The natural characteristics of the area are dominated by the mild and warm climate of the Mediterranean south with its lush vegetation, not only Mediterranean plants but also those of the sub-tropics among which lemon and orange trees, palms and agaves are the most attractive. A relatively small coastline is very varied: from the rocky and steep shorelines of deep bays to sandy beaches, fertile plains and tall hills descending to the very sea.

Dubrovnik is called the Pearl of the Adriatic above all because of its great wealth of heritage in the arts and in history. The famous writer George Bernard Shaw once wrote that "those who seek heaven on earth must come to Dubrovnik." He has been followed in visits and delight by millions of those searching for the dream during the past century in which Dubrovnik has been an unavoidable tourist destination in the Croatian south.

Many arts and entertainment event have been spawned on the foundations of the rich and turbulent history of the region, with each tourist destination having its own fair share. They preserve the tradition of folklore, knightly competition, processions and socialising with song and dance. Metković is the site every year of the "Moonlight on the Neretva" folklore review. Within these centuries-old historic walls and buildings there is now the bustle of modern tourism in which every generation can find fun and pleasant recreation, especially during the summer months but also, thanks to the exceptionally warm climate that in mid winter never drops under 10 degrees Celsius, year-round.

The Dubrovnik seaboard and islands are an ideal lace for an active holiday on the coast. The "Cro Challenge" adventure race is held every year in Dubrovnik, Konavle and on the islands of Lokrum and Koločep. The island of Šipan is the venue of the MTB Challenge adventure cycling race held on hill and field trails. Cycling trails are marked along the entire coastline and on the islands of Korčula, Mljet and Lastovo as "Blue Riding Trails". There are also walking trials in Konavle, Korčula and Orebić.

The stunning summer residences and villas of the Dubrovnik region for centuries had the most skilled masters of cooking in their kitchens who discovered the best the art of cooking could offer, creating feasts for the wealthy and their guests from around the world. The Bay of Mali ston offers the unique pleasure of gathering oysters that are bred here practically in front of every house – they are best served fresh with a slice of lemon.

The city of Dubrovnik has over the past few years been the holiday choice of numerous world famous entertainment and arts personalities. They come to the city to participate or watch some of the exceptional arts events or simply out of curiosity. Holidaying last year in Dubrovnik were John Malkovich, Masimo D'Alema, Tara Reid, Misha Maisky, Roman Abramović, Julian Rachlin, the king of Jordan Abdulah II, Slavica Eccelestone, Goran Višnjić....

Dubrovnik can be reached by air as it has an international airport in Čilipi that is connected to all larger European centres by about 40 companies from around the world. By boat there is a direct line from Dubrovnik to Bari in Italy and from Korčula to Ancona while local ship lines connect all the islands in the waters of Dubrovnik with the regional centre.