic.
Pelješki put 1, 20230 StonExplore View on map
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3 photosFortress on the rock
Fort Lovrijenac
A fortress on a sea rock outside Dubrovnik’s western walls, and a summer festival stage.
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3 photosA quieter base
Cavtat
A palm-fringed harbour town south of Dubrovnik, with a mausoleum by Ivan Meštrović.
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3 photosWalled peninsula
Korčula old town
Korčula’s walled medieval town, its fishbone streets running out from St Mark’s Cathedral.
Nature, lakes and beaches
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3 photosSaltwater lakes
Mljet National Park
Two sea-filled lakes and a 12th-century monastery on an islet, on the island of Mljet.
Pristanište 2, 20226 Goveđari, MljetExplore View on map
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3 photosIsland nature reserve
Lokrum
A wooded island reserve with gardens and peacocks, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s old harbour.
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6 photosRenaissance garden
Trsteno Arboretum
A noble Ragusan family’s summer garden, laid out above the sea north of Dubrovnik.
Eat and drink
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Mali Ston seafood
Kapetanova Kuća
The Kralj family’s seafood restaurant on the Mali Ston shore, known for its risotto and Ston cake.
Mali Ston, PelješacExplore View on map
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3 photosOysters by boat
Bota Šare Mali Ston
Dalmatian fish restaurant in a medieval salt store, with boat trips out to the oyster beds.
Mali Ston b.b., Mali StonExplore View on map
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3 photosRelais & Châteaux
Korta Katarina Winery
Plavac Mali from Dingač and Postup, poured at a Relais & Châteaux winery in Orebić.
Ulica bana Josipa Jelačića 3, 20250 OrebićExplore View on map
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3 photosDingač Plavac Mali
Saints Hills Vinaria
A Dingač winery in a restored stone house in Oskorušno, with tastings and long winery feasts.
20242 Zagruda, Oskorušno, PelješacExplore View on map
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3 photosNapa legend’s winery
Grgić Vina
Mike Grgich’s Pelješac winery in Trstenik, making Plavac Mali from Dingač and Pošip.
Trstenik 78, 20245 TrstenikExplore View on map
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2 photosOld-town seafront
Filippi
Mediterranean cooking and island wines on the old-town seafront promenade in Korčula.
Šetalište Petra Kanavelića, KorčulaExplore View on map
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5 photosTop of the cable car
Panorama
Drinks and dinner beside the cable car’s top station, with all Dubrovnik spread below.
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2 photosA local favourite
Pantarul
Seasonal modern Dalmatian cooking in Lapad, well away from the old town crowds.
Ulica Kralja Tomislava 1Explore View on map
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3 photosCosy near Pile
Sesame
A cosy, characterful Mediterranean restaurant a few minutes’ walk from Pile Gate.
Dante Alighieria 2Explore View on map
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Video 4 photosTables on the walls
LD Restaurant
Korčula’s MICHELIN-starred restaurant, with tables on the old town walls above the sea.
Where to stay
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Video 7 photosOld-town palaces
Lešić Dimitri Palace
Stylish residences in restored palaces in Korčula’s old town, home of LD Restaurant.
Don Pavla Pose 1-6Explore View on map
Getting there and around
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3 photosUp Mount Srđ
Dubrovnik Cable Car
A few minutes from above the old town to Mount Srđ, with Dubrovnik and the islands below.
Where to go next
Questions and answers
When should I ride the Dubrovnik cable car?
Ride up Mount Srđ at sunset; the walls, the city and the islands spread out beneath you.
Can I visit Lokrum?
Yes, by boat from Dubrovnik; be on the last boat back.
Share your Dubrovnik & south Dalmatia tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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