The great Croatian Outdoors

You only have to look out of the window of your room at the Sun Gardens Dubrovnik to realise that you are currently in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The crystal, clear Adriatic Sea lapping around your toes, the Elafiti islands glittering on the horizon and the lush Mediterranean countryside surrounding you, this is heaven on earth. Now is the time to explore and discover your own slice of splendour. 

Dubrovnik offers a plethora of walking trails. The key is contrast, from shoreline strolls to mountain hikes; the Dubrovnik County has numerous walking trails. With a little planning you can find a great walk that will take you to hidden spots that can’t be reached by car.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Roundtrip of Cavat – this is a gentle stroll around the Cavat peninsula. It is ideal for all walkers as it is flat, in the shade and relatively short. Park your car in the main public car park in Cavtat and instead of heading towards the town walk the opposite direction and you’ll find a path that runs next to the Adriatic all the way back to the car park, a nice roundtrip. There are a few café bars on the way, as well as beaches and some great photo opportunities.
• Ronald Brown Walking trail – this one is a little tougher, but the prize at the end makes it more than worth it. The walk starts in the Konavle village of Velji Do, you remember seeing that zigzag road from your plane at Dubrovnik Airport well that’s the road you need to get to Velji Do. You really can’t miss the starting point as it is at the end of the road; you’ll see a restaurant, park there and start. The walk, which is uphill, winds up to the top of the Strazisce hill which is 791 metres above sea level. Once you reach the summit you’ll see the prize, 360 degrees of incredible views, it feels like you are looking down on the world. There is a monument to members of an American delegation, which included Trade Secretary Ronald Brown, whose plane crashed into the mountain in March 1996. Take plenty of water and some sandwiches; it is a picnic with a view!
• Island hopping – this last one may seem a little more exotic, wandering across a Mediterranean island. Crane your head slightly to the right and you’ll see the island of Šipan. The largest of the Elafiti islands, Šipan is a largely undiscovered island, rich in history and overflowing with flora and fauna. One of the best ways to explore is to catch a ferry to one end of the island, walk through the heart, and return with a ferry from the other end. The interior is a window into times gone by, grand summer villas of the former Dubrovnik Republic, overgrown vineyards and quant churches.