Lush landscapes: discover wildlife, wine tours and coastal wanders in Dubrovnik

Independent

02-04-2025

Dubrovnik is famous for being one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean, an irresistible blend of history, beautiful beaches and cosmopolitan charm. But outside of the city's famous stone walls, there's so much more to explore in the wider area, known as the Dubrovnik Riviera. If you're looking for a slower pace of life, then the Neretva River Valley region, less than two hours from Dubrovnik, and the Pelješac Peninsula, even closer, are especially worth a trip. As well as unique, protected landscapes and incredible natural beauty, you'll also find wineries, rare wildlife, fascinating history and plenty of outdoor adventures.
Natural wonders
Less than a two-hour drive north of the bustling city of Dubrovnik, you'll find a very different side of Croatia – one filled with lush green landscapes, rolling mountains and vast wetlands. The Neretva Valley takes its name from the river which flows through it, emptying out into the Adriatic Sea. At its end, the river becomes a delta, with a network of reed beds, canals, lakes, wet meadows, lagoons, sandbanks and saltmarshes.
These ecosystems are home to an immense range of wildlife, including hundreds of species of birds, many of them rare. You can explore the waterways on a guided boat trip or, if you're feeling more adventurous, by kayak. Or take in the area's natural beauty and winding roads by bicycle. The land in the Neretva Valley is incredibly fertile, and you'll find acres of olive groves and fruit orchards, with roadside stalls selling delicious, fresh produce. Baćina Lakes – seven connected freshwater lakes surrounded by dramatic mountains – also offer incredible walking and cycling routes, as well as secret swimming spots in hidden turquoise lagoons.
A rich heritage
Besides being a nature lover's paradise, the Neretva Valley is also a great destination for history buffs and culture vultures. From the Illyrians (the first tribe to inhabit the region) to the many empires that subsequently ruled it, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, you'll find imprints of its fascinating past all over. In the mid-1990s, Croatian archeologists discovered the remains of a 1st century Roman temple in the village of Vid. In an inspired move, the Narona Archaeological Museum was built to cover the site of the excavations and allow visitors to see the findings, which include impressive marble statues and dazzling mosaics.
Elsewhere, the Tower of Norin, built next to the Neretva river in the 16th century by the Ottomans to defend against Venetian ships, is a lasting reminder of this region's military importance — something that can be easy to forget, so peaceful is the area today.
Stunning coastline
It's no secret that Croatia has some exquisite beaches, and in the Pelješac Peninsula – a long, narrow strip of land that juts out into the Adriatic Sea – you'll find plenty of them, from sweeping stretches of sand to small pebble coves, all surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters. This region of Croatia, around 30 miles north of Dubrovnik, offers a more relaxed pace of life, and is ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds while still enjoying the stunning coastline the country is famous for.
Trstenica, in Orebic, is one of the most well-known and family friendly beaches, while Prapratno, close to the town of Ston and backed by olive groves and pine trees, offers blissful seclusion. Those who prefer something more active than lazing on a sun lounger should head to Viganj, on the west of the peninsula, where the windy conditions make it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Vucine beach, near Žuljana, is a great spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. While Divna beach, located 10 km from Trpanj, is renowned as one of the most exquisite in the region. Divna translates to 'beautiful' in Croatian, and with its fine white sands and turquoise waters, it's certainly well-named.
Wonderful wines
As well as stunning stretches of coastline and charming towns, the Pelješac Peninsula is famous for its vineyards, with a winemaking tradition that goes back centuries. The rocky soil, warm climate and proximity to the Adriatic Sea makes the area ideal for grape growing. It is home to two protected wine regions, Dingač and Postup – both renowned for producing robust, full-bodied reds from the country's most dominant grape variety, Plavac Mali – but you'll find wines to suit every palette.
Many wineries are small, family operated businesses that sell their produce onsite, whereas larger vineyards have dedicated visitor centres that offer tastings and tours. The Pelješac Peninsula is also famous for its oysters, with the village of Mali Ston thought to produce some of the world's best. Some tours combine visiting wineries with oyster farms. Freshly shucked oysters and some delicious locally produced wine, all enjoyed in an idyllic setting? Sounds like a pretty perfect holiday to us.