West of Dubrovnik, the sea gives rise to its silent guardians in their unusual formation, for which reason they were named the Elaphites, or Deer islands. Island group includes eight islands and five isles, of which only three are inhabited: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. The Island of Koločep is the one closest to Dubrovnik. You will be intoxicated by its deafening silence, the scent of the Mediterranean herbs and pines, and the blueness of the sea that washes its sandy beaches. The one standing in the middle is the Island of Lopud, which abounds with beautiful sandy beaches. A boat will take you to the settlement of the same name, from where you can walk to the unique sandy Bay of Šunj on the opposite side of the island. The island also abounds with forts, little churches, summer residences and monasteries housing valuable works of art. 

The island of Lokrum is a special reserve of forest vegetation, and at the same time is also under the protection of UNESCO. Lokrum’s beaches are very attractive and extend along the entire length of the island, so for all those who start exploring this evergreen island they will come across numerous coves where, in a moment, they can be in the turquoise blue sea and then enjoy swimming, diving, jumping into the sea and some other activities. On the southern end of the island is the Mrtvo More (Dead Sea) which via an underwater passage is connected to the open sea, and it is particularly suitable for children and non-swimmers.

Mljet island, the most southerly and easterly of the major islands of Croatia, hides under its wing the very first national park of the Adriatic. The green bosom of Mljet national park is adorned by two seawater lakes, a large coral reef and an abundance of marine and land animals. The Greater and Lesser lakes are separated by the Soline channel from the surrounding waters.

Korčula is the sixth-largest island in the Adriatic Sea. The Pelješac channel separates it from the Pelješac peninsula and the shortest distance between them both is 1,270 metres. The well-indented coast and a mild climate have been favourable to the development of tourism, which has a long tradition. Amongst other things, the island is interesting for its streets in fish-bone patterns. The largest settlement is Korčula town itself, which is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. A great attraction for tourists, Korčula is proud of its traditional knights’ sword-dance, the so-called moreška. The Cathedral of Saint Mark is the most beautiful Gothic-Renaissance monument in the old town of Korčula. It is also a treasure-trove with valuable works by local and foreign masters. Among some notable villages is Lumbarda which is well-known for its sandy beaches, and Vela Luka, an attractive tourist destination.

One of the most-visited cities on the Adriatic, with monumental city-walls 1,940 metres long and 25 metres high, located at the foot of Srđ Mountain, Dubrovnik was inscribed on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1979. Dubrovnik is famous for its Stradun, the principal and oldest street in the town. Stop at the Great Onofrio Fountain, visit the Rector’s Palace, and do not miss the walk along the tops of the city walls. In the Maritime Museum get to know the centuries-old maritime traditions of the Dubrovnik Republic and find out more information about some famous sailors, the mathematician Getaldić and the physicist Ruđer Bošković.

Makarska is a picturesque town of impressive beauty which lives off tourism and for tourism; a town of youth, culture, sports and entertainment. It was built around a natural port protected by the charming peninsula of Saint Peter and cape Osejava, and it is the biggest and only such port between the Cetina and Neretva estuaries. The town’s history is best discovered in the Franciscan Monastery as well as through the works of art kept in the sacral buildings of the Makarska Littoral and whose authors are famous Croatian painters originating from this region.