Dubrovnik Holidays

Dubrovnik – AKA the pearl of the Adriatic – offers an ideal blend of Medieval charm, scenic beaches and lively nightlife. Start in the city’s heart, the Old Town, where polished cobblestone streets lead you through a maze of baroque buildings and to the iconic Sponza Palace and Rector’s Palace. There are quiet corners with quaint cafés as well as bustling squares like Luža Square here, too. Then, there’s the Dalmatian Coast, which boasts loads of special beaches and swimming spots in the Adriatic Sea. There are even small islands to daytrip to, so this is definitely no ordinary city break.

Why pick Dubrovnik

Famous Old Town

Walk along the ancient walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town for stunning views of the Adriatic and the city’s terracotta-tiled rooftops – they date back to the 13th Century. No two streets are the same here, and the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street, is always buzzing. It’s all listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, not to mention it’s the film set of Game of Thrones, so it’s definitely camera-ready for your holiday pics.

Idyllic coastline

This city's beaches are a real mix. Banje Beach is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik, with great views of the Old Town, so you can city break and bask in the sun in one. For a quieter spot, take a short boat trip to Lokrum Island, full of nature and historical ruins. The Adriatic waters are perfect for a swim or snorkel any time of the day.

Daytrips for days

Beyond the city walls, the Dubrovnik region has a real adventurous side. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the tranquil Konavle Valley, ideal for hiking or cycling through its vineyards and sleepy villages. Or paddle along the coastline by kayak to reach hidden caves and swim spots.

The Elaphiti Islands are a cluster of isles west of Dubrovnik and are perfect for daytrips to escape the city crowds and get out into nature. They’ve got some beautiful beaches and charming fishing villages.

Festivals and events

Dubrovnik's calendar is packed with cultural events throughout the year…

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

What: A celebration of theatre, music and dance

Where: Various venues around the Old Town

When: July to August

Key highlights: Live performances in the open air of the Old Town, featuring international and local artists.



Feast of St. Blaise

What: A festival honouring Dubrovnik’s patron saint

Where: Throughout the city

When: 3rd February

Key highlights: Parades, traditional costumes and plenty of local food and drink. There’s a throat blessing which involves lots of candles, and you can light one in memory of the patron saint.



Dubrovnik Winter Festival

What: A Christmas fair

Where: Throughout the city

When: End of November to early January

Key highlights: Food and drink stalls, carols and concerts.

Top places to visit

Old Town walls

You’ll find the best views of the city and the Adriatic Sea from here.

Rector's Palace

Step back to the time of Dubrovnik’s rulers at this beautiful Gothic-Renaissance palace. It’s also now the city’s Cultural History Museum.

Church of St. Blaise

Admire the Baroque architecture of this church, dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik. St. Blaise is known for healing a boy who was choking on a fishbone, hence a festival and feast in his name, which involves a throat blessing.

Onofrio's Fountain

This 15th-century fountain is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, built as part of a water-supply system that involved bringing water from a spring 12km away.



The non-touristy pick

Instead of pacing with lots of people on the popular city walls, hike up to Mount Srđ. It takes about an hour to walk it or there’s a cable car. Either way, it’s worth it – the panoramic view from the fort at the top gives you another amazing glimpse of Dubrovnik and the islands beyond, especially at sunset.



Our pick

Take it from someone that's been there – here’s a top tip from our team:

“There’s a hidden gem through a small hole in the city walls. You go through and there’s a rocky platform known as Blaze Beach that you can sunbathe on or dive off into the sea. Then, to the side, you’ve got Café Buza, which is great for a drink at sunset.” – Daisy Colley




Picks that don’t cost a penny

Get yourself some free nibbles at the Gruž Market. Locals set up stalls in the Old Town every morning, selling local treats like dried figs and candied nuts, and they usually offer a free taste before you buy…

Best places to stay

Old Town

It’s always a win to stay right in the historical centre – it’s the closest you’ll get to the city’s iconic sites. It might be a bit exclusive to stay directly in the Old Town, but anywhere with easy access is ideal for first-timers. A few of our hotels are only a couple of hundred metres away.

Lapad

This is a quieter part of Dubrovnik with lush greenery and beautiful beaches. It’s perfect for families looking for a peaceful retreat but still within easy reach of the city buzz.

Cavtat

For a more laidback vibe, Cavtat has a pretty waterfront promenade lined with cafes and bars and is a short boat ride from Dubrovnik – how about travelling into the city in style?

Getting around

Walking

Did we mention you can walk along the Old Town walls already? Message received. This city is made for walking though, especially the Old Town, as it’s completely pedestrianised. Most of the best sites are all within an area that’s less than half a square mile – easy.

Bus

Local buses offer great access to nearby neighbourhoods and daytrip destinations, like the port of Gruž and Banje Beach. They’re operated by Libertas and their timetables are available at most bus stops or on the Libertas website – you also get free Wi-Fi on board. If you know you’ll be moving about a bit, it’s a good idea to invest in the day pass.

Top tip – the Dubrovnik Pass offers free or discounted entry to a number of the main tourist sites, plus free public transport. You can travel on the buses for a fixed period, depending on which card you buy.

Ferry

Boats and ferries run regular scenic routes to nearby islands and they’re completely traffic free.

A dedicated boat service runs every half hour to the island of Lokrum and you can buy your ticket at the kiosk on the pier in the harbour in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The ferry fare is included in your admission to the island, so you can also buy them online on the Lokrum website.

Or the ferry to the Elaphiti Islands leaves from Gruž port. You can get your ticket from the Jadrolinija office near the pier or book online as well.

Taxi

You’ve got to be patient renting a car in Dubrovnik, as traffic can really build up during peak season. If you’re staying out of town, it might be worth it to hop along the coast, but for a city break, we suggest ticking to taxis or public transport. Uber and Bolt both operate here, so you know the score.