Dubrovnik holidays

1. Walk the city walls. No trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without walking the impressive 13th Century walls. The mile-long circuit gives you a prime view of the terracotta rooftops and the glittering Adriatic, taking in countless forts and chances to spy on secret gardens and hidden courtyards. Avoid the peak crowds by checking the Port Authority’s cruise schedule and going on a quieter day.
2. Escape to Lokrum. This small, lushly forested, pine scented islet is just a ten-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old harbour. The rocky beaches here are popular with swimmers and you’ll probably want to explore its extensive 11th Century Benedictine monastery which featured in Game of Thrones. Make the climb up to 19th Century Fort Royal for prime views over the Old Town. Legend has it that Richard the Lionheart got shipwrecked here in the 12th century and donated funds to build Dubrovnik Cathedral as a way of thanking local sailors who saved his life.
3. Visit War Photo Ltd. Curated by acclaimed New Zealand photojournalist and veteran Balkans reporter Wade Goddard, War Photo Ltd is dedicated to chronicling the sobering realities of war captured through photography. A permanent exhibition on the top floor covers the war in the former Yugoslavia while the rest of the space powerfully documents the work of world-renowned photojournalists in conflicts across the globe.
4. See how the other half lived at the former Rector’s Palace. Built in the 15th Century for the rector who ruled over Dubrovnik it’s an impressive Gothic-Renaissance building including offices, private chambers and a dungeon. Today it houses the Cultural History Museum, with exhibits covering portraits, period furniture, costumes, coins and other regalia. The museum is another Game of Thrones location, it doubled up as the Spice King’s palace in Qarth.
5. Step back in time. The ferry port of Gruz is used to access the Elafiti islets but the quirky Red History Museum here is worth pausing for. This nostalgic time capsule of Soviet life is divided into three sections celebrating Socialism in Theory, Socialism in Practice and Socialism in Memory. Key exhibits include a Yugo 45 car and a recreation of a typical Communist-era apartment complete with period furniture, ceramics, magazines and music.

Whether you’re looking for a five-star sanctuary or a budget-friendly three-star retreat, choose from our delightful selection of hotels along the coastline of Dubrovnik and soak up the backdrop of the glistening Adriatic Sea.

In Cavtat, stay at the Hotel Croatia Cavtat to enjoy two private beaches, an outdoor saltwater pool plus a host of facilities. Watch the yachts breezing in from this pretty harbour town. Located in Gruz harbour the family-run Berkeley Hotel is a fantastic base to explore the surrounding islands being just 300 metres from the ferry terminal. Hotel More in the charming Bay of Lapad offers a romantic setting. Enjoy a cocktail in its unique Cave Bar or lounge around the pool under the shelter of pine trees and cypresses.

In the serene Babin Kuk peninsula lies Valamar Argosy Hotel. Lounge on an outdoor four poster bed beside one of two infinity pools here, enjoy the aromatic plants that line the walkways and courtyards and make the most of buses that ferry you into the Old Town in time for dinner. Alternatively try the Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel in the same resort. Sea views can be enjoyed from all communal areas with full length windows looking out onto the calming Elafiti islands. It comes complete with easy access to a white pebble beach with famously clear waters.

The five-star Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel is a family-friendly hotel with an outdoor kids’ pool, playground and kids’ club, while adults can enjoy an indulgent treatment in the Shine Spa. Set on a rugged clifftop the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik is a luxurious waterfront hotel just two miles from the Old Town. Enjoy a welcome drink from its panoramic pool terrace while your kids hang out in their playroom or kids’ pool.

Dubrovnik Palace is located on the tip of the Lapad Peninsula which means that every room here boasts a sea view. There’s a huge spa to enjoy and best of all is the location at the foot of Petka hill with nothing but a nature park for company, while a bus serving the Old Town stops right outside. Another hotel with a dramatic setting is the Excelsior Dubrovnik. Built into a hillside overlooking the pine-clad island of Lokrum this is a fresh, contemporary hotel just half a mile from the Old Town. Villa Dubrovnik is a similarly stylish Mr and Mrs Smith bolthole with stunning Adriatic views, a tranquil spa and an enterprising Mediterranean restaurant.

• Wander through Dubrovnik and discover the beauty of the Old Town. See the marble paved squares, cobbled streets and coral-coloured rooftops, then take a stroll along the medieval city walls. Stroll along the limestone-paved thoroughfare of Stradun lined with cafes and boutiques. Visit the morning markets and smell the scent of honey and herbs, explore the Baroque churches and Old Port.
• Looking for a more relaxed pace? Take a break on the southernmost tip of Dubrovnik’s Riviera, in the charming town of Cavtat. Savour the secluded Mediterranean bays – take a dip in the turquoise waters and explore the harbour, lined with fragrant cypress trees. Make time to check out the impressive Art Nouveau Racic Mausoleum by celebrated sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Reach this dazzling destination by boat, bus or hire car – it’s around a 30-minute drive from the heart of Dubrovnik.
• Venture southeast from the centre of Dubrovnik and arrive to Srebreno by car in around 20-minutes. Mlini is just an extra 10-minutes along the coast. Soak up the tranquillity of these small, idyllic seaside villages – stroll along the waterside promenade which connects Srebeno and Mlini – take a break and soak up the picturesque views, then pop into a restaurant or café to rejuvenate. There are luscious Mediterranean parks, a variety of sports and tantalising culinary dishes to try, in the oasis of the Dubrovnik Riviera.
• Just along to the northwest of Dubrovnik is Lapad. With its green spaces, beaches and calm bays, it makes a great place for family holidays or couples who just want to unwind. You can enjoy walks with stops at cafes and spend days by the Adriatic Sea. Wander along the Bay of Lapad and visit the Cave Bar More for a drink, complete with stalactites. Soak up the scenery of Petka Hill, the National Forest and the sweeping Adriatic coastline.
• Make a visit to the Adriatic’s sixth largest island, Korcula, by ferry. The journey from Dubrovnik takes around two hours by catamaran, with the best services running in the summer. With its dense emerald forests and rocky beaches, surrounded by glistening sea, this isle is a Croatian sanctuary. There are a few quiet coves with sandy bays, but the pebbled shores are just as beautiful – the best time to swim is in the summer, when the waters are warmer. Known as Little Dubrovnik – Korcula Town is the main resort on the island, offering a brilliant variety of cafes and restaurants, serving up fresh seafood and delicious local wine. If you love being active on your holiday, there are plenty of cycling and mountain biking paths to ride throughout the year.
• Just at the northern tip of the Lapad peninsula is Babin Kuk, a leafy and quiet neighbourhood, with plenty of walking paths and parks. It’s a great area for families and couples, with Dubrovnik’s longest beach – Copacabana Beach – offering an array of water sports and cafes serving up flavourful local ice cream. Enjoy a resort experience when you stay here and venture to the cultural centre by bus, on a short ride to the Old Town.
• If you’re looking for a calming Croatian break away, the Elafiti Islands are a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Gruz harbour. The three inhabited islands Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan offer spectacular retreats for that real holiday feeling. Both Kolocep and Lopud are car-free and Sipan only allows private vehicles, which means walking and cycling is a must. Explore the beautiful walking trails on the islands and venture through luscious forested hills. It’s easy to reach Dubrovnik by boat from here, when you fancy a cultural excursion. If you can, walk across the island (in around 30-minutes) to Sunj beach on Lopud island, the only sand beach on the island, and a rarity for Croatia in general. Add private transfers to your island booking, providing land and sea transportation from Dubrovnik Airport.
• Start your holiday with a few nights in Dubrovnik, then cruise to the east and cross the border to Montenegro. Soak up the views on this scenic adventure and choose between a coastal or inland drive – either way, your eyes will feast on the beautiful landscapes. Once you reach Montenegro, you’ll discover a small, relatively untouched country. But with its rolling peaks, breathtaking coves and friendly people, it’s a must-visit. On your way, stop at the Bay of Kotor, where the mountains come right to the waterline, around this fjord-like bay – creating a dramatic backdrop to the surrounded city. Stroll around the glistening harbour of yachts.