The Jewel of the Adriatic: Dubrovnik’s Old Town
There’s no better way to experience the diverse beauty of Croatia’s coast than by car. This road trip itinerary takes you from the iconic streets of Dubrovnik to hidden peninsulas and idyllic islands, blending world-famous sights with authentic local encounters
Our journeys to Dubrovnik have always been part of a wider Croatian road trip adventure. We’ve returned multiple times, once even looping back after exploring the stunning coasts of neighbouring Montenegro. This blog post weaves together memories from those various trips, all centred on the captivating region of Dubrovnik.
A true crown jewel of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik’s magnificent Old Town has rightly been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It stands as one of the most visited destinations on the coast, a remarkable feat for a city with a population of less than 50,000. Dubrovnik’s golden age was in the 15th and 16th centuries when it thrived as the powerful and sophisticated maritime Republic of Ragusa.
While the scars of the 1991 conflict are a sombre part of its history, the city had already been beautifully restored by the time of our first visit just before the millennium. Today, that restoration is complete, and visitors are utterly captivated by its majestic beauty. Walking the famous city walls and exploring the gleaming marble streets, you feel the vibrant pulse of a city that has not just been rebuilt, but has triumphantly reclaimed its historic splendour.
The Enchanted Escape: Lokrum Island
For a perfect day trip from Dubrovnik, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the enchanting island of Lokrum. Situated just 600 metres from the city, it feels a world away. This small island (about 0.8 square kilometres) is a designated National Reserve and Special Forest Vegetation Reserve, a protected paradise waiting to be explored.
Visitor Tip: There is an entrance fee for the Lokrum Island Nature Reserve. The most hassle-free option we found was to book a return boat trip that includes the entrance fee in the price. In late 2025, this combined ticket cost €30 for adults and €5 for children. You may also be able to find an option to pay for each separately, but the combined ticket simplifies everything.
You can reach Lokrum via a frequent boat service from a pier near the Old City walls. As you approach, you’ll see it’s a lush sanctuary, home to fragrant Mediterranean flora including ancient pines, twisting olive trees, shady oaks, and vibrant cacti.
One of its unique attractions is the ‘Dead Sea’ – a captivating small lake on the southern end that is connected to, yet peacefully separated from, the open sea by a ring of rocks. Don’t forget to pack your towel for a swim from one of the island’s stunning rocky beaches! The return boat journey offers a breathtaking, picture-postcard view of Dubrovnik’s skyline that is simply unmissable.
The Rustic Charm of the Pelješac Peninsula
Seeking an authentic Dalmatian experience, we once based ourselves at a small campsite on the Pelješac Peninsula. This ended up being a fantastic choice, giving us the freedom to explore the surrounding area at our own pace. The campsite was well-equipped, and we were even charmed by the resident family of turtles that the children loved to watch! Our stay coincided with a weekend where a small stage was erected on the beach, and we enjoyed live music under the stars until midnight.
As Croatia’s second-largest peninsula, Pelješac (approximately 350 square kilometres) is a haven of unspoilt beauty. It’s attractively quiet, not yet overrun by mass tourism. The region is famous for its vineyards, producing strong, aromatic, and high-quality wines. Visiting a local producer to sample and buy directly from their cellar is an absolute must for any visitor.
Near the peninsula’s entrance, you’ll find the historic towns of Ston and Mali Ston, connected by a narrow strip of land. Famed for its massive defensive walls, Ston was a significant salt production centre since Roman times. While the famous defensive walls draw many visitors, we were lured by a different local delicacy – oysters.
While the architecture is impressive, the most thrilling attraction here is the world-renowned oyster farms in the Mali Ston Bay. The locals are masters of aquaculture, and the area is dotted with restaurants serving incredibly fresh oysters and other seafood. Trust me, they are worth tasting – the unique flavour of the Mali Ston oyster is legendary for a reason.
The Island of Korčula: A Mini-Dubrovnik
Just a short, 20-minute boat ride from the Pelješac peninsula lies Korčula, one of Croatia’s largest islands. The journey itself is spectacular, offering one of the most beautiful seascapes in the Adriatic. The island’s main town, also called Korčula, is a delight to explore. Often described as a mini-Dubrovnik, it was built in the 15th century and is a maze of remarkable Venetian-style buildings, cosy narrow streets designed to shield from the wind and sun, and charming cafes perfect for a relaxing stop.
It’s crucial for road trippers to know that many ferries are for foot passengers only. The main car ferry departs from Orebić, but if you prefer a quicker, more flexible visit, you can do as we did: we found easy parking near the terminal in Orebić and took a passenger-only ferry for the scenic 20-minute crossing.
A Note on Croatian Roads: High-Speed and Hidden Gems
Navigating between these spots is a journey in itself. Croatia’s modern toll motorways make covering longer distances a breeze. In recent decades, the country has built an extensive network of new, high-speed toll motorways to connect the north and south, making long-distance travel efficient. These roads are modern, with a minimum of three lanes in each direction, a speed limit of 130 km/h, and a ticketing system. Paying the toll is well worth it for the time saved compared to the winding coastal routes.
However, the real magic often lies on the smaller roads. The significant advantage of these conventional highways is the abundance of small, family-run restaurants. It’s a thrilling sight in the morning to pass by and see whole goats slowly roasting on long skewers over barbecue pits, ready to be served as a delicious, succulent lunch to hungry travellers a few hours later. These are the authentic culinary experiences that make a road trip so memorable.
Keep an eye out in the morning for a thrilling sight: whole goats slowly roasting on long skewers over barbecue pits, ready to be served as a delicious, succulent lunch to hungry travellers a few hours later. These are the authentic culinary experiences that make a road trip so memorable.
From the majestic fortifications of Dubrovnik to the rustic flavours of Pelješac and the tranquil beauty of Korčula, a road trip through this part of Dalmatia offers the ultimate freedom to discover Croatia’s countless layers at your own pace. It’s an adventure that stays with you long after you’ve returned the car keys. On my blog you can read many more episodes about our travels around Croatia.
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