CroTours

Dubrovnik-Neretva county (Dubrovačko-neretvanska županija) is the southernmost Croatian and Dalmatian county. Its center is Dubrovnik; the other larger towns are Metković and Ploče in the Neretva river delta (hence the mention in the county name). It includes the larger islands of Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet, Šipan, Lopud and Koločep.

The Croatian and Bosnian governments are planning to build an expressway that would connect Dubrovnik through the Neum municipality and wouldn't require any border control. The regional government of this county is also planning to build a sea bridge that would directly connect the southern tip of the northern part of the county with to the Pelješac peninsula (the Pelješac bridge), thereby linking the southern part of the county as well. The northern part of the Mljet island is a national park, while the Baćina lakes north of Ploče are a nature park. The southernmost tip of the county includes the disputed Prevlaka peninsula.

Dubrovnik (Latin Ragusa) is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts, a seaport and the center of the Dubrovnik-Neretva county. Its population was 43,770 in 2001, 49,728 in 1991, and the majority of its citizens are Croats with 88.39% (2001 census). Dubrovnik is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic".

Climate of this region is typically Mediterranean, with mild and damp winters, and hot humid summers (2,600sunny hours). The average air temperature is 17C. There are many sunny days during winter months.

Dubrovnik is a perfect place for vacation and therefore everything that goes with it. Since 1979, the old town of Dubrovnik is featured on the World Heritage list. Being a cultural centre, as well as the craddle of Croatian sciences and arts, Dubrovnik represents a unique example of well preserved urban complex, with a regular distribution of streets and squares dating back to the periods of Renaissance and Baroque. Dubrovnik is characterized by functional simplicity from the mighty defensive walls, being a visible bulwark of its "sweet and precious freedom" in the words of Dubrovnik's own Baroque poet Ivan Gundulic, that became somewhat of the city's popular antheml, to the seemingly modest Rector's Palace, reflecting moderation and wisdom, the real Dubrovnik Republic defenders.