Dubrovnik’s Old Town is magnificent, but beyond its medieval walls lies a different world entirely. The surrounding region of southern Dalmatia is a patchwork of quaint villages, fertile valleys, and scenic coastline. With affordable car hire at Dubrovnik Airport, you can reach numerous rustic villages offering a change of scenery. Think stone houses wrapped in bougainvillea, family-run taverns serving local wine, and panoramic coastal views. Keep reading to discover an authentic Croatian village experience.
Within a short drive of Dubrovnik, you’ll find several postcard-perfect villages. Below are some of the best villages to include on your itinerary. These spots range from coastal hamlets to inland gems.
Trsteno is a seaside village best known for its historic arboretum, recognised as the oldest botanical garden on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Located 12 kilometres west of Dubrovnik, it is one of the most rewarding places to visit near Dubrovnik if you want a calm, nature-filled break from the city. Set above the sea, the village feels peaceful and timeless.
The highlight is the Trsteno Arboretum, a Renaissance estate filled with exotic plants, ancient oak and plane trees, and an elegant Baroque Neptune fountain dating from the 18th century. Walking through the shaded paths, you are treated to views of the Adriatic below, with the Elafiti Islands on the horizon between cypress and olive trees. Outside the arboretum, you will find old stone houses, a small harbour, and very little commercial development. A narrow coastal road leads to a secluded bay where you can swim in clear water if the weather is warm.
If you are craving a quiet seaside dinner spot, Zaton is an excellent choice. It is located approximately 8 kilometres northwest of Dubrovnik, a short 20-minute drive. Zaton is divided into Zaton Veliki and Zaton Mali, two small villages that line a long, sheltered inlet. The bay is dotted with waterfront konobas, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching small fishing boats float on the water. Menus typically feature grilled fish, octopus salad, local wine, and other Dalmatian classics. This is an ideal setting for a sunset dinner.
During the day, Zaton invites you to slow down even further. You can take a walk along the waterfront, swim in the clear, shallow sea, or simply sit and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Low hills and pine trees surround the bay. For visitors, it offers an authentic Croatian village experience, complete with a relaxed coastal lifestle, traditional cuisine, and unspoiled Adriatic views.
Mlini is a scenic coastal village located about a 20-minute drive south of Dubrovnik, known for its natural springs and historic watermills. The name “Mlini” literally means mills in Croatian, a reference to the fresh spring water that once powered numerous flour mills in the area.
Zavreljeis a small river that flows through Mlini, creating waterfalls and streams before meeting the sea. There’s a preserved old mill and surrounding gardens, shaded paths, and lush vegetation, which make the area feel cooler and more tranquil than nearby resorts. Mlini also boasts some of the most attractive pebble beaches along the Dubrovnik Riviera, featuring clear water and fewer crowds compared to city beaches.
The village has narrow stone lanes, traditional houses, and small fishing boats resting in the cove. Go to the seaside promenade, shaded by pine and cypress trees, if you want to take a walk. Plus, there are family-run konobas by the water that serve fresh Adriatic fish, grilled calamari, and local dishes.
Cavtat is a coastal town located approximately 20 kilometres south of Dubrovnik, which can be reached in around 30 minutes by car. Most activity is focused around the harbour, where fishing boats and a few yachts are moored. The water is clear, and the town is generally quiet.
The Old Town of Cavtat, situated on a wooded peninsula, is a pleasure to explore on foot. Narrow stone streets lead past historic churches, small museums, and shaded squares, all without the heavy crowds. Along the waterfront, cosy cafés and wine bars make it easy to stop for a coffee or gelato.
In Cavtat, you can wander uphill or into quieter back streets, where you will notice citrus trees, gardens, and old stone villas covered in vines. For more active visitors, the Ronald Brown Pathway offers a rewarding hike from Cavtat up to the Stražišće peak. The trail provides sweeping views over the harbour, the Konavle countryside, and the open sea.
Orašac is a wonderful choice for photographers and travellers seeking a rural escape near Dubrovnik. This small coastal village is situated approximately 15 kilometres west of the city, which is a 20-minute drive. It occupies a hillside position with wide views over the Adriatic Sea.
The village is best known for its olive-growing heritage, which has shaped local life for centuries. Rolling hills around Orašac are covered in mature olive trees that families have cultivated for generations. Visitors can stop at small, family-run olive farms to learn about traditional production methods, including visits to historic olive mills that are still in use.
Sample freshly pressed olive oil with homemade bread and local cheese beneath shaded olive trees to experience everyday rural Dalmatian life. Orašac also rewards visitors with excellent viewpoints due to its elevated location. As you drive the quiet hillside road, you will find places to pull over and admire views of the Elafiti Islands scattered across the blue sea.
Heading inland and further south, the Konavle region is often referred to as the "Garden of Dubrovnik" due to its fertile fields, vineyards, and flowing rivers. This wide rural valley is situated approximately 35 to 45 minutes by car from Dubrovnik. It is located beyond Cavtat and heading towards the Montenegrin border. It is dotted with traditional villages such as Čilipi, Gruda, and settlements along the Ljuta River.
Čilipi, the village closest to the airport, is known for preserving local customs. On Sundays between Easter and October, villagers gather in the main square for a folklore performance featuring traditional dress, music, and dancing. Visitors are welcome, and the event often ends with guests joining the dancers. Gruda, the largest village in Konavle, functions as a small local centre surrounded by farms and vineyards. Nearby country roads lead to family-run wineries where you can taste local wines such as Maraština and Plavac Mali, along with homemade brandies that the region is famous for.
One of Konavle’s most scenic areas is the Ljuta Valley, where a clear river flows through lush greenery and past restored watermills. Some of these mill sites now operate as riverside restaurants serving trout, peka, and other traditional dishes in shaded outdoor settings. Driving through Konavle reveals olive groves, orchards, and stone farmhouses at every turn.
Part of the joy of exploring Dubrovnik’s surroundings lies in the drive itself. The region offers some truly memorable scenery, making road trips near Dubrovnik just as rewarding as the destinations. From dramatic coastal cliffs to quiet inland valleys, these routes let you experience the area at a relaxed pace while enjoying ever-changing views. Below are three particularly scenic drives worth adding to your itinerary.
This drive follows the Adriatic Highway (D8) south from Dubrovnik and traces the coastline high above the sea. The road offers continuous views of turquoise water, offshore islands, and rocky coves below. As you pass through Župa Dubrovačka and Mlini, you will see small beaches tucked into the shoreline and boats moving slowly across the bay. There are several pull-off points where you can stop safely for photos. The journey to Cavtat takes around 30 minutes.
For a quieter and more rural experience, take the older hillside roads above Orašac instead of staying on the main coastal route. Driving northwest from Dubrovnik towards villages such as Gromača or Majkovi brings wide views across the Adriatic and the Elafiti Islands. The road is narrow and winding, lined with stone walls, fig trees, and open countryside, but traffic is usually very light. Along the way, you may notice traditional stone features and small chapels. After enjoying the viewpoints, you can descend back towards Orašac or Trsteno and rejoin the coastal road.
Heading inland, the Konavle Valley offers an entirely different landscape shaped by vineyards, olive groves, and fertile fields. From Dubrovnik, drive towards Čilipi and continue through Gruda, following signs for local wineries. The scenery shifts gradually from coastal views to open countryside backed by low hills and the Sniježnica mountain. Many family-run wineries are located just off the main road and welcome visitors for tastings of regional wines and local produce. The drive is calm and picturesque, crossing the Ljuta River and passing stone farmhouses.
Exploring these countryside villages near Dubrovnik will add a whole new dimension to your Croatian holiday. Each village offers something unique, where you can experience Croatia beyond the city walls. So, when you’re planning your Dubrovnik itinerary, remember to save a day or two for a road trip.
Rent a car in Dubrovnik with Final Rentals to start exploring beyond the countryside. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Dubrovnik Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
