The village of Majkovi is located in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. It is located along the local road Slano – Trsteno, i.e. on the route of the old Napoleon’s road (or Marmont’s road). Majkovi is surrounded on three sides by high hills, and the side that is open to the sea offers a view of incredible horizons.
Passing through Gornji Majkovi, you will encounter hospitable locals who are mainly engaged in agriculture, olive growing, viticulture and beekeeping. This unspoilt piece of nature is ideal for an active outdoor vacation.
To the south is a hill called Grdanji vrh, and opposite it is a hill called Želin Glas, from which there is a wonderful view of Dubrovnik, the surrounding islands and the sea. Below the Želin Glas hill there is a glade through which Napoleon’s road passes, below which are steep rocks and a rich, dense coniferous forest all the way to the sea.
That glade is called Gajina, and its viewpoint at a height of 420 meters is widely known. The view from the viewpoint of Gajina shoots from the Pelješac peninsula and the national park Mljet to Elaphites towards the south and Otranto strait. It is best to reach it on foot or by bicycle as a good form of active vacation, and there is also a rest area and bike-self-service near the viewpoint.
These historical findings confirm the continuity of life in these areas from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, when Majkovi together with the rest of the Dubrovnik Primorje belonged to the Republic of Dubrovnik, although the area of Majkovi is still insufficiently explored archeologically.
The combination of white stone, blue sea and vegetation creates beautiful contrasts, therefore it is not surprising that Majkovi is on the list of favourite routes of many cycle tourists, and the viewpoint of Gajina is called by many the most beautiful on the Adriatic. Driving along the paths and roads of this region, you will come across wind power plants, and the scents of wild herbs such as rosemary and heather will add a special, Dalmatian touch.
Fun fact: Due to the preservation of the river turtle population, which is one of the rarest and most endangered species of reptiles in the Republic of Croatia and is therefore strictly protected, Lokve in Majkovi was recently declared the first herpetological reserve in Croatia.
Author: visit-slano.com / visitdubrovnik.hr
