9 Tips for Exploring Croatia's South Dalmatian Coast

Is Croatia on your travel wish list? Shimmering turquoise seas, fairytale-like architecture, and 260 days of sunshine are a few reasons US travelers named Croatia as a top 20 destination for 2021.

Popular implies busy tourist sites, but you can escape the crowds when you visit Croatia. By focusing just on the South Dalmatian coast and taking your time to explore, you can experience all the riches of Croatia like a local.

Here are 9 tips, destinations, and experiences to help you make the most of your visit to Dubrovnik and South Dalmatia.

Consider visiting in the autumn. Like other European countries, Croatia's peak tourism months are June, July, and August. Once fall arrives, the crowds dwindle, and, as a bonus, flight fares from the US decrease by about one-third. You'll have mild temperatures, ranging in the 70s through September and October, and enjoy 11 hours of sunlight every day. If enjoying Croatia's gorgeous beaches are a top priority, though, you may want to stick to a summertime visit.

Choose a villa or agriturismo rather than a hotel in the busy city center. The standard of accommodation in the area is high, with clean, air-conditioned rooms and friendly hosts as the norm.

For Luxury: Villa Dubrovnik

• 56 private, luxury units with spacious balconies

• stunning views of the Adriatic and city

• indoor/outdoor pool and seaside terrace or beach club

• onsite luxury spa, restaurant, and bar

For agriturismo: Kameni Dvori

- traditional villa modernized while retaining authentic architecture

- sweeping views of the Konavle Valley & Adriatic Sea

- onsite eco-farming experiences ~ vineyard & wine production, olive tree harvest & olive oil production, organic garden

Island hop the Elaphites. Spend a day sailing to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, three gems of the Adriatic. With a combined population of less than 1000, the pace on the islands is relaxed. Visit Koločep's ancient churches, including one that dates to the ninth century. Enjoy a leisurely hike along Lopud's walking trails to the sandy beach at Sunj Bay, or rent a kayak and explore the island's perimeter. On Šipan, head to BOWA Beach Club to lounge in a spacious cabana and sample their 5-course tasting menu.

Visit The Green Pearl of the Adriatic - Mljet, named one of the last paradises in the Mediterranean by the World Wide Fund for Nature. Mljet National Park is a heavily-wooded preserve with interconnecting, turquoise saltwater lakes, both suitable for swimming. A 12th-century Benedictine monastery sits on an islet in the larger lake. Visitors can explore the grounds of the monastery and dine at the waterfront Restaurant Melita.

Taste your way through the Pelješac Wine Trail. The Pelješac Peninsula, which extends 40 miles into the Adriatic, is famed for its fine wines. Dingač and Postup are two of the best-known premium reds from this region. The wine trail includes 22 wineries, 18 tasting rooms, a wine bar, and eight agrotourism sites.

Discover a remote beach. Located on the northern shores of Pelješac Peninsula, Divna Beach has no restaurants or stores, so pack a picnic and don't forget your sunscreen. Divna, or "beautiful," has stunning, royal blue waters, a white, pebbly beach, and spectacular scenery in every direction.

Soak in Croatian culture without the crowds in Korčula. The island is a treasury of ancient traditions, like Moreška sword dance performances. Korčula Town, sometimes called "Little Dubrovnik" because of its city walls, medieval squares, churches, and palaces, is off the beaten path for most tourists. Rent a bike or scooter in town and set off through the vineyards and olive groves to search for hidden beaches, small villages, and small wineries. Among Croatia's islands, Korčula is known for its wines, including some varietals you can't find anywhere else, like Grk and Pošip.

Sample oysters in Ston. The oyster beds in Mali Ston Bay produce some of the most delicious oysters in the world. Kapetanova Kuca, located next to the harbor, has been serving the delicacy since 1986. For a lighter bite, head to Babek, an oyster bar in town.

The famed oyster beds are just one reason to add the town of Ston to your itinerary. It's best known for its town walls, which are the longest defensive structure in Europe. They were built, in part, to protect the town's saltworks, which date to the 13th century. You can join a tour to learn how salt is harvested from the sea or simply view the saltworks from a nearby bridge.

Get smart about Dubrovnik. The "pearl of the Adriatic" is a bucket list destination for many people. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, this stunning city is a must-see. A well-planned itinerary with privately guided tours will help you avoid lines and crowded attractions. Or, if you prefer to explore on your own, make plans to meet with a local guide when you arrive in the city. A reputable guide can help you get a lay of the land and map out a strategy to make the most of your stay, like what is the best time to walk the city walls. He or she can also give you restaurant recommendations and transportation tips.

You're good to go! With its stunning scenery, beautiful architecture, and rich history, there is much to enjoy in Southern Dalmatia.

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