Southern Dalmatia is best discovered through a car-ferry combination that depends on your itinerary. The international airport of Dubrovnik (DBV), at Čilipi 22 km southeast of the centre, is the main gateway, served by dozens of European airlines (Croatia Airlines, easyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Air France). The official Atlas shuttle connects the airport to the old town in 30 minutes for about €12, or budget €35 for a taxi.
In Dubrovnik itself, a car is useless and even problematic: the old town is pedestrianised, parking outside the walls is scarce and expensive (up to €6/h in summer). The Libertas bus network efficiently serves residential areas, the Lapad beaches and the airport. For transfers to the islands, the old port (Stara luka) hosts boats to Lokrum and the Elaphiti, while the Gruž port (3 km northwest) is the Jadrolinija ferry terminal for Mljet, Korčula and Italy.
A hire car is essential to explore Pelješac, Konavle and the hinterland villages. All major agencies are at the airport. Allow 1h45 to Ston via the D8 (the Adriatic Highway, a scenic but winding route), three hours to Orebić. Since 2022, the Pelješac Bridge allows you to reach the peninsula without transiting Bosnian territory — a welcome time saving and no border control.
Jadrolinija ferries and fast catamarans (Krilo, TP Line) link Dubrovnik to the islands year-round, with increased frequency from April to October. Indicative fares: Dubrovnik-Mljet (catamaran, 1h45, ~€15), Dubrovnik-Korčula (direct catamaran, 3h, ~€25), Dubrovnik-Lopud (30 min, ~€5). Book online in high season, some lines sell out several days in advance.
Read also
- Central Dalmatia — Split, UNESCO-listed Trogir, Hvar and Brač: the other historic heart of the Dalmatian coast.
- Istria — Roman Pula, Venetian Rovinj, hilltop villages and white truffles: the northern peninsula.
- Croatia — Complete country guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and best time to visit.
- Northern Dalmatia — Zadar, Šibenik, Plitvice and the Kornati archipelago: the wild coast and national parks.