In Our Nature

World Worth Saving

Welcome to the Nature Parks of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, a stunning region in the southernmost part of Croatia - an outdoor heaven to discover. This area boasts untouched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique biodiversity. Its picturesque landscape, turquoise sea, and verdant forests make it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Dubrovnik-Neretva County is dedicated to preserving the natural environment while developing sustainable tourism. The county promotes tourism activities that are respectful of the environment and contribute to the conservation of natural resources.

One of the key factors that make the region an ideal destination for ecological tourism is the absence of heavy industry. This has allowed the area to maintain its pristine nature, providing an ideal habitat for wildlife and plant species to thrive. Visitors can explore a range of natural habitats, including wetlands, forests, mountains, and the coastline, and enjoy an authentic and educational experience.

Five Best Nature Parks in Dubrovnik

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is a small island near Dubrovnik in Croatia. It is a nature reserve and a forest reserve since 1964. The island has a rich flora and fauna, including a botanical garden with over 500 species of plants and many peacocks.The island has a history dating back to 1023, when Benedictine monks built a monastery on it. The monks left a curse on the island when they were expelled by Napoleon in 1798. The island was later owned by different nobles and rulers, but none of them stayed long.The island is also famous for being a filming location for Game of Thrones, a popular TV series based on fantasy novels. Fans can visit some of the places where scenes were shot, such as Fort Royal Castle and Maximilian’s Mansion. Lokrum Island is open to visitors from April to November every year. It can be reached by ferry boats from Dubrovnik’s old port. The island offers various activities for tourists, such as hiking trails, guided tours, exhibitions, concerts and workshops. Lokrum Island is a beautiful place that combines nature with culture and history. It is a must-see destination for anyone who visits Dubrovnik Neretva County.

Mljet Island is a large island in the Adriatic Sea, about 30 kilometers from Dubrovnik in Croatia. It is famous for its natural beauty and its national park, which covers about a third of the island.The island has a history that dates back to ancient times. It was mentioned by some ancient writers as an island with a rich and fertile land. It was also visited by Saint Paul, who was shipwrecked on his way to Rome. The island was later ruled by various empires and kingdoms, such as Byzantium, Venice, Ragusa and Austria-Hungary.The island is known for its unique features, such as its two saltwater lakes that are connected to the sea by a narrow channel. The larger lake has a small island in the middle, where there is a 12th-century Benedictine monastery and a church. The island also has a cave that is believed to be an ancient sanctuary.Mljet Island is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy nature and culture. The island offers various activities, such as hiking trails, cycling routes, kayaking tours, boat trips and diving excursions. The island also has several villages, restaurants and hotels that cater to visitors.Mljet Island is a beautiful place that combines history with nature and adventure. It is a must-see destination for anyone who visits Dubrovnik Neretva County.

Mljet Island National Park

Trsteno Arboretum is a botanical garden located in the village of Trsteno, about 18 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik, in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County of Croatia. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful arboretums in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. It is protected as a monument of garden architecture by the Croatian Ministry of Culture.Trsteno Arboretum was created by the noble family Gozze (Gučetić), who owned the land and built a summer residence there. The arboretum was enriched with exotic plants from their travels and diplomatic missions. The arboretum also features a Renaissance fountain with a statue of Neptune, a Baroque pavilion overlooking the sea, and two giant plane trees that are over 500 years old. Today, Trsteno Arboretum is a popular tourist attraction for its natural beauty, historical significance and cultural heritage. The arboretum has survived wars, fires and earthquakes, but has been restored and preserved by various institutions and organizations. The arboretum has over 300 species of trees and plants from all over the world, as well as many birds and insects.

Trsteno Arboretum

Lopud Island is a small island in the Elaphiti archipelago, about 17 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik in Croatia. It is a protected natural area since 1986. The island has a mild climate and a rich vegetation, including palm trees, cypress trees and citrus fruits.The island has a history that goes back to the 7th century, when it was settled by Slavic tribes. It was later part of the Republic of Ragusa, a maritime state that flourished from the 14th to the 18th century. The island was an important trading and naval base for Ragusa, and it had many churches, monasteries and fortifications.The island is known for its sandy beaches, especially Šunj beach on the south side of the island. The beach is one of the few sandy beaches in Croatia, and it attracts many visitors who enjoy swimming and sunbathing. The island also has a car-free policy, which makes it ideal for walking and cycling.Lopud Island is a popular destination for tourists who want to relax and enjoy nature. The island offers various activities, such as boat tours, kayaking trips, hiking trails and cultural events. The island also has several hotels, restaurants and cafes that cater to visitors.Lopud Island is a beautiful place that combines history with nature and leisure. It is a must-see destination for anyone who visits Dubrovnik Neretva County.

Lopud Island

The Elafiti Islands are a small archipelago of several islands northwest of Dubrovnik, in the Adriatic Sea. They belong to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County of Croatia. The islands have a total land area of about 30 square kilometers and a population of 850 inhabitants. The islands are protected as a natural and cultural heritage site by the Croatian Ministry of Culture.The Elafiti Islands have a rich history and strategic importance. They were inhabited since ancient times by Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs and Venetians. They were part of the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) until its fall in 1808. The islands were fortified with castles and towers to defend against pirates and invaders. The islands also have many churches, monasteries and summer residences of noble families from Dubrovnik. Today, the Elafiti Islands are a popular tourist destination for their natural beauty, tranquility and authenticity. The islands offer sandy beaches, pine forests, olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards. The islands are home to diverse wildlife such as dolphins, sea turtles, lizards and birds. The islands are also known for their traditional cuisine, folklore and festivals.