Besides the cultural importance, the region boasts with its beautiful nature. Mljet NP with its fascinating salt lakes and ancient verdant forests together with Lastovo Nature Park are probably the best natural sites here. The view of the Neretva Delta is equally impressive and you can take a joyful ride on the river. Trsteno Arboretum will reveal  you the secrets of holidays in the summer houses of Dubrovnik’s aristocracy. Pelješac  Peninsula will leave you breathless with its splendid hills, vineyards, fertile fields and fascinating animal life.

NATIONAL PARK MLJET

One third of the island was set aside as the only national park in the region. Impressive verdant Pine forests are always brimming with crickets and their chirping melodies and two beautiful salt lakes are connected to the Adriatic; their stream changes direction depending on the tide chage. But there is even more beauty on offer! The whole island is a fascinating place, the perfect blend of forests, rocks and sea; we recommend you visiting beaches Saplunara, Blace and Sutmiholjska and a small trip to the Ulysees’s cave to find out an interesting legend.

NERETVA VALLEY

A fine example of harmony between man and almost unspoilt nature. The maze of rivulets and channels nested in marsh vegetation is bristling with yendeks; patches of fertile land for the cultivation of delicious fruits and vegetables. You may cruise down the delta in Neretvan lađa, traditional boat, and enjoy the sound of waders, frogs and of you are lucky enough, maybe you will spot mysterious eels.

PELJEŠAC

It is hard to describe natural wonders of this peninsula. It is absolutely fascinating with its contrasts, mountains and fertile fields, steep vineyards and peaceful coves, rural architecture and city planning in Ston. You will enjoy the scent of Mediterranean herbs, further intensified with daily concerts performed by crickets and donkeys, and over night by eerie owls and jackals. It may sound strange but Pelješac is the tamed oasis of wildlife.

TRSTENO ARBORETUM

The only arboretum in the Croatian Adriatic is located in Trsteno. The oldest Renaissance park and gardens in Dalmatia with the summer house of the influential Gozze family is there for your eyes only. Besides Mediterranean vegetation the arboretum keeps a large number of exotic species that were once watered by the 70 m long aqueduct witch ends with a fountain.

LASTOVO ISLAND

Although the most remote destination in the region, it is definitely worth seeing it. It is hard to single out few things because the whole scenery is truly enchanting – the nature park with its fascinating landscape and interesting wildlife, local customs, architecture and cuisine will make you want to stay in this oasis of tranquillity as long as possible.

 

Text is taken from Dubrovnik – The Riviera and islands by J. Žilić, D. Pek and F.Kozina