Just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik’s old town, the Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park is a veritable green lung. On the heights of Lapad, it offers walkers wooded paths and spectacular panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. An ideal place to recharge your batteries, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Dubrovnik’s Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park?
Is the Maritime Museum worth it? Our opinion:
If you feel like immersing yourself in nature away from the tourist crowds, then this is the park for you! It’s one of the few large, unspoilt natural spaces in Dubrovnik’s urban area. Here you’ll find miles of soothing forest paths and unique views over the Lapad peninsula.
However, we don’t consider these to be must-sees in Dubrovnik.
It’s an interesting alternative if you’re staying in the Lapad district.
Our favorite moment
We particularly enjoyed the path that climbs to the top of Velika Petka, from where you can enjoy a 360° circular view of the sea and surrounding hills. At sunset, it’s a magical sight!
How to get to Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park: access and map
Location
The park is located on the Lapad peninsula at the following address: Šetalište Nika i Meda Pucića 17.
- From Dubrovnik’s historic center: about 10 min. by car
- From Lapad beach: 20-minute walk to the first trails
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
How to get there?
- On foot: easy access from the Lapad neighborhoods
- By bus: regular bus services run from Dubrovnik’s Old Town to Lapad.
- By cab: this is probably the easiest way to get to the park, so you don’t have to walk through Lapad traffic.
Parking
As the park is protected, there is no dedicated parking. The easiest way is to park in the parking lots next to Uvala Lapad beach, just a few minutes’ walk away.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit
The park can be visited all year round. However, the best periods are spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and pleasant for walking. In summer, the trails remain passable thanks to the shade of the pine trees, but bring water and avoid the hottest hours of the day.
Note that the park reveals a particularly magical atmosphere at sunset. The golden light sublimates the pines and the bay, offering a memorable spectacle.
Schedules and rates
The Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park is an open-access natural area, so there are no fixed opening times or entrance fees. You can visit at any time, from sunrise to sunset.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow around 1h for a short stroll on the basic trails, and up to 2-3h if you want to climb to the viewpoints and explore the side paths.
Trails are generally well marked, but some climbs can be steep and rocky. The ground is sometimes uneven: good footwear is recommended. The park is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, as it has slopes, rocks and natural steps.
Advice on how to visit
The park has no single signposted route. You can follow the various trails at your own pace, taking in the stunning sea views and elevated vantage points. If you have the time, we recommend climbing up to Velika Petka for spectacular panoramic views.
Here’s a map of the park to help you get your bearings:
Visiting with children
The park is great for families, but younger children need to be supervised in steep areas. The short trails from Lapad are suitable for a family walk, but the climbs to the top can be tiring for small children.
Remember to bring water, snacks and a small blanket if you want to stop for an outdoor picnic.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
The park is a protected forest: there are no refreshment stands, toilets or water points. We therefore advise you to bring your own drinks and snacks.
On the other hand, there are plenty of flat rocks and natural lookouts to take a break, and we
have also spotted benches for resting!
After your walk, you’ll easily find cafés and restaurants on the Lapad promenade or on Uvala Lapad beach.
A fragrant stroll under the umbrella pines
From the moment you enter the park, you’ll be perfumed by the resin of the pines and the Mediterranean grasses. The maritime pines and cypresses form a protective canopy, offering pleasant shade even in the hottest hours. Finally, the peace and quiet and the cicadas add a meditative dimension to this walk…
A soothing journey
Unlike Dubrovnik’s visitor-saturated Old Town, Velika and Mala Petka Park remains a haven for tourists. Here, you’ll mostly come across Lapad locals out for a run, walking their dogs or enjoying the peace and quiet. This local dimension gives you the impression of discovering the city in a different way, in its everyday rhythm.
360° panoramas of Dubrovnik Bay
As you follow the trails, you’ll be rewarded with several panormaic views.
First, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of Lapad Bay, its brick roofs mixed with the many hotels that dot the area.
You’ll then have a clear view of the Adriatic Sea and the park’s pine trees plunging into it. Finally, if you push on to the summit of Velika Petka, on a clear day you’ll be able to make out the Elaphite islands on the horizon. A grandiose sight, to be seen at sunrise or sunset.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to swim in the park?
Unfortunately, no! The seafront areas of the park are taken over by the hotels below, and it’s difficult to get from one cove to the other anyway.
For simplicity, we recommend you go to Uvala Lapad beach and walk a little further along its shores, where you’ll find some quieter spots.
What other attractions are nearby?
After your oxygenating stroll through the Lapad forest park, you can continue your discovery of the Lapad district. You can choose between:
- Discover the Red History Museum: read more in our dedicated article!
- Relax on one of our pleasant beaches (Uvala Lapad Beach, Mandrac Beach, Copacabana beach, etc.).
- Take an excursion to the Elaphite Islands from the Port of Gruž.
