The Greeks knew it, the Venetians knew it and near enough every Mediterranean cruise company knows it - so try not to go city sightseeing in summer between the hours of 9am – 4pm . Witnessing the city wake up is a wonderful feeling as is taking a cable car ride to see the sunrise or sunset from Mount Srdj. Also aim to enter the Old Town via Ploce Gate, rather than Pile, for less hustle and bustle.

There are some serious crests and descents surrounding Dubrovnik and not just the swells of the Adriatic. Konavle Valley, the Elaphiti Islands and Pelješac Peninsula all plead with you not to opt out of activities with kayaking between Lopud and Kolocep, cycling around Sipan and quad biking along the rocky coast and through the pines to the village of Cilipi, awesome excuses to experience life on the sunny side.

School holidays and high temps attract the crowds to Dubrovnik during July and August with cruise ships unloading seafaring souvenir hunters at Pile Gate . Either side of summer the Old Town buzzes with caffeine-fuelled locals whilst, outside the city walls, empty trails lead to resplendent vineyards where smoked hams, dried figs, regional cheeses and locally-grown olives offer a taste of the good life, far from the madding crowd.