The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ ticks all the boxes – sun, sea, culture and history. The orange rooftops of Dubrovnik form a romantic contrast to the azure sea and under these terracotta tiles lies a UNESCO-protected old town. The city’s medieval walls protect many attractions, from palaces to gates, from monasteries to fountains. But there’s also plenty to do in the surrounding area – you can relax on the beaches, take a boat trip to Lokrum island or explore the wildlife of the Konavle Valley.
Top 6 Things to Do in Dubrovnik
1. Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
The medieval city walls of Dubrovnik date from the 13th century and offer an unbeatable vantage point from which to observe the city. A walk on these walls offers you great views over the city. They’re the perfect place to start your introduction to Dubrovnik. They take about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk, depending on how many pit stops you make. One of the joys of the route is to gaze at the towers, churches and fortresses of the old town, or to peer into the secret gardens or courtyards of private homes. Join a local guide if you want to know all about the history and secret spots.
2. Discover the historic city centre
After admiring the city from the walls, take a closer look at the centre. Game of Thrones fans will love it here and will recognise many of the places used for the filming of King's Landing. But even if you’re not a fan of the series, the UNESCO-listed old town will enchant you. A good place to start your visit is the inner city by the Pile Gate – the main entrance to the old town – after which you walk straight to the main street, Stradun, with its ornate Onofrio fountain. Don't miss the Franciscan Monastery, St Blaise's Church, the Clock Tower and the Rector's Palace. And it goes without saying that strolling through the narrow streets is an experience in itself.
3. Take the boat to Lokrum
After a boat trip of about 15 minutes, you’re in a completely different world. The island of Lokrum is small, but you can easily spend half or full day there. Visiting the isle’s Fort Royal castle is a must – the view over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea is a fitting reward for the gentle hike uphill. The 12th-century Benedictine monastery is also unmissable. Stroll through the cloisters and admire the gardens. Game of Thrones fans should grab the chance to sit on the Iron Throne. And there’s more to Lokrum than history – it’s also a nice place to relax and go for a swim.
4. Go on an excursion to the Konavle Valley
Nature and wine lovers, take note – the Konavle Valley has what you’re looking for. Oodles of it. Located on the border with Montenegro, it makes for a perfect excursion from Dubrovnik. You’ll find cypresses, pines and vines as far as the eye can see. The region is often compared to Tuscany and is popular for its tranquillity, landscapes and top restaurants. A meal washed down with a local wine is a must. If you want to learn more about these, join a wine tours in the many family-owned vineyards. Sports enthusiasts are also in the right place here, with plenty of hiking and biking trails.
5. Admire the view from Mount Srd
If the views from the city walls are a treat, wait till you see what they’re like from the top of Mount Srd. The mountain is 412 metres above sea level and on a clear day you can see as far away as 60km. To reach the top quickly, we recommend the funicular, which takes you up in just 4 minutes. It’s closed in winter but in summer it opens right up till midnight, so you can also admire the glittering night-time panorama of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. And there’s more to the mountain than the views. At the summit, is French-built Fort Imperial, which dates from the 19th century. It houses a museum chronicling the Croatian war of independence.
6. Relax on the Beaches
All that sunshine and temperatures approaching 30°C in summer means that some time to cool off is always welcome. And Dubrovnik doesn’t disappoint on this score. It’s got plenty of beaches where you can enjoy the sun at your leisure and swim in the Adriatic. Beaches are mainly pebbly because of the nature of the coastline, with no sandy strands nearby. Those within easy reach of the town centre include Banje – it’s got a great view of the city walls – and Solic, a cove close to the Pile Gate. A bit further away is St Jakov Beach. It lies in a sheltered cove of pine-studded cliffs and under a stone church. Well worth the 30-minute walk.
