The picturesque bay of Slano and the village with the same name are located on the shores of the Adriatic, only 26 kilometres away from the popular town of Dubrovnik. Slano is famous for the rich Mediterranean flora, the great amount of beaches and the pleasant climate, as well as the beautiful architecture. What to do in Slano? We are going to show you a list of the unforgettable things that you can do when you visit this place.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Things to do in Slano: pebbly beaches
- What to do in Slano: The nature calls
- Things to do in Slano: Discover the highlights of the town!
- Gastronomy of Slano
Things to do in Slano: pebbly beaches
The 2-kilometre-long town of Slano has pebbly beaches. We particularly recommend the 150-metre-long and 15-metre-wide Sv. Jeronim, located directly at the port. They have shower cabins and loungers, and the water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach of Koceljevići is 300 metres long and 5 metres wide. If you like active recreation, you can choose from several sports grounds, and there is also a playground for the kids. You can find cafés and restaurants on the beach. Karmelska is 400 metres long and 3 metres wide, and similarly to Koceljevići, it has sport grounds as well. If you visit Slano, the beaches of Banja, Grgurići and Osmine are also worth exploring.
What to do in Slano: The nature calls
The Elafit archipelago
The Elafit archipelago is located northwest of Dubrovnik, which is the closest city in the area. It consists of 13 islands, only 3 of which are inhabited: Šipan, Lopud and Koločep.
Šipan
Šipan is the largest member of the Elafit archipelago with a territory of 16.5 km2. Most of the flora consists of Mediterranean plants: pines, cypress trees, palms, shrubs and brambles. There are 30 churches on the island, some of which are now in a ruinous state. The main sights to see in the town of Šipanska Luka are Saint Michael’s Church and the remains of a Benedictine monastery. In Suđurađ, located in the eastern part of the island, you can admire a fortress built-in the 14th century. The latter is related to Stjepović-Skočibuha, a famous naval dynasty. Are you looking for even more interesting monuments? Then you should visit Pakljena Tower and the Church of the Holy Trinity.
Lopud
Lopud, mostly famous for its sandy beaches, is the second-largest member of the Elafit archipelago. It is famous for a monastery which was transformed into a fortress, built by the Franciscan in 1483. Its former church, Our Lady of the Bay, is famous for its wonderful altarpieces. If you are looking for a nice walk, visit the Đorđić-Mayneri Park where giant pines and palms provide a pleasant shade. The remains of the palace of Miho Pracat – a famous 16th-century merchant and sailor – can also be found nearby.
Koločep
Similarly to Šipan, there are two towns on this island as well: Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo. The most important sight to see on Donje Čelo is the St. Mary of the Assumption Church, built-in the 13th century. Leaving the town, you can also see the 15th-century Church of Saint Anthony. In Gornje Čelo – located in the southeastern part of the island – you can see the ancient Roman church of St. Anthony of Padua, built-in the 11-12th centuries. You can also find the remains of the ancient Croatian church of St. Nicholas here.
Trsteno Arboretum
The Trsteno Arboretum is the first botanical garden in Croatia, built on a territory of 18 hectares. It was established by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, with the contribution of the Gučetić-Gozze family who provided a significant part of the plant collection. The main sight in the arboretum is the Baroque fountain from the 18th century; it is depicting the god Neptunus, and there are gargoyle nymphs on the two sides. Interestingly, the original building was badly damaged during an earthquake in 1667, so there is a different palace standing in its place. Although most of the arboretum was destroyed during the Yugoslav Wars, they have successfully restored it since then. It has become one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in the area.
Things to do in Slano: Discover the highlights of the town!
Would you like to see some beautiful architecture? The most important sight to see in Slano is the 15th-century Franciscan church of St. Hieronymus and the Rector’s Palace built-in the era of the Dubrovnik Republic. If you visit the place, you should also see the summer residence of the Ohmučević family, who were once famous sailors and shipowners.
Gastronomy of Slano
The family-run restaurant and hotel called Kolarin is located in the heart of Slano Bay, opposite the port. You can try delicious meals of both the local and the international cuisine in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant Maestral is also a great choice; here you must try the spaghetti frutti di mare and the black risotto. If you want to taste the best pizza in the area, we recommend Pizza Lavanda.
In this article, we have listed the best things to do in Slano and its neighbourhood. If you visit this place, you can enjoy the pebbly beaches, make a trip to the picturesque islands, and admire wonderful architecture with rich history. Read more if you plan sailing in Slano or rent a boat in Slano.