Dubrovnik Holidays

Getaways to Dubrovnik are full of intriguing histories, regal rooms and visits to paradise isles.

• Wander the city walls: For unbeatable views of the city, stroll along the 15th-century battlements, which also double up as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or delve further into the city’s past by visiting the Lovrijenac Fort, completed in the 11th century and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1667. Perched on a cliff above the sea, the fortress is the setting for the annual performance of Hamlet during the Dubrovnik Festival.
• Explore palatial residences: Once the seat of the Republic of Ragusa, Gothic-Renaissance-style Rector’s Palace is now filled with fascinating artefacts, paintings, maps and maritime objects. Another fortress worth visiting is Sponza Palace, which houses the Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders, an exhibition dedicated to the people who defended the city from the Serbian and Montenegrin forces in the early 1990s.
• Uncover religious sites: Dubrovnik is chock-full of beautiful churches, but some of the most special include the Dominican Monastery, with its striking Romanesque cloisters, and the Franciscan Monastery, home to a library filled with 20,000 books and manuscripts, and the third-oldest pharmacy in the world.
• Go island-hopping: Hop on over to car-free Lokrum Island for swathes of beaches, botanical gardens and scenic Benedictine monastery. Lopud Island’s white-sand beaches, ruins and churches, and Mljet Island’s national park, natural beauty and unique ecosystems are also a must-see.
• Play the Game of Thrones: Whether you’re an ally of the Starks, Targaryens or Lannisters, there are a few ways you can turn your trip to Dubrovnik into a full-on Kings Landing adventure. Embark on a guided walking tour around the Old Town’s iconic filming location – like where Cersei did her walk of shame or where Jaime pushed Bran out the window. Take a trip to Lovrijenac Fort, which played the role of the mighty Red Keep, or head over to Lokrum Island – which stood in for the city of Qarth – where you can snap photos of you on the coveted Iron Throne.

Choosing the perfect neighbourhood for your stay depends on what you’re after, but to help you choose, here are a few of our top picks:

• Hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town: If you’re a first-time visitor looking to fully immerse yourself in the heart of Dubrovnik’s history and culture, you’ll want to book a hotel in the city’s Old Town, with its narrow, pedestrianised streets lined with shops, restaurants and historical landmarks. The Pucic Palace is a top pick in this part of town, thanks to its convenient location, authentic décor and courtyard dining.
• Lapad Peninsula: To the west of the Old Town, Lapad – known for its beaches, parks and gardens – is a great option if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. Adult only Hotel Lapad, overlooking Gruz Harbour, comes complete with historic charm and a large outdoor pool, while 5-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace boasts stunning views, 3 restaurants and an indulgent spa.
• Pile: Located just outside of the Old Town walls, a stay in Pile is a great option if you want a perfect balance of being close to the action but also having a bit more peace and quiet. A popular pick here is luxurious Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, which features a high-end spa, great views of the Adriatic Sea and handy all inclusive options.
• Babin Kuk Peninsula: One of the furthest areas from the Old Town, Babin Kuk offers a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere, as well as an abundance of beaches, golf courses and extensive resorts. As well as multiple pools and a private pebble beach, Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President boasts scenic views along the Dalmatian Coast and ample open-air dining.

Dubrovnik’s coastline boasts a variety of beaches, from hidden coves to lively stretches perfect for families.

• Banje Beach: Arguably the most popular beach in Dubrovnik, Banje is a pebble-and-sand beach looking out towards Lokrum Island and the illustrious city walls. As well as being a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and people-watching, it’s a top spot for trying your hand at water sports.
• Šulić Beach: Tucked away in a quiet cove just behind the Lovrijenac Fortress, Šulić Beach is another pebble bay fringed by azure waters and towering cliffs. Spend your day with your nose in a book or snorkelling in the sea, and grab some lunch at one of bay’s handful of restaurants.
• Lapad Bay: Located around 2.5km from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Lapad Bay is a fun-packed beach, filled with tons of water sports from jet skiing and parasailing to banana boating. If you’re not up for much action, don’t fret – calm waters, sun loungers and parasols await.
• Sunset Beach: As the name suggests, Sunset Beach is renowned for its stunning sunset views over the Adriatic Sea. Sprinkled with VIP sun loungers and cabanas, it’s a popular spot for couples, but remember to bring your snacks as there’s only one restaurant in the vicinity.
• Copacabana Beach: This crescent-shaped beach in Babin Kuk is one of the largest of the city’s beaches, carpeted in white pebbles and lapped by shallow, aquamarine waters. Studded with loungers and deckchairs, and with plenty of sports on offer, this stretch is a favourite with families and groups.

Beyond Dubrovnik’s city walls lie a wealth of excursions, from charming coastal towns to natural delights.

• Elaphiti Islands: Escape the city for a day and head to the Elaphiti Islands, a 13-island archipelago made up of hidden coves, charming villages and endless swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Discover Roman ruins on Šipan or take a boat tour of the famous Blue Cave on Koločep Island.
• Ston: This charming town, around an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, is both a foodie paradise and historical marvel. Scale the town’s 7km-long walls, visit the Ston Saltworks to learn about the area’s traditional production methods and take a boat trip along the salt pans, or indulge in freshly caught oysters or mussels at scenic waterfront restaurants.
• Kotor, Montenegro: Head southeast and cross the border with Montenegro to visit the town of Kotor. Set on a scenic bay, nestled between towering cliffs and the calming Bay of Kotor, it’s sometimes called the southernmost fjord of Europe. Its UNESCO-protected Old Town is another draw, home to narrow, medieval streets, stone buildings and a Venetian fortress.
• Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Or head north into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit Mostar, a historic town known for its iconic Ottoman-era bridge, Stari Most. After admiring the landmark, explore the lively Old Town filled with mosques, Turkish houses and traditional shops.
• Trsteno Arboretum: Make a beeline for Trsteno, said to be the oldest arboretum in the world. Founded in the 15th century, this natural beauty houses a collection of exotic plants from all over the world, as well as fountains, sculptures and a 500-year-old tree.

With a wide range of restaurants serving everything from fine-dining dishes to authentic eats, Dubrovnik’s food scene provides tasty treats for all types of taste buds.

• Nautika: Perched on the water’s edge overlooking the Lovrijenac Fort, Nautika is a prestigious, white-tablecloth restaurant renowned for its fresh, exquisitely presented seafood dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Pick from 5 or 7-course tasting menus to experience seaside-inspired flavour sensations and enjoy epic views while you dine. Lauded as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, Nautika is a hit with couples.
• Proto: Another seafood haven, Proto is an old-fashioned establishment dating back to 1886 that specialises in Dalmatian seafood, from the likes of tuna tartare and lobster salad to flambéed scampi tails. You’ll find the best tables on the covered terrace, but you’ll have to be organised if you want one as this is a popular haunt with the rich and famous – with famous faces like Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson and Michael Jordan dining here over the years.
• Taj Mahal: Unlike its name suggests, Taj Mahal specialises in Bosnian – rather than Indian – cuisine. It’s one of a handful of Dubrovnik restaurants to stay open year-round, meaning its diddy dining room and on-street tables can get snapped up pretty quickly. Try the meat-filled burek or Bosnian pot roast, or opt for sweet ćevap – veal with prunes, dried figs, raisins, apples and almonds.
• Azur: Located on Pobijana Street, Azur was founded by 2 Dubrovnik-born brothers and serves up delectable Croatian cuisine with an Asian twist. The short yet innovative menu is served inside a white-washed vaulted space decked out in Oriental-style trinkets and rugs.
• D’Vino Wine Bar: Croatia makes great wine, and one of the best spots in Dubrovnik to taste the country’s reds and whites is the D'Vino Wine Bar. Hidden in a side street in the heart of the Old Town, the charming bar features a great selection of fine drops, as well as cheese and meat platters.

Dubrovnik’s culinary offering showcases fresh Adriatic flavours alongside hearty stews and Venetian-influenced treats.

• Crni rizot: Also known as black risotto, this iconic dish’s secret ingredient is squid ink, which gives the rice a unique black colour and earthy flavour. Crni rizot is often served with seafood like prawns or mussels.
• Pašticada: The first step of creating this hearty, flavoursome stew is to marinate beef overnight before slow-cooking it in red wine, vinegar and spices. Once the meat is tender, the stew is typically served alongside gnocchi.
• Strukli: Similar to strudel, strukli is flaky pastry that can be filled with savoury ingredients like cheese, meat or vegetables, or sweet stuffings like fruit, nuts or chocolate to make for a satisfyingly tasty starter, pudding or snack.
• Rozata: If you’re a fan of a flan, you’ll love rozata – a creamy, jiggly custard dessert infused with rosewater and orange blossom, and topped with a caramel or liqueur sauce.
• Narancini: Perfect for a post-dinner sweet treat or as an edible souvenir, narancini (not to be confused with arancini, the Italian rice balls) are simply candied orange peels, made with leftover peel that would otherwise be thrown away.

Dubrovnik’s after-dark venues capitalise on brilliant architecture, transforming historic squares and streets into open-air bars and clubs.

• Buža Bar: If you’re after a good sunset-viewing spot, this hole-in-the-wall gem is your go-to. Carved out of the cliffside, Buža Bar is an al fresco bar, whose entrance is embedded in one of Dubrovnik’s medieval walls – just follow the ‘cold drinks’ sign from Rudjera Boskovica. Enjoy stunning views of the sea or cool off in the warm waters below.
• Culture Club Revelin: Located within a medieval 16th-century fortress, Culture Club Revelin is a truly unique setting for a night out. Dance the night away surrounded by bare stone blocks and arched aisles, to top-of-the-line sound and light systems, and an amazing lineup of DJs.
• Cave Bar More: This spot does exactly what it says on the tin. Located in a cave beneath the President Valamar Hotel, Cave Bar More is coveted for its cocktails, beers and live music. Sip on margaritas or old fashioneds beside stalagmites and hear the waves crashing nearby.
• 360°: Set within Dubrovnik’s fortress, 360° is a spacious cocktail terrace overlooking the scenic Old Town harbour. The postcard-perfect view means that drinks come with a price tag, but they go down so easily you’ll barely notice the bill.
• Banje Beach Club: On the city’s most popular beach, Banje Beach Club transforms from boujee lounge during sunlight to one of the hottest nightclubs in the city come sundown. Chill out in outdoor areas, keep the drinks flowing in VIP or dance away to live DJs until the early hours.

With a delightful mix of history, beaches and outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that Dubrovnik is a popular European destination with families.

• Beach days: Splashing about in the sea is always a hit with little ones. And with tons of stretches lapped by calm, transparent waters, Dubrovnik is perfect for a laidback beach day. Explore hidden coves and caverns on Lokrum Island – complete with verdant vegetation and resident peacocks – or hire some kayaks and head out to Betina Cove, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy a picnic on its sandy shores.
• Panoramic peaks: For breathtaking vistas of Dubrovnik and beyond, alongside exhilarating activities like ziplining and paragliding, take the cable car up Mount Srd. Once at the top, wander through the peak’s lush pine forests and tuck into lunch with a view.
• Pretend pirating: Set off on a voyage around the Adriatic Sea, hopping between the Elaphiti Islands off the coast of Dubrovnik on a ship even Jack Sparrow would be proud of. You’ll stop off at points to swim and snorkel, and visit many intriguing sites dotted across the islands.
• Museum visits: Housed in a Socialist-era factory, the Red History Museum takes visitors young and old back to Croatia’s communist past. The interactive museum showcases items from daily life under the regime, as well as various artefacts and short films.
• Alfresco films: Watch a film under the stars at Kino Jadran, an open-air cinema within the ancient city walls. Pack some popcorn and snuggle up to watch Disney classics and family favourites with up to 300 other cinemagoers. It’s a truly magical evening for all.