Dubrovnik and Dalmacija travel guide

Around Southern Dalmatia
Marco Polo
The island of Korula is alleged
by some to be the birthplace of
legendary explorer Marco Polo
– a claim hotly disputed by both
Venice and Genoa. There is
evidence to suggest that he at
least visited Korula Town, so the
idea may not be total fantasy –
something the locals have seized
upon, with “Marco Polo’s House”
now open as a museum.
Mali Ston
A short walk north of Ston is
its smaller sibling, Mali Ston.
Gastronomes from all over Croatia
and Italy flock to “Little Ston” to
savour the finest fresh fish, with
shellfish plucked straight from
the Stonski Channel a highlight
on any menu. The scenery is as
spectacular as the seafood, and
it is perhaps unsurprising that
this idyllic waterside spot with
its aphrodisiac oysters has
become a popular haunt with
amorous Croatian weekendbreakers.
Some of the restaurants
have rooms – which at least
helps prevent arguments about
who is going to drive. Map K2
Trsteno Arboretum
At the beginning of the 16th
century, the Gueti family sowed
the seeds of what has since
become one of Europe’s most
impressive arboretums. Making
the most of its dramatic seaside
setting, this expansive collection
Mijet National Park
of trees and plants from around
the world tumbles towards the
Adriatic, with fine views of
Trsteno harbour and the Elafiti
Islands beyond. Highlights of this
tranquil oasis 20 km (12 miles)
northwest of Dubrovnik include
a 500-year-old plane tree, a water
garden whose ornate fountain
depicts Neptune surrounded
by nymphs, and an aqueduct.
Potok 20, Trsteno • Map K2 • 020 751
019 • Open summer: 8am–7pm daily;
winter: 8am–5pm daily • Adm charge
Fountain of Neptune, Trsteno Arboretum
Mljet National Park
The western corner of Mljet
was designated a National Park
in 1960, in a bid to conserve the
island’s holm oak and Aleppo
pine forests. Among the main
attractions are the interconnected
saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero
(“Great Lake”) and Malo Jezero
(“Small Lake”). The former is
home to the striking and
frequently remodelled 12thcentury
Monastery of St Mary,
which dominates the eponymous
Sveta Marija Island.
Another highlight is the
small village of Polae,
with its Roman ruins
and dramatic setting
astride Mljet’s biggest
and most attractive
harbour. Pristanište 2,
20226 Goveari • Map J2
• 020 744 041 • www.
np-mljet.hr • Adm charge
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