Croatia / Adriatic Coast
Dubrovnik
A walled city with the sea underneath it
Best time
May - June, September - October
How long
3-5 days
Best for
Couples, short trips, coastal escapes
Perfect for
Couples / Coast / History / Swimming
Why go to Dubrovnik
The old town is genuinely remarkable, and genuinely small. That combination is the whole story of visiting Dubrovnik: when three cruise ships are in, it is unpleasant, and when they are not, it is one of the most atmospheric places on the Mediterranean. Check the cruise schedule, which is published, and plan your walls walk accordingly.
The other half of the trip is water. Swimming spots sit right beneath the walls, islands are a short ferry away, and the coast north towards Split is full of quieter towns.
What to do
Walk the city walls at opening
Two kilometres around the top of the old town. Do it at 8am, not at midday in August.
Take the ferry to Lokrum
Fifteen minutes offshore. Swimming, peacocks and shade, and a good escape from the crowds.
Swim below the walls
Buza bar and the rocks nearby give direct access to deep clear water.
Ride the cable car at sunset
The view over the old town and islands is the single best photograph here.
Day trip to the Elafiti islands
Three small islands, mostly car free, with quiet beaches and slow lunches.
Eat outside the walls
Prices in Lapad and Gruz are much lower and the food is often better.
Where to stay
Old Town
Atmospheric and central, with steps everywhere and premium prices. Difficult with heavy luggage.
Lapad
Beaches, hotels and better value, 15 minutes from the old town by bus.
Gruz
Near the ferry port, more local, good market and restaurants, easy access to the islands.
Getting there and around
- Dubrovnik airport (DBV) sits about 30 minutes from the city, with a shuttle bus that meets most flights.
- Seasonal direct flights operate from much of Europe between April and October, with far fewer in winter.
- Ferries and catamarans connect along the coast and to the islands.
Buses are cheap and cover the city. The old town is pedestrian only and full of stairs. A car is a liability unless you plan trips up the coast.
What it costs
Budget: Apartments outside the walls, bakery lunches and public beaches. The old town itself is not cheap.
Mid range: Hotel in Lapad, walls ticket, cable car, a boat trip and dinners out.
Higher end: Sea view hotels and villas along the coast, private boat charters and terrace dining.
Read next
Articles about Dubrovnik style trips
Travel by Feeling
Romantic Short Breaks That Are Not Just Expensive Dinners
What actually makes a couples trip work, and where it works most reliably.
5 min read
Travel by Feeling
Planning an Active Trip That Is Not an Expedition
Coastal paths, island drives and long swims count. You do not need technical gear.
5 min read
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