From Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik.

Tucked into a quiet bay on Šipan, the largest of the Elafiti Islands, Šipanska Luka feels worlds away from Dubrovnik’s bustle. The palm-lined promenade is flanked by elegant stone houses once owned by noble families, while medieval churches and Roman ruins hint at the island’s long history. Lush green hills frame the harbor, dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Spend the afternoon strolling shaded paths, hiking scenic trails, or snorkeling in calm, clear waters before a sunset dinner on the waterfront.

Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island and home to its famed national park. Here, two saltwater lakes—Veliko and Malo Jezero—are encircled by dense forest, their glassy waters sheltering the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary. Kayak across the lakes, cycle along shaded trails, or wander the ancient pine groves that cloak the island. Mljet’s mix of natural beauty and deep history makes it a place to slow down and sink into serenity.

Remote and enchanting, Lastovo is an island where nature and tradition thrive. Tiny stone villages scatter across rolling hills, while pine forests and vineyards stretch down to the sea. With fewer than a thousand inhabitants, the island feels wonderfully untouched. Swim in secluded coves, lounge on pebble beaches, or sample the island’s celebrated Marastina wine. Lastovo’s archipelago, with its 46 islets, is a sailor’s dream.

On Korčula’s western tip, Vela Luka greets visitors with a palm-fringed waterfront lined by 19th-century villas. The town boasts archaeological treasures, from prehistoric cave dwellings to Byzantine mosaics, alongside a lively arts scene. Explore olive groves and vineyards, hike to Mount Hum for sweeping views, or visit the Vela Spila cave, inhabited since the Stone Age. At day’s end, enjoy fresh seafood and local wine along the bustling harbor.

Korčula Town is one of Croatia’s crown jewels—a medieval enclave wrapped in stone walls and laced with narrow lanes. Known to the ancient Greeks as Black Korčula for its thick forests, the island brims with history, legend, and charm. Wander the fortified old town said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, admire Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and linger in lively squares. Summer evenings bring open-air concerts, festivals, and a spirited Dalmatian atmosphere.

At the western edge of Mljet, Pomena is a small fishing village with a big heart. Its harbor is a gateway to the national park’s famed lakes, while its few tavernas serve the freshest catch of the day. Pine woods meet turquoise coves, creating a tranquil anchorage for swimming, kayaking, or cycling the shaded trails that skirt the island. Pomena offers an idyllic balance of seclusion and natural beauty.

A crescent of golden sand and sapphire water, Saplunara is one of Croatia’s rare sandy havens. Set on Mljet’s southeastern coast, this quiet bay is a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. Drop anchor in its sheltered waters, explore secluded coves by paddleboard, or walk the pine-fringed trails that encircle the bay. With its calm beaches and unspoiled charm, Saplunara is the perfect place to unwind before returning to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a city of timeless grandeur. Encircled by golden stone walls, its marble streets lead to baroque churches, Renaissance palaces, and lively squares. Walk the city walls for sweeping sea views, wander through Diocletian-era fortresses, or sip coffee along the Stradun. Whether you come for history, culture, or the cinematic glow of its Game of Thrones fame, Dubrovnik is the perfect finale to your Adriatic voyage.