National park near Dubrovnik

If you’re staying in Dubrovnik and thinking about adding some nature to your plans, you’re probably wondering if there is a national park near Dubrovnik that makes sense to visit while there. The short answer is yes, and we’ll tell you why it’s a good idea not to skip it.

In general, Croatia has eight breathtaking national parks, however most of them are far from Dubrovnik. They might look close on the map, but once you factor in driving time, ferry connections and summer traffic, you’ll probably quickly become discouraged and decide to stay in the Dubrovnik area for the whole duration of your trip.

Below you’ll find clear options that actually fit into your stay at Dubrovnik. This includes the one national park that’s realistically close, along with nearby nature parks that many visitors end up enjoying just as much. You’ll also find practical details on how to get there, how much time you’ll need and what sights you can expect once you arrive.

Mljet National Park – a national park near Dubrovnik

The only national park near Dubrovnik is Mljet National Park. It’s close enough to reach by ferry, calm enough to enjoy without rushing and interesting enough to fill a full day without getting bored.

Mljet National Park covers the western part of Mljet Island. There are hardly any cars, and its paths are wide and shaded. Once you arrive, you can spend your time walking, cycling, swimming or sitting by the lakes. It’s a pretty relaxing experience; you do not need to move from one “must-see” spot to another to have a good time.

The main area of the park revolves around Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake), two saltwater lakes connected by narrow channels. You can walk around them, rent a bike or stop whenever you feel like jumping into water. In the middle of Veliko Jezero you’ll find St Mary’s Island, with a former Benedictine monastery that you can visit by small boat, which is included in the park ticket.

You are allowed to swim throughout the lakes and many visitors prefer them to the open sea because the water is warmer and calmer. You can also rent a kayak and row for a bit around the St Mary’s Island. When you’ve done your share of physical activity you can always sit down at one of the nearby cafés spread along the paths.

How to reach Mljet from Dubrovnik?

To reach Mljet National Park, you’ll need to take a ferry or catamaran from Gruž port in Dubrovnik. Boats arrive in Pomena or Polače, and both villages are located right next to the park entrances.

Fast catamarans take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Car ferries are slower but useful if you’re staying overnight on the island. During summer, morning departures sell out quickly, especially those that allow enough time inside the park, so you should book ahead to make sure you make it.

Check the ferry and fast catamaran schedules at the Coastal Liner Traffic Agency’s website.

From Pomena, you can walk straight into the park. From Polače, it’s a short walk or bike ride to the main lake area. There are also organized day tours from Dubrovnik, which combine boat tickets and park entry. These are popular with visitors who don’t want to deal with ferry schedules on their own.

What to keep in mind before you start your trip to Mljet?

Bring water, swimwear, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. The paths are well maintained, but you’ll still be on your feet most of the day. It’s good to also have a pair of swimming shoes with you if you plan to enter the water from rocky edges.

There are restaurants and cafés inside the park, mostly near Pomena and Polače. As can be expected, the prices are higher than on the mainland. It’s probably the best to bring snacks with you and then buy a proper meal later in the day.

If you’re visiting in July or August, aim for an early ferry. Midday tends to become quite heated and you’ll appreciate the shade more and more as the day goes on. Pick spring or early autumn for your visit if you prefer longer walks and fewer people.

National parks that are worth the day from Dubrovnik

Some national parks in Croatia are well known around the world and it’s natural to look them up while staying in Dubrovnik. Plitvice Lakes National Park is usually the first one that comes up. While it isn’t that close in terms of distance, it is well worth visiting from Dubrovnik.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest national park in Croatia. The visit itself involves walking along well-maintained wooden paths, gentle inclines and lakeside trails.

Even with a limited time window, you can see the main lakes, waterfalls and viewpoints. This is a full-day experience, with an early departure and a late return. What makes Plitvice different from other distant parks is the scale and variety you get once you arrive. The system of turquoise lakes, wooden walkways, waterfalls, and forested slopes offers a very different setting from anything along the southern coast.

Inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, you’ll have time to explore the wooden walkways that wind across turquoise lakes and past waterfalls. Highlights include Veliki Slap, the park’s tallest waterfall, as well as elevated viewpoints overlooking the chain of lakes. The route is paced to allow steady walking, photo stops and time to take in the surroundings without rushing.

Because of the distance, visiting Plitvice works best when transport, timing and pacing are organized in advance. Consider joining a guided day trip from Dubrovnik and experience the park without worrying about driving, parking or entrance logistics.

Other national parks from Dubrovnik

Krka National Park, located near Šibenik, also requires several hours of travel each way. While smaller than Plitvice, the overall time commitment from Dubrovnik is similar, and many visitors feel the return on time spent is lower if they are based far south.

Kornati National Park is entirely marine and visited by boat, usually from Zadar or central Dalmatia. From Dubrovnik, it involves additional transfers or overnight stays, which makes it less practical during a Dubrovnik-based holiday.

Nature parks near Dubrovnik

Croatia’s nature parks don’t carry the national park label, but they’re also more than worth exploring.

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is a protected nature reserve located just 10 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik’s Old Port. Ferries run frequently during the season, so it’s an easy way to spend time in greenery without planning a full-day trip.

The island has walking paths, botanical gardens, rocky swimming spots and a small saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea. There are no hotels, no private homes and visitors leave before sunset. Lokrum works well if you have half a day free, especially during hot weather when shade and swimming matter more than distance.

Lastovo Nature Park

Lastovo Nature Park is much quieter and more remote. It includes both land and sea, with small villages, hiking paths and very limited light pollution at night.

It takes some time to reach Lastovo from Dubrovnik, so it works best for visitors with flexible schedules or those planning to stay overnight. If you’re looking for silence and minimal tourism infrastructure, this is one of the most interesting options in southern Croatia.

Neretva Delta

About 1.5 hours north of Dubrovnik by car, the Neretva Delta offers a completely different landscape. This area is known for wetlands, birdlife and narrow waterways explored by small boats.

You can take a short boat ride through the canals, walk through rural villages and join some of the local food tastings. It’s a good option if you’re renting a car and want to see something very different from the coast.

Should you choose a national park near Dubrovnik?

Think first about how much time you want to spend away from Dubrovnik. For a full day in nature with walking paths, lakes and swimming spots, consider visiting Mljet National Park. If you want something simple that doesn’t require planning ahead, Lokrum Island works well, even on shorter stays.

And if you’re staying longer in Dubrovnik and want to experience something special, do not miss on Plitvice Lakes. No matter where you go, keep things simple. Bring water, sun protection, swimwear and shoes you’re comfortable walking in.

Photography: Unsplash

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