EXCURSIONS

Dubrovnik Excursions

Mljet Island

Covered by forests, vineyards and small villages, the island is most famous for its national park, occupying the western half of the island. The main attractions in the national park are the two salt water lakes, Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake), and the 12th-century Benedictine monastery situated on an island on Veliko Jezero. The lakes are popular for swimming and the beauty of this unspoilt oasis attracts nature lovers and the promise of tranquillity. The island is Croatia's greenest and is said to have captivated the Greek legend Odysseus for seven years.

Website: www.mljet.hr; Telephone: (0)20 744 041; Transport: Car ferry from Dubrovnik to Sobe, or there a catamaran service to Polace. Schedules vary according to season; Admission: Admission to the national park is 90 kn

Dubrovnik Excursions

Dubrovnik Riviera

In close proximity to the city of Dubrovnik are numerous picturesque villages and resorts to visit and explore. About 11 miles (18km) away on the road to Split is the quiet bay of Zaton, with its sandy beaches and pine forest. The town has numerous restaurants, a relic of the days when it was the chosen retreat for the aristocrats of the Dubrovnik Republic. The village of Tristeno features the 'Arboretum', a Gothic-Renaissance park on the coast. In the centre of this village visitors are awed by two gigantic sycamore trees, reputedly 500 years old, standing 197ft (60m) high. Even closer to the city the towns of Kupari, Srebreno, Mlini, Soline and Plat lie along a chain of hills descending to the rim of Zupa Bay, known as one of the most beautiful resorts on the Dubrovnik Riviera, with modern hotels offering a variety of watersports.

Dubrovnik Excursions

Elafiti Islands

A popular day trip from Dubrovnik is to the offshore islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan, which are part of a larger archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik; they are the only inhabited islands in the group and the most popular for visitors. The islands are an escape from the mainland crowds and boast olive groves and orchards, sand and pebble beaches, 15th-century summer residences and several interesting churches and monasteries. Kolocep is the smallest and closest island to Dubrovnik, covered in green vegetation; Lopud is the most visited and is famed for its stretch of sandy beach at Sunj; while Sipan was the summer getaway for aristocratic families in Dubrovnik and is more interesting from an historical point of view.

Transport: Depending on the season there are ferries to the islands, but organised day trips are a popular way to visit all three

Dubrovnik Excursions

Korcula Island

One of the bigger Adriatic islands, Korcula Island boasts beautiful views, secluded beaches, vineyards and olive groves, and pretty towns and harbours. Korcula Town is the island's main town situated on the north west coast and the old town, sticking out into the sea, is typically Dalmatian, likened to a small Dubrovnik, with its red roofed houses, fortifications and enclosing walls. Marco Polo is said to have been born here and his house is now a museum. The town is also famous for its 15th-century Moreska sword dance which is performed during summer. Other main towns on the island include the tourist centre of Lumbarda surrounded by vineyards and coves, and the port town of Vela Luka on the east coast.

Website: www.korculainfo.com; Transport: Buses and ferries depart regularly from Dubrovnik and car ferries also run between Split and Korcula