Croatia guide
Our Croatia travel guide has tips on culture, food and shopping, plus what we rate (and don't).
DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE
The sun’s glare reflects off white limestone walls and patchwork paving as you stroll down the pedestrianised Placa linking the gates of Pile and Ploce. This is Dubrovnik: famed for fortifications, Franciscan monasteries, Gothic-Renaissance palaces and hexadecagon-shaped fountains. Oh, and the walls. Can’t forget the walls. Ironically, the walls of Dubrovnik offer a glimpse at what else is out there. The pine forests and saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park; the flower-festooned villages, summer houses and secret coves of the Elaphiti Islands; the Benedictine abbey and botanical gardens of car-free Lokrum Island. Strain your gaze south and the rural trails of Konavle Valley lie beyond.
There’s more to Dubrovnik than walls so make the most of boats, bikes, kayaks and hiking boots as you release yourself from ramparts and explore without cruise ship crowds.![]()
To the north, from Ston, the vineyards and oyster beds of the Pelješac Peninsula create a gastronomic delight for cyclists. The twinkling Adriatic is crying out for kayaking, snorkelling and wading in crystal clear shallows in search of sand-free sanctuary without crowds, and, sometimes, without clothes.
Find out more in our Dubrovnik travel guide.
Find out more in our Dubrovnik travel guide.
Our Dubrovnik Holidays
Dubrovnik & islands walking holiday, Croatia
Walking holiday in Dubrovnik and islands in Croatia
From
€710 to €880
8 days
ex flights
Dubrovnik kayaking & cycling short break
Active getaway to free your mind & workout your body
From
€420 to €480
4 days
ex flights
Rural accommodation in Croatia, Vineyard Cottage
Unique stone eco cottage in vineyards of Dubrovnik Malvasija
From
€59 to €99
per accommodation per night
Lighthouse accommodation near Dubrovnik
Croatia Villa Holiday in converted Lighthouse near Dubrovnik
From
€550 to €800
per accommodation per night
Dubrovnik and the Islands activity holiday
Fun activity holiday, stunning nature and gourmet food
From
€1050 to €1150
8 days
ex flights
Dubrovnik Islands sailing holidays
Explore amazing islands around Dubrovnik on a sailing yacht.
From
€1390 to €4500
8 days
ex flights
DUBROVNIK MAP & HIGHLIGHTS
Occupying the skinnier southern section of Dalmatia, Dubrovnik–Neretva County captures the islands and mainland coastal districts surrounding the city of Dubrovnik. Stretching southwards from Hvar Island and the seaside village of Drvenik to the borders with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubrovnik–Neretva also includes the Pelješac Peninsula and the southernmost region of Konavle. The Elaphiti Islands, Korcula Island and Mljet National Park all feature within the county limits and there are numerous ferries, catamarans and water taxis operating out of Dubrovnik with seasonal timetables and prices to match: Oct to May is low season, June to Sept is high season.
Our top Dubrovnik Holiday
Dubrovnik & islands walking holiday, Croatia
Walking holiday in Dubrovnik and islands in Croatia
From
€710 to €880
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2023: 30 Apr, 13 May, 10 Jun, 2 Sep, 23 Sep, 7 Oct
2023: 30 Apr, 13 May, 10 Jun, 2 Sep, 23 Sep, 7 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Dubrovnik or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
01273 823 700
Call us after 10am
Calling from outside the UK
1.
Dubrovnik
2. Elaphiti islands
3. Konavle countryside
4. Lokrum island
5. Mljet island
6. Peljesac peninsula
2. Elaphiti islands
3. Konavle countryside
4. Lokrum island
5. Mljet island
6. Peljesac peninsula
Dubrovnik
1. Dubrovnik
Pale limestone paves the way to 15th century fountains and steep side streets in Dubrovnik's Stari Grad (Old Town), providing early birds with a glimpse of life pre-tourism. The white stone stands in contrast to the russet red roof tiles with baroque, copper- domed, churches standing alongside convents and cloistered gardens to create a cornucopia of colour best viewed from Mount Srdj via cable car or hiking trail.
Elaphiti islands
2. Elaphiti islands
Ferries here are frequent so don't expect to keep this Adriatic archipelago to yourself. The three inhabited islands all tempt cyclists, walkers and bathers, although Lopud's sandy beach does tend to draw more crowds. Sipan boasts a rugged coastline, church ruins and an abundance of palm trees whereas Kolocep is renowned for ancient pines, citrus groves and fishing villages – Gornje Celo and Donje Celo.
Konavle countryside
3. Konavle countryside
Captured between the Adriatic and Mt Sniježnica, the rocky valleys and peaceful pastures of Konavle extend from Cavtat (15 mins from Dubrovnik) to Montenegro to invite travellers into rural lifestyles featuring watermills and waterfalls hidden by pine and cypress forests. Olives, figs, grapes and mulberries are grown in abundance with out-of-the-way villages, like Cilipi, initiating a peep into the past.
Lokrum island
4. Lokrum island
Right in front of Dubrovnik – seriously, you can't miss it, just a 15 minute ferry ride away – the tiny emerald isle of Lokrum is bypassed by most tourists looking to island hop and as such makes for an incredibly pleasant place to spend a day. Well worn tracks meander from botanical gardens to ancient fortifications, olive groves, sheltered swim spots and a cafe or two – great option if you’re stuck for time.
Mljet island
5. Mljet island
The northwest of Mljet Island has been a national park since the 60s and features a couple of vast, saltwater lakes, one of which has its own island and 12th century Benedictine monastery. Hikers and bikers will be in their absolute element with numerous ridges, gorges and pine-covered hillsides presenting ample stomping grounds prior to renting a kayak and paddling to the beaches and coves along the coast.
Peljesac peninsula
6. Peljesac peninsula
About an hour's drive along the coast from Dubrovnik you'll come to Ston (famed for its Great Wall of China- type walls) and the start of the Pelješac Peninsula. This 65km fertile frond is flanked on both sides by coastline and features some of the finest mussels, oysters and seafood hotspots in Croatia, as well as an abundance of vineyards - all within easy reach for cyclists looking to expand horizons, and Lycra.
More about Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik holidays live up to the hype; a medieval walled city is usually enough, but one that overlooks a coastline that would usurp every shade of blue and green of any artist’s palette, makes it memorable in the extreme.
When most people say Dubrovnik, what they really mean is Old Town, Dubrovnik (or perhaps King’s Landing, Westeros). It’s the impossibly picturesque – and often impossibly busy – city centre.
Just as they were for the aristocrats of yore, the Elaphiti Islands are your great escape from the crowds of Dubrovnik, setting out hideaways for people who want to sail, hike, kayak and swim.
The cruise scene in Croatia is blighted by the behemoths of the industry, but don’t think that means you can’t sail in – you just have to choose your cruise very carefully.
The Dalmatian Coast proves that there’s life beyond Dubrovnik – over 230km of it, in fact. Read our guide to find out why the Elaphiti Islands are just a taster.
How do you avoid the crowds in Dubrovnik? Can you? Should you travel to Dubrovnik at all? All fair questions. Read our guide to find out the answers.
Beautiful Dubrovnik has become troubled by overtourism in recent years. We examine overtourism in Dubrovnik in depth and explain what you, the traveller, can do to avoid contributing to it.
Responsible tourism and Dubrovnik are two ideas that are getting further and further apart. It has the dubious honour of, alongside Venice, being one of the most over-visited cities in the world.
More relevant guides
