Hit the waves on a trip with our skippered boat
Dubrovnik
The city's tumultuous history, stunning architecture, and coastal scenery make Dubrovnik the most popular destination in Croatia and one of the most popular in Europe.
You can't help but feel a little dizzy when you first see Dubrovnik. Such places surely don't exist in the real world – but they do. Its medieval city walls surround the old town of Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic, on the coast of southern Dalmatia in Croatia.
Dubrovnik offers both beach and city holidays. The history of the ancient republic dates back to the seventh century, and you can soak up the relaxed Dalmatian atmosphere, known as fjaka, while basking on the beaches. Even in peak season, you can find ways to escape — perhaps to nearby smaller towns and beaches of the neighboring Konavle region or by hiking in the hills above Dubrovnik.
History of Dubrovnik
Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik was an independent republic for 450 years (1358-1808). During the reigns of the Roman, Napoleonic, and Ottoman Empires, the city managed to remain sovereign as a maritime port with open trade. After this period, it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and later Yugoslavia.
Croatia's secession from communist Yugoslavia in 1991 remains controversial among residents. The region was heavily damaged during the war when it was attacked by Serbian forces of the former Yugoslav army, causing some residents to seek refuge while others chose to stay. This also led to the extreme devastation of the renowned Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nevertheless, most of it has been restored, and today it is one of the safest places in the world.
The locals are very proud of their unique identity, a product of their history – to the point of believing that Dubrovnik still exists independently of Croatia. Tourism is the main economic factor for this area, and clever advertising allows them to effectively capitalize on its special charm. Outsiders may find Dubrovnik appealing, but the local population bonds over a mysterious connection that is hard to share.
Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
The Dubrovnik city walls represent the unique cultural and historical heritage of the city. Once a symbol of a powerful defense system, the walls have stood for centuries. Today, they are among the best-preserved fortifications in the world. The Dubrovnik walls are the city's biggest tourist attraction and its most interesting feature. The walls are 1942 meters long and 25 meters high.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is the highlight of the city and its most popular attraction, which is not surprising. In addition to the beautiful walls and limestone streets, the Old Town offers spectacular views, excellent beaches for swimming, and delicious food.
Dubrovnik Cable Car
Mount Srđ is the best place to enjoy the view of Dubrovnik and its surroundings. You can reach Srđ by taking the Dubrovnik Cable Car. Built in 1969, the Dubrovnik Cable Car has been enthusiastically used by millions of tourists who want to experience the most beautiful panoramas of the coast and the surrounding mountains.
Explore Fort Lovrijenac
Often referred to as Dubrovnik's Gibraltar, Fort Lovrijenac is a must-visit for first-time visitors. Built in 1018 to protect the city from the Venetian fleet, this fortress is situated high on a hill. Located just outside the western walls of the Old Town, Fort Lovrijenac rises 37 meters above sea level, offering stunning views and insights into the city’s defenses.
Visit Lokrum Island
A short ferry ride connects Dubrovnik's port to this island. Lokrum Island is one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik. You can spend a day at the beach or wander through the island's gardens. Peacocks and large rabbits roam freely on Lokrum Island.
Visit Local Beaches in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has too many beaches to count, with some being more popular than others. Banje Beach is the most famous, but there are many others that remain unknown to many tourists. Besides sea urchins, the sea is free of sharks or dangerous fish, so it's recommended to wear water shoes or jelly sandals when swimming in rocky areas.
Visit the Rector's Palace
Once the residence of Dubrovnik's rectors, the Rector's Palace is now used as a venue for performing arts, including the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. In Dubrovnik, the Rector's Palace is undoubtedly the best museum to explore. Take a quick tour and be impressed by its magnificent structure and intricate details. The building is striking, and the engaging museum adds the finishing touch.
Stroll Down Stradun
Stradun is the official main street of Dubrovnik. You should not miss a walk along Stradun, which divides the Old Town into two roughly equal parts (northern and southern). Pedestrians meander through streets lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Spend an Afternoon at Banje Beach
Imagine a perfect afternoon at Banje Beach. Whether you choose to spread a beach towel on the rocks or rent a sunbed and umbrella, this spot offers a peaceful experience. We opted for the former, as rentals can be quite pricey, but the choice is yours.
Visit the Franciscan Church and Monastery
The Franciscan Church and Monastery houses the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe. Founded in 1317, it is still in use today (though prescriptions have changed). The museum's library contains over 20,000 books.
Explore the Museums
Many Dubrovnik museums are small and dedicated to the history of Dubrovnik and the region. Often referred to as a city museum, Dubrovnik is like a living, breathing, labyrinthine history board enclosed within some of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik might be the largest museum in the world.
Day Trips from Dubrovnik
Explore the Walls of Ston
Travel to Ston and Mali Ston
A journey south from Dubrovnik takes you to Ston and Mali Ston. Once a crucial defensive center of the powerful Republic of Dubrovnik, today Ston and Mali Ston are gastronomic and tourist destinations. You can also climb the Great European Wall in Ston, which is an absolute must-see.
Experience the Scents of Trsteno Arboretum
Established at least in 1492, Trsteno Arboretum is a natural and historical attraction. Most of the arboretum was created during the Renaissance when maritime captains brought rare and exotic seeds and plants from their voyages during the Age of Discovery to establish a graceful arboretum around the villa once owned by the Gozze family.
Korčula
The island of Korčula boasts rich vineyards, olive groves, and a long cultural heritage. Praised as the sixth-largest Adriatic island, it also features a superb old town and is listed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. Its winding stone streets laid out in a fishbone pattern, fortified walls, and historic palaces and cathedrals illustrate its turbulent history. Whether you stay for hours or days, Korčula's culture will captivate your senses.
Mljet National Park
Mljet National Park is located on the island of Mljet, which is 37 km long and up to 3 km wide. It is the greenest island in the Adriatic Sea, with rare plants and animals. The island's landscape features a beautiful lake and historical monuments.
Pasjača Beach
This small beach, near the border with Montenegro, was recently named the most beautiful and best beach in Europe. To reach the beach, you must navigate a narrow and steep path carved into the rocks. The effort is worth it, as the location is truly magnificent.
Hit the Waves on a Boat Tour
There's no escaping the fact that Dubrovnik suffers from its popularity as a cruise ship port during peak season. The solution? Embark on a boat tour around the city’s landmarks and the surrounding coast.
Pelješac Wineries
Despite its small size, Croatia produces relatively little wine and is not widely known for it. However, the quality is fantastic. Just an hour from Dubrovnik, you can reach the country's best wine region, which also boasts some fantastic beaches where you can enjoy a drink before returning to
Food in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik's Old Town is a perfect spot for food lovers, with its striking architecture and magnificent views. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast, a wine aficionado, or a snack lover, this Croatian city has something to offer. With so many incredible options, choosing a restaurant can be challenging – but there are some hidden gems among Dubrovnik's narrow streets and alleys.
The city's location on the Adriatic coast means that fresh seafood dominates the local cuisine. Not only do Dubrovnik’s restaurants offer delicious dishes, but many also provide spectacular views. Restaurant Panorama is one such place you won’t want to miss! Dubrovnik's food truly shines with the use of local ingredients; expect dishes full of flavor with every bite!
Festivals and Events in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Feast of St. Blaise
On February 3rd, the entire city of Dubrovnik gathers to celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise. St. Blaise is the city's patron saint, distinguished among many statues. This is a time for colorful costumes and folk dances, with villagers from the region flocking to Dubrovnik to showcase their local culture.
Carnival
Carnival begins shortly after the Feast of St. Blaise. In the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, masked groups and costumes parade through the old streets, singing and dancing. Masquerade balls are often held in private homes, but there’s always plenty of action on Stradun.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
In the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is an annual event featuring performances of music, theater, dance, and other cultural events.
Dubrovnik Winter Festival
After years of trying to bring the Christmas spirit to Dubrovnik's streets, the city now hosts a proper Winter Festival. There might even be snow!
Dubrovnik Good Food Festival
Every October, Dubrovnik hosts the “Good Food Festival,” a treat for food and wine lovers.
Run The Wall
Run The Wall is an exclusive annual race offering runners a unique and challenging 2K experience. Participants navigate the slippery ancient stone walls, tackling up to 1080 steps and testing their physical endurance. As a reward for their efforts, finishers are treated to breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
Rent a Car in Dubrovnik and Croatia
We recommend using our meta-search engine to find the lowest prices for car rentals in Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Airport car rentals, and throughout Croatia. With all major companies in one place, you can easily compare offers and choose the best option for yourself.
From Zagreb to Dubrovnik and everywhere in between, we cover all major cities and airports—including Makarska, Trogir, Zadar, Opatija, Split and Šibenik. Compare car rental offers at all Croatian airports—Split Airport, Zadar Airport, Rijeka Airport, Pula Airport, Zagreb Airport, and Osijek Airport.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik
If you’re looking for where to stay in Dubrovnik, there is a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury. Hostel Angelina Old Town offers excellent value with simple, clean rooms and shared facilities like a kitchen and laundry. For more homely comfort, apartments like Celenga are a great option, still located in the Old Town.
For mid-range travelers, the luxuriously appointed Palace Prijeko with its restaurant and bar is a good choice. For a truly luxurious experience, Heritage Villa Nobile boasts stunning décor, excellent service, and beautiful gardens. During peak season, prices may be higher, so it’s worth booking early or visiting outside of the high season.
SLANO
Slano is another small village on the coastal road between Dubrovnik and the Pelješac Peninsula. Located about 40 km along the coast from Dubrovnik, Slano enjoys a lovely, sheltered bay that is slightly set back from the Adriatic and is home to several beaches and a marina. Although it has fewer than 600 inhabitants, there is a good range of accommodation. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery, it is a lovely place to stay in the Dubrovnik region.
What to See and Do
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Sights: When Slano was under the control of the Republic of Ragusa, a Rector's Palace was built in the settlement to administratively control Slano and the surrounding region. The Rector's Palace you see today was actually reconstructed in the 19th century, following the design of engineer Lorenzo Vitelleschi, due to significant damage to the previous structure from the 1667 earthquake. The palace was again heavily damaged during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s but was restored by 2017. It is now a magnificent building and a great place to visit if you’re staying in the town.
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Activities: The village is a good base for walking, hiking, and cycling in this part of southern Dalmatia. The tourist office provides a guide map for such activities in Slano, including cycling routes that visit local stećci, richly decorated medieval tombstones.
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Beaches: Most beaches in and around Slano are pebbly, which results in extremely clear waters. Karmelska Beach** is a great small beach with some pine shade and a long stretch of quite shallow water. Banja Beach is further towards the eastern side of the bay and also offers a good amount of privacy; it has changing cabins and showers. On the western side of the Slano bay, Grgurići Beach also has facilities, including beach furniture rental and water sports, and is within easy walking distance of refreshments.
MOSTAR AND THE OLD BRIDGE
Located in the heart of Herzegovina, Mostar is one of the most fascinating and charming cities in the Balkans. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage, Mostar attracts tourists from around the world. If you haven’t yet visited this city, here are five reasons why Mostar should be at the top of your travel list.
The Old Bridge: Mostar’s most famous landmark is the Old Bridge, built in the 16th century by Ottoman architect Mimar Hajrudin. This stunning stone bridge spanning the Neretva River is a symbol of reconciliation and the connection of different cultures and religions. The bridge was destroyed during the war in 1993 but was rebuilt in 2004 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Diving from the Old Bridge has become a tradition and an attraction for many visitors.
Historic Old Town: Walking through Mostar's old town takes you centuries back in time. The narrow cobblestone streets, old stone houses, artisan shops, and numerous cafes and restaurants create an authentic feeling of bygone eras. Kujundžiluk, the main street of the old town, is known for its crafts and souvenirs, where you can find unique items made of copper, silver, and other materials.
Mostar offers a wealth of experiences to see and enjoy. Its rich history, cultural diversity, natural beauty, and culinary delights make it a perfect destination to visit. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or food enthusiast, Mostar will captivate you with its unique beauty and charm.
Međugorje
Međugorje is a town located in Herzegovina, about 25 kilometers from Mostar, near the border with Croatia. Along with the villages of Bijakovići, Vionica, Miletina, and Šurmanci, it forms a Roman Catholic parish with a population of around 5,000. Known as the city of the Virgin Mary's apparitions, Međugorje is one of the most important Marian shrines in the world.
Religious Tourism: Međugorje is one of the most well-known holy sites in the world. It all began in 1981, when a group of children in the village reportedly saw the Virgin Mary on a nearby hill. According to the children, the Virgin Mary did not speak during their first encounter but soon appeared again, presenting herself as the "Queen of Peace," and all subsequent messages were dedicated to peace in the world, faith, fasting, and prayer. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Međugorje in hopes of experiencing a holy apparition, and many of the Virgin Mary's messages are preserved and translated into the world’s most spoken languages.
Kravice Waterfalls
The **Kravice Waterfalls** rise up to 30 meters high and are 150 meters wide. A visit to Kravice can be complemented by a tour of the Koćuša Waterfalls, which are located further upstream, and the unusual waterfalls created by the Buna River at its confluence with the Neretva.
ŠPILJA VJETRENICA
Vjetrenica is a hydrologically active karst cave with four active water streams and several smaller periodic flows with underground lakes. It is located in the southern Dinaric karst region, with its entrance on the edge of Popovo Polje, 300 meters east of the center of the village of Zavala at an elevation of 260 meters above sea level, and 12 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea.
KUĆA MEDA
ACI MARINA “VELJKO BARBIERI” SLANO
SEOSKO DOMAĆINSTVO KATIČIĆ
KONOBA MANDRAČ
Discover new dishes of the menu with Mediterranean and Croatian cuisines in the comfort of this restaurant. It's easy to find this place due to its great location.
RESTORAN PERAST SLANO
Restaurant Perast is located in ACI Marina Slano and offers a wide selection of dishes and cocktails to guests, accompanied by live music.
