The perfect place for an idyllic Mediterranean holiday
In the summertime, Dubrovnik and its entire Riviera is one of the most popular tourist destinations on our coast, and with good reason.
In the summertime, Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations on our coast, together with the entire Dubrovnik Riviera, a series of small coastal towns with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea, lush Mediterranean vegetation and friendly locals.
With all that it offers, it is no wonder that the Dubrovnik Riviera is our number 1 holiday destination. One of the most charming places to stay is the village of Mlini, situated only ten kilometres south of Dubrovnik city centre, right by the sea. The village boasts a rich tradition and historical and cultural heritage dating all the way back to antiquity.
Tranquillity and nature’s bounty
Pebbly beaches, plenty of sunshine and lush vegetation that has been nurtured over the course of history add to the charm of this special place. The nobility of Dubrovnik would take carriage rides to the Mlini countryside to enjoy the tranquillity and nature’s bounty.
The perfect climate contributed to the creation of lush Mediterranean gardens with native herbs and plants, which make up a unique ecosystem. The equally extensive gastronomic offer includes specialities prepared according to traditional recipes.
A small square with centuries-old plane trees and the fragrance of luxuriant Mediterranean greenery creates an atmosphere that washes your everyday worries away, and where you will finally relax with panoramic views of the sea and one of the most beautiful sunsets.
Monuments and legends
The entire village was an important place in ancient antiquity. Today it is teeming with ancient monuments from the times when it was well -known for its mills, powered by the Zavrelje stream, which still flows through the village and provides many sources of drinking water. It is this abundance of drinking water that gave Mlini an important role in Dubrovnik’s history, supplying the city with water during the summer droughts. The stream can still be seen today, bubbling in front of a local hotel.
Apart from its gardens and monuments, Mlini boasts many legends: the best known is the legend of St Hilarion. As the tale goes, Hilarion fought a dragon and set it on fire on the shores of Mlini, thus saving the town of Epidaurum, nowadays known as Cavtat, from earthquakes, evil and barbarian invasions. In his honour, the residents of Mlini pronounced him their saviour and built the Church of St Hilarion, mentioned in the Statute of Dubrovnik of 1272. This ancient church, together with its surrounding cemetery, “known since the dawn of time, is older than the documents that describe it. The ancient local chronicles mention it in 1164”. Over the centuries, it has been torn down and restored, but it is still standing in its place to this day.
An unforgettable holiday in newly refurbished hotels
This oasis on the Dubrovnik Riviera is a favourite among tourists, who cannot wait for the beginning of the new season to relax far away from everyday life in newly refurbished hotels and villas that combine tradition and modern design. The properties are fully equipped to ensure an unforgettable stay with a host of activities that will satisfy even the most demanding guests.
Hotels in Dubrovnik
Situated in a one-of-a-kind location in a quiet bay in the small town of Mlini, a mere 10 kilometres from Dubrovnik, Hotel Astarea offers everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Every room offers either a captivating sea view or a picturesque vista of the lush Mediterranean greenery. The freshwater pools, suitable for both children and adults, offer complimentary loungers with sweeping views of the expansive bay. And with the beautiful natural beach right next to the hotel, choosing how to spend your day becomes a delightful dilemma.
Hotel Mlini is located just above the beach and promenade, allowing you to enjoy the enchanting view of the sea throughout your stay. The Hotel, located in the heart of the town of Mlini, is an oasis of peace and relaxation in an ideal location near Dubrovnik. Directly on the beach, you will find the bistro and restaurant Oleander for culinary adventures while enjoying the beautiful view of the sea and islands.
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Also known as Punta Corrente, the Golden Cape is one of the most significant nature parks in the northeast Adriatic.
Only a 15-minute walk from the centre of Rovinj and spreading over an area of 52 hectares, the forest park hides a world of unbelievable diversity, numerous plant species and deep shade that provides cool shelter during the long summer days.
Dubrovnik’s city walls are considered one of the largest and best-preserved medieval fortification systems.
The city walls of Dubrovnik that surround the old city centre were built as a defence system. Today, they are one of the most popular attractions in Dubrovnik, as well as the best-known Dubrovnik monument protected by UNESCO.
The Festivity of St Blaise is the most important event for the city of Dubrovnik and its residents. It is a day of celebration and appreciation of the patron saint who, according to legend, appeared during the invasion of the Venetians and helped the folk of Dubrovnik defend their city.
The festivity includes a series of events, the most prominent of which is a procession carrying the relics of St Blaise through the city while the people touch them with reverence. The Festivity of St Blaise was pronounced intangible world heritage by UNESCO, which, together with the city walls, has put Dubrovnik on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
