Dubrovnik makes a good base for exploring the southern Dalmatian islands. One of the most visited is Mljet (tel: 020 744 041; website: www.np-mljet.hr), a lush green jewel, much of which is protected as a national park. Hire a bike and circle the network of paths and lakes, or just go for a stroll, punctuated by a swim in one of the national park's lakes. The smaller Elaphite islands (Koločep, Lopud and Šipan) are also becoming increasingly popular.

Atlas (tel: (020) 442 900; website: www.atlas.hr) runs day trips into neighbouring Bosnia (Mostar and Međugorje) and Montenegro (Kotor and the Adriatic coast).