Dubrovnik holidays

Popular holidays

Modern and Medieval join forces on Dubrovnik holidays, with stylish bars and restaurants tucked inside age-old city walls.

Croatia’s south-coast star

Dubrovnik sits on Croatia’s south coast in a region called Dalmatia. It’s known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, thanks to a map that hosts a haul of historical churches and palaces, which are often fringed by pretty beaches. It’s not all bricks and beaches though – you’ve got boutique shopping, sleek hotels and a top-notch food scene to get your teeth into.

Dubrovnik’s old town

Game of Thrones fans might feel a touch of deja vu when they step inside Dubrovnik’s old town – it’s set the backdrop to some of the show’s most iconic scenes. But, whether you know your Starks from your Lannisters or not, a trip to this side of the city should be on everybody’s radar. There’s plenty to fill your holiday photo gallery with – the town goes toe-to-toe with the coastline, and the terracotta-topped buildings that call this place home pose pretty against the Adriatic Sea.

Bags of beaches

Croatia’s well known for its pick-and-mix selection of swathes, and the story’s much the same in Dubrovnik. Most of the city’s seaside spots are fronted by pebbles – like Banje Beach, which sits just below the old town’s walls. If sand is more your style, hop on a boat to Lopud Island. The beaches here tend to fit the Med’s usual mould, with shallow waters and soft sand offering up a great alternative to the pebbly beaches in the city.

Foodie favourite

Dubrovnik’s dining scene takes inspiration from classic-Med cuisine and adds a dash of Dalmatia. It’s all about fresh flavours here, with just-caught seafood and herbs and vegetables grown in the surrounding countryside making up the main ingredients on menus. Restaurant-wise, you’re spoilt for choice. Spots serving steak and sushi offer up fine-dining experiences, while other eateries come with a more traditional approach – think octopus fritters and seafood stew.

Popular hotels in Dubrovnik

Top things to see and do in Dubrovnik

Beaches

The big beach

Banje Beach is the seaside spot you’ll see on postcards in Dubrovnik’s old town. It sits at the base of the city’s walls, so it’s perfect for a quick cool off after you’ve been on a sightseeing stroll.

The big beach

The secret beach

Vrbica Beach is away from the hustle and bustle, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to escape the city’s most-trodden swathes. The good news is that despite its peaceful setting, it’s only a 15-minute drive from the centre.

Shopping

Bargain buys

You can shop like the locals at Gruz Market, which pitches up close to the port each day. Things kick off early doors, so it’s worth heading down first thing if you’re after a bargain. It’s a top spot for picking up seafood, with fresh fish brought in daily from the nearby Elaphiti Islands.

Mid-range buys

Stradun – the old town’s main street – comes with a stretch of independent shops on both sides. You can pick all sorts up along here, from small souvenirs to unique pieces of art and handmade jewellery.

Designer buys

While Dubrovnik’s not fitted with an exclusive designer shopping scene, most of the boutiques along the Stradun keep you covered for high-end fixes. Sunglasses, shoes and handbags from all the biggest names often line the shopfronts along here.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Sunsets are usually pretty impressive from Dubrovnik, so pitch up in a coastal bar and watch the show. St Jacob’s beach is one of the best spots to watch it, and you can catch a boat ride there from the harbour in the old town.

Lively evenings

Dubrovnik’s after-dark scene is pretty lively, with the lion’s share of bars and nightclubs located in the old town. Some of Europe’s biggest festivals make a move here during summer, with the likes of age-old fortresses providing a scenic location to stomp your feet.

Food & drink

Black Risotto

This seafood risotto contains mussels, clams and other shellfish. It gets its name from the jet-black squid ink that it’s cooked in.

Arancini

Unlike Italy’s take on arancini, this dish is a sweet treat. It’s made with candied orange or lemon peel, and you’ll often find it on market stalls.

Posip wine

This white wine’s got its roots on the nearby island of Korcula. It’s got a light, refreshing taste and pairs well with cheese.

Octopus salad

This simple salad dish is a good pick in the summer. It’s made with chunks of cold, cooked octopus which are dressed in olive oil and red wine vinegar. Diced potatoes, chopped onions and sliced olives are added in, too.

Rakija

This brandy is traditionally flavoured with plums, pears and pomegranate. Locals like to use it as medicine – it’s used for to remedy a range of ailments, from a cold to stomach ache.