Dubrovnik & Islands holidays

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A picturesque coast and cobbled towns perfect for wandering – holidays to the Dubrovnik region of Croatia combine the delights of the beach with those of a city break.

Beach and city

The Dubrovnik region is located in the south of Croatia. There aren’t many destinations that offer such a fine solution to the beach vs. city break dilemma as Dubrovnik does. The Adriatic coastline, with its calm, clear waters and shingle beaches, is inviting for swimmers and hosts plenty of watersports. The nearby islands offer an enticing mix of escapism and history. Lokrum's secluded coves and Lopud's sandy beaches are worth the ferry trip, but you also have the ancient city of Dubrovnik with its historic buildings to explore.

Medieval Dubrovnik

Lord Byron once referred to Dubrovnik as ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’ and it’s easy to see why. Wander through the city and notice its trademark terracotta rooftops and chunky stone walls. Despite its traditional appearance, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars here. As you might expect, fresh seafood is a speciality.

Pine-flanked coastline

Outside of Dubrovnik city, the area’s towns and villages are bordered by pine-filled hillsides that lead down into coves and bays. One popular resort is the coastal town of Cavtat, which is right next to woodland and mountains. If you’re a fan of watersports like sailing and windsurfing, the pebble beaches are worth a visit. If you’d like somewhere calmer, the seaside villages of Plat and Mlini also have more secluded beaches. Even in the peak of summer, you shouldn’t have to dodge any crowds.

Island day trips

The Dubrovnik region has some great islands. Hvar, Brac and Lopud are three such gems and are all easily visited on a day trip. You can check out their secluded coastlines on foot by taking a ferry from the mainland, or hire a jet-ski and see the islands from the water.

Popular hotels in Dubrovnik & Islands

Top things to see and do in Dubrovnik & Islands

Beaches

A scenic coastline

The beaches in the Dubrovnik region come with a double helping of spectacular scenery. The vistas along this stretch of coast consist of wind-whipped cliffs, striking rock formations and islands that have been given National Park prestige. Choose between the lively bays that wrap around Dubrovnik old town, or sail out to one of the islets for tranquil, forest-trimmed sweeps.

The big beach

Banje Beach runs parallel to Dubrovnik old town, and its central location means it’s usually pretty busy. Thanks to a swish beach club and a cluster of luxury hotels at its perimeter, it’s also popular with celebrities and royals. Splash out on a daybed, or lay down your towel and people-watch over your paperback.

The secret beach

St Jacob’s Beach is well-hidden. It’s about a mile from Ploce Gate and takes a little effort to get to, which means it’s often totally missed by tourists. There lies its appeal, though – this small, sand-and-shingle cove has nothing but rugged cliffs and a pretty church for company. Plus, it offers up incredible views of Dubrovnik and the island of Lopud.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Down by Dubrovnik’s old harbour, stalls piled with exquisite lacework, lavender-scented bags and carnival masks huddle alongside the city walls. This is a top spot for local artists, too, who come here to peddle their sketches of the city. On weekday mornings, try Dubrovnik’s open-air market in Gunduliceva Poljana Square, where farmers sell pungent cheeses and knuckles of smoked ham. Cavtat Market is another good bet for local produce – it’s right next to the station, and is on every day.

Mid-range buys

Od Puca is Dubrovnik’s main shopping street, and it’s the place to go for funky clothes shops, antique dens and quirky jewellery stores. Popular buys along here include the city’s famous filigree gold and silver. For the traditional Croatian cravats, meanwhile, head to the Stradun, which sells every conceivable style of silk neckwear.

Designer buys

If you want to splash out, have a look in the boutiques down by Ploce Gate in Dubrovnik old town. Some of them stock major fashion labels like Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy, while others are a little more bespoke. Michal Negrin is also worth a rummage. Set down by the Rector’s Palace, this place showcases the work of an Israeli designer who creates beautiful Victorian-inspired dresses.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

In Cavtat, evenings play out along the seafront, which is lined with every type of restaurant going. After dinner, head over to the harbour-front bars for smooth jazz and never-ending wine lists. For sunset-watching, meanwhile, try the restaurants and bars built into the Dubrovnik rock face. Some of them are difficult to reach, but the views are more than worth the effort. If you’re splashing out, try celebrity-favourite, Nautika – a restaurant-come-bar right outside Ploce Gate.

Lively evenings

Dubrovnik’s Buniveca Square turns into something of an open-air bar when the sun goes down. Tables and chairs spill out in all directions from swanky cocktail lounges, and live music dens host impromptu sets on the cobbles. Warm up here, and then make tracks for Bourbon Street, where the chic bars and nightclubs attract a sophisticated clientele.

Food & drink

Manistra

This is the Dubrovnik region’s answer to Italian minestrone. It’s a hearty, old-fashioned soup that’s made with beans and fresh maize. Locals eat it as a starter, and use chunks of ‘strukle’ – fluffy rolls made with cottage cheese – to mop it up.

Sporki makaruli

Sporki makaruli is a Dubrovnik region staple, especially during the colder months. Pasta is tossed with chunks of beef, tomatoes, garlic, parsley and a dusting of cinnamon, and then topped with ribanac cheese and lashings of red wine.

Cevapcici

These spicy, minced meat rolls are the fast food of choice in these parts. Lamb, beef, garlic and herbs are kneaded together, rolled into sausage-like shapes, and then grilled. The finished product is then stuffed into pita bread alongside peppers, tomatoes and ajvar – a chili and eggplant relish – before being smothered in sour cream.

Dubrovnik rožata

If you’re a fan of crème brulee, you’ll want to try this. It’s made from eggs, milk, cream and sugar, and it’s essentially a thick cream coated in caramel and served with fruit. It’s especially delicious when drizzled in Dubrovnik rose liqueur.

Rakija

This popular local brandy is made from plums, grapes and figs. The fruits are mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, giving the drink a great aroma and a lovely smooth taste. Follow in the locals’ footsteps and enjoy it as an after-dinner tipple.