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.
