Dubrovnik
Photo: Geio Tischler / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October (warm, less crowded than July-August cruise ship peak)
Language
Croatian (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency
Euro (EUR) — Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Airport
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) — 20 km south of Old Town
Population
42,000 (city proper)
Climate
Mediterranean, avg 9-28°C, 250+ sunny days/year, very mild winters
Safety Rating
Very Safe — extremely low crime, main risk is heatstroke in summer and slippery marble streets
Getting Around
Old Town is car-free and walkable. Libertas city buses connect suburbs. Water taxis to beaches and islands.
Top Highlights
City Walls Walk
A 2 km walk atop the medieval walls encircling Old Town with stunning Adriatic views. Entry: ~€35 (includes Lovrijenac Fortress). Open 8AM-7:30PM (summer). Allow 1.5-2 hours. Start at the Ploce Gate entrance early morning to beat cruise ship crowds. Bring water — no shade.
Stradun (Placa)
The main limestone-paved street running through Old Town, lined with baroque buildings, cafes, and shops. Free to walk. The marble surface is polished to a shine by centuries of foot traffic. Best experienced in the early morning or late evening when day-trippers leave.
Cable Car to Mount Srd
A 4-minute cable car ride to 412m above sea level for panoramic views of Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the Adriatic. Entry: ~€27 return. Open 9AM-midnight (summer). The restaurant at the top is overpriced — bring your own snacks. Sunset from here is spectacular.
Lokrum Island
A car-free nature island 15 min by ferry from Old Town harbor. Ferry: ~€15 return (runs every 30 min in summer). Has a botanical garden, a Dead Sea saltwater lake for swimming, a ruined Benedictine monastery, and Game of Thrones Iron Throne photo-op. Allow half a day.
Buza Bar (Cliff Bar)
Hidden gem: a bar literally built into the cliffs outside the city walls with no sign — just a hole in the wall marked 'Cold Drinks.' Drinks from €6. No seats — sit on rocks above the Adriatic. Jump into the sea for a swim. Open seasonally. Two locations: Buza I and Buza II (II is better).
Game of Thrones Walking Tour
Dubrovnik served as King's Landing in Game of Thrones. Guided tours (~€25-35, 2 hours) cover filming locations: Jesuit Stairs (Walk of Shame), Lovrijenac Fortress (Red Keep), and Pile Gate. Tours run daily. Even non-fans enjoy the history and architecture context.
Elafiti Islands Day Trip
Hidden gem: three car-free islands (Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan) reachable by ferry from Dubrovnik. Day-trip boats cost ~€40-60 with lunch. Lopud has the stunning Sunj Beach — one of the only sandy beaches in the area. Far fewer tourists than Dubrovnik. Ferries run daily in summer.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
Arrival & Old Town First Walk
Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) and transfer to Old Town (20 km). Atlas shuttle bus (€9) or taxi (€35-40). Check in and take your first walk through the marble streets.
Atlas shuttle bus from DBV to Old Town(30 minutes)
€9, timed to flight arrivals. Or taxi €35-40 (agree price beforehand). No Uber in Dubrovnik
Evening walk through Stradun and Old Town(1.5 hours)
Free. The polished marble main street, Onofrio's Fountain, Sponza Palace, and the side streets. Far more atmospheric after 6PM when cruise ship passengers have left
Dinner at Konoba Dalmatino(1.5 hours)
One of the few fairly priced restaurants inside the walls — on Miha Pracata street. Black risotto, grilled fish, and local wine. €20-30 per person. Reserve ahead
City Walls Walk & Old Town Exploration
Walk the full circuit of Dubrovnik's medieval walls — the top activity in the city. Start early to beat the heat and cruise ship crowds.
City Walls Walk at 8AM opening(2 hours)
€35 (includes Lovrijenac Fortress). Start at Ploce Gate entrance for the counter-clockwise route. 2 km circuit with constant Adriatic views. Bring water — no shade. Wear shoes with grip
Coffee at Buza Bar II (cliff bar)(1 hour)
Find the hole in the wall marked 'Cold Drinks' near the Jesuit Church. Drinks from €6. Sit on rocks above the Adriatic. Jump in for a swim. The ultimate Dubrovnik hidden gem
Lovrijenac Fortress(45 minutes)
Included in walls ticket. The 'Red Keep' from Game of Thrones. Dramatic clifftop fortress overlooking the sea
Lunch at Nishta (vegetarian) in Old Town(1 hour)
Best vegetarian restaurant in Croatia. Creative dishes, €10-15 per person. A welcome change from seafood
Rector's Palace and Dubrovnik Museum(1 hour)
€15. Gothic-Renaissance palace with a museum of Dubrovnik history. The courtyard is beautiful
Sunset cable car to Mount Srd(1.5 hours)
€27 return. 4-minute ride to 412m. Panoramic views of Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the Adriatic. The restaurant at the top is overpriced — bring your own snacks. Sunset from here is spectacular
Lokrum Island Day
Take the ferry to the car-free nature island just offshore — Dubrovnik's favorite escape for swimming, botany, and Game of Thrones photo ops.
Ferry from Old Town harbor to Lokrum(15 minutes)
€15 return. Runs every 30 min in summer from the old port
Walk the island — botanical garden, monastery ruins(1.5 hours)
Subtropical botanical garden, ruined Benedictine monastery, and the Game of Thrones Iron Throne replica (free photo op)
Swim in the Dead Sea (saltwater lake)(1.5 hours)
A small inland saltwater lake with higher buoyancy than the ocean. Sheltered from waves. One of the most unique swimming spots on the Adriatic
Rocky beach swimming on the south coast of Lokrum(1 hour)
Crystal-clear water, flat rocks for sunbathing. Bring water shoes
Lunch at the Lokrum restaurant(1 hour)
Simple but decent — salads, sandwiches, and cold drinks. €10-15. Or bring a picnic
Dinner outside the walls at Shizuku Japanese restaurant in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Excellent ramen and sushi at honest prices — €15-22. A 15-min bus ride from Old Town but 40% cheaper
Game of Thrones & Beaches
Morning GoT walking tour through King's Landing filming locations, then spend the afternoon at Dubrovnik's best beaches.
Game of Thrones walking tour(2 hours)
Guided tours €25-35. Cover the Jesuit Stairs (Walk of Shame), Lovrijenac (Red Keep), Pile Gate, and St. Dominic Street. Even non-fans enjoy the historical context. Book online
Lunch at Taj Mahal Dubrovnik (Bosnian food)(1 hour)
A surprising find — excellent Bosnian dishes. Cevapi, burek, and grilled meats. €10-15. One of the best value restaurants in Old Town
Banje Beach(2 hours)
The closest beach to Old Town — pebbles with views of the walls. Free public section on the right, paid sunbeds (€20-30 per set) on the left. Clear water for snorkeling
Walk along the coastal path to Sveti Jakov Beach(1 hour)
A 20-min walk east from Banje. Sveti Jakov is smaller, less crowded, with stunning views of Old Town from the water. Steps down are steep
Dinner at Proto in Old Town(1.5 hours)
Fine seafood — grilled fish, lobster, and Dalmatian wine. €30-45 per person. Terrace dining on the marble street. Reserve ahead
Elafiti Islands Day Trip
Escape the Old Town crowds with a boat trip to the car-free Elafiti Islands — three peaceful islands with sandy beaches, olive groves, and zero tourist shops.
Day trip boat to Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan(8 hours)
€40-60 per person including lunch on board. Departs Gruz harbor around 9AM, returns 5PM. Or take the regular Jadrolinija ferry (€5 each way) and explore independently
Swim at Sunj Beach on Lopud Island(2 hours)
One of the only sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area. 20-min walk across the island from the port. Crystal-clear shallow water. Beach bar with sunbeds (€10)
Walk Lopud village(1 hour)
Abandoned villas, a Franciscan monastery, and lush gardens. Population 200. Peaceful and timeless
Sipan Island olive groves and wine(1.5 hours)
The largest Elafiti island. Walk through olive groves and vineyards. The village of Sipanska Luka has a couple of waterfront tavernas
Dinner at Pantarul in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Dubrovnik's best bistro — creative Dalmatian cuisine with local ingredients. The tuna steak and truffle pasta are outstanding. €20-30. Book ahead
Rest Day — Free Exploration
Your rest day. Sleep in, revisit Old Town without the rush, or explore neighborhoods outside the walls that most tourists miss.
Walk the Gruz harbor and local market(1 hour)
The daily Gruz Market (mornings, Mon-Sat) sells local produce, cheese, lavender, and honey. Far cheaper and more authentic than Old Town shops
Lunch at Lucin Kantun in Old Town(1 hour)
Tiny burger and sandwich spot on a side street. The Dubrovnik burger with truffles is famous. €8-12
Free afternoon — choose your own(3 hours)
Options: kayak around the walls (€35-45, 3 hours), visit the Franciscan Monastery pharmacy (€5, one of Europe's oldest), or simply sit at a cafe on Stradun and people-watch
Farewell dinner at Restaurant 360 on the walls(2 hours)
Fine dining literally on top of the city walls. Michelin-recommended. Tasting menu from €80. Views of the harbor and Lokrum. Book well ahead for sunset table
Departure Day — Last Adriatic Views
A final morning in the Pearl of the Adriatic. One last coffee on Stradun before heading to the airport.
Early morning walk through empty Old Town(1 hour)
Before 8AM, the marble streets are empty and the light is golden. This is the real Dubrovnik — the version the cruise ship crowds never see
Coffee at Gradska Kavana on Pred Dvorom(45 minutes)
The city's main square cafe with views of the Rector's Palace and the cathedral. Strong Croatian coffee and people-watching
Atlas shuttle to DBV airport(30 minutes)
€9. Check schedule for timing with your flight. Allow 2 hours before departure
14-Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
Arrival & Old Town Evening
Arrive at DBV airport and transfer to Old Town. The evening is the best time to see Stradun — after cruise ships depart.
Atlas shuttle from DBV(30 minutes)
€9. Or taxi €35-40
Evening Stradun walk(1.5 hours)
Marble streets, Onofrio's Fountain, Sponza Palace
Dinner at Konoba Dalmatino(1.5 hours)
Black risotto, grilled fish. €20-30
City Walls & Lovrijenac Fortress
Walk the full 2 km circuit of the medieval walls at opening time before the heat and crowds arrive.
City Walls at 8AM(2 hours)
€35 includes Lovrijenac. Start Ploce Gate. Bring water
Buza Bar II cliff bar(1 hour)
Hole in the wall, drinks on rocks above the sea. Swim below
Lovrijenac Fortress(45 minutes)
Red Keep from GoT. Included in walls ticket
Lunch at Nishta(1 hour)
Vegetarian. €10-15
Cable car to Mount Srd for sunset(1.5 hours)
€27 return. Panoramic views
Lokrum Island
Ferry to the car-free nature island for swimming, botany, and the Game of Thrones Iron Throne.
Ferry to Lokrum(15 minutes)
€15 return, every 30 min
Ferry back, dinner at Shizuku in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Ramen and sushi. €15-22
Game of Thrones & Beaches
King's Landing filming locations in the morning, Adriatic beaches in the afternoon.
GoT walking tour(2 hours)
€25-35. Walk of Shame stairs, Red Keep, filming locations
Lunch at Taj Mahal (Bosnian food)(1 hour)
Cevapi, burek. €10-15
Banje Beach(2 hours)
Views of walls. Free public section
Walk to Sveti Jakov Beach(1.5 hours)
Less crowded, stunning views
Dinner at Proto(1.5 hours)
Fine seafood. €30-45
Elafiti Islands
Day trip to three car-free islands — Sunj Beach on Lopud has the best sand in the Dubrovnik area.
Day trip boat to Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan(8 hours)
€40-60 with lunch. Or Jadrolinija ferry €5 each way
Sunj Beach on Lopud(2 hours)
Sandy, crystal-clear, shallow
Return, dinner at Pantarul(1.5 hours)
Best bistro in Dubrovnik. €20-30
Rest Day & Kayaking
A slower day with optional sea kayaking around the walls — seeing Dubrovnik from the water is a different experience entirely.
Sea kayak around the walls(3 hours)
€35-45. Guided tour paddling past the walls, Lovrijenac, and to Betina Cave for snorkeling. No experience needed. Morning or sunset departures
Lunch at Lucin Kantun(1 hour)
Truffle burger. €8-12
Dinner at Restaurant 360 on the walls(2 hours)
Fine dining on the walls. Tasting menu from €80. Book ahead
Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia
Cross the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina to visit the stunning Ottoman bridge town of Mostar — one of the most rewarding day trips from Dubrovnik.
Bus or guided tour to Mostar(2.5 hours)
Guided tours €45-65 per person. Public bus €20 each way. Bring passport — you cross the Bosnia border
Stari Most (Old Bridge)(1.5 hours)
The iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge rebuilt after the 1990s war. Watch divers jump from the 24m bridge into the Neretva River. The cobblestone old town on both sides is atmospheric
Walk the Ottoman old town(1 hour)
Copper workshops, Turkish rugs, and bazaar stalls. More authentic and far cheaper than Dubrovnik. Turkish coffee (€1) is a must
Lunch at Sadrvan by the bridge(1 hour)
Bosnian-Ottoman cuisine — cevapi (grilled meat), dolma (stuffed peppers), baklava. €6-10 per person. Half the price of Dubrovnik
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque(30 minutes)
€5. Climb the minaret for the best view of the bridge. Stunning
Day Trip to Montenegro — Kotor & Budva
Drive south to the breathtaking Bay of Kotor in Montenegro — fjord-like scenery, a medieval walled town, and Adriatic charm.
Drive or tour to Kotor, Montenegro(2 hours)
Guided tours €45-65. Self-drive: 2 hours via the coastal road. Bring passport — you cross the Montenegro border
Kotor Old Town(1.5 hours)
Free to enter. A medieval walled town in a dramatic fjord setting. Narrower and more intimate than Dubrovnik. Fewer tourists
Climb the Kotor fortress walls(1.5 hours)
€8. 1,350 steps (not a typo) to the fortress at the top. The views down over the bay are extraordinary. Bring water. Start early to avoid midday heat
Lunch in Kotor Old Town(1 hour)
Try Galion on the waterfront — seafood with bay views. €12-18
Drive to Budva Old Town (optional, 30 min)(1 hour)
A smaller walled town on the open coast with sandy beaches. The old town is atmospheric
Cooking Class & Lapad Neighborhood
Learn to cook Dalmatian cuisine, then explore Dubrovnik's residential Lapad peninsula — where locals actually live.
Dalmatian cooking class(4 hours)
Book Dubrovnik Cooking School or Mihovil (€65-85). Market visit at Gruz, then cook peka (meat/octopus under a bell), black risotto, and rozata (Dubrovnik creme brulee). Eat what you cook
Walk Lapad peninsula(2 hours)
Pine-shaded promenade, quiet beaches (Copacabana, Lapad Beach), and waterfront restaurants. Where Dubrovnik locals live and eat
Swim at Copacabana Beach in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Pebble beach with views of Dubrovnik Bridge. Sunbeds €10. Calmer and less crowded than Old Town beaches
Dinner at Pantarul(1.5 hours)
Return visit to Dubrovnik's best bistro. Try the dishes you missed. €20-30
Wine Country — Peljesac Peninsula
Day trip to the Peljesac Peninsula — Croatia's premier wine region, known for Dingac and Postup red wines from clifftop vineyards.
Ston — the 'European Great Wall'(1.5 hours)
Free to enter town (wall walk €10). The longest fortress walls in Europe (5.5 km) protecting medieval salt pans. Ston is also famous for oysters
Oyster tasting at Mali Ston(1 hour)
Fresh oysters pulled from the bay — €1-2 each. Bota Sare restaurant has the best. Also try mussels buzara (in wine and garlic)
Wine tasting at Matusko Winery(1.5 hours)
€15-25 for a tasting flight. Learn about Dingac — Croatia's first protected wine appellation. The clifftop vineyards plunging to the sea are dramatic
Trsteno Arboretum & Cavtat
Visit the Renaissance arboretum used as a GoT filming location, then explore the charming harbor town of Cavtat — Dubrovnik before the tourists.
Trsteno Arboretum(1.5 hours)
€7. A 500-year-old Renaissance garden on the coast — used as the Tyrell gardens in Game of Thrones. Giant plane trees, an aqueduct, and cliffside terraces with sea views
Walk Cavtat harbor promenade(1 hour)
Free. A beautiful horseshoe bay with a palm-lined promenade, colorful houses, and waterfront cafes. What Dubrovnik used to be before mass tourism
Lunch at Taverna Galija in Cavtat(1.5 hours)
Family-run seafood restaurant with honest prices. Fresh catch, Dalmatian wine. €15-22
Swim at Cavtat beaches(1.5 hours)
Clear water, less crowded than Dubrovnik
Return to Dubrovnik, dinner at Azur(1.5 hours)
Asian-Mediterranean fusion in Old Town. The prawn dumplings are excellent. €20-30
Beach & Snorkeling Day
Your second rest day. Pick your favorite beach, rent snorkeling gear, and spend the day in the crystal-clear Adriatic.
Beach day — choose your favorite(4 hours)
Sveti Jakov for views, Banje for convenience, Copacabana in Lapad for space. Rent snorkeling gear from a dive shop (€10-15/day). The rocks around Lokrum and Sveti Jakov have the best underwater visibility
Late lunch at Bowa Beach in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Beach club with deck chairs above the sea. Mediterranean menu and cocktails. €15-25
Dinner at Poklisar on the harbor(1.5 hours)
Terrace right on the water inside the old port. Fresh seafood and sunset views. €25-35
Final Old Town Day & Farewell Dinner
Last full day — tie up loose ends in Old Town, pick up souvenirs, and savor a farewell dinner.
Franciscan Monastery and pharmacy(45 minutes)
€5. One of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe (since 1317). The monastery cloister is peaceful
Dominican Monastery(45 minutes)
€5. Gothic cloister and art gallery with Dubrovnik school paintings
Souvenir shopping — lavender, local wine, olive oil(1 hour)
Buy lavender sachets from Hvar (€3-5), Peljesac wine, and Dalmatian olive oil. The Gruz market is cheaper than Old Town shops
Lunch at Lokanda Peskarija on the harbor(1 hour)
No-frills seafood on the old port. Mussels, calamari, and fish plates. €15-20. The setting on the harbor is the draw
Farewell sunset from Mount Srd(1 hour)
Cable car up, walk down (or vice versa). One final panoramic view
Farewell dinner at Dubravka 1836(2 hours)
Terrace dining overlooking the sea and Lovrijenac Fortress. Traditional Dalmatian cuisine. €30-45. A fitting last night
Departure Day
One final morning walk through empty Old Town before heading to the airport.
Early morning Old Town walk (before 8AM)(1 hour)
Empty marble streets, golden light. The real Dubrovnik
Atlas shuttle to DBV airport(30 minutes)
€9. Allow 2 hours before flight
21-Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
Arrival & Old Town Evening
Arrive at DBV airport and transfer to Old Town. The evening is the best time to see Stradun — after cruise ships depart.
Atlas shuttle from DBV(30 minutes)
€9. Or taxi €35-40
Evening Stradun walk(1.5 hours)
Marble streets, Onofrio's Fountain, Sponza Palace
Dinner at Konoba Dalmatino(1.5 hours)
Black risotto, grilled fish. €20-30
City Walls & Lovrijenac Fortress
Walk the full 2 km circuit of the medieval walls at opening time.
City Walls at 8AM(2 hours)
€35 includes Lovrijenac. Start Ploce Gate. Bring water
Buza Bar II cliff bar(1 hour)
Hole in the wall, drinks on rocks above the sea
Lovrijenac Fortress(45 minutes)
Red Keep from GoT. Included in walls ticket
Lunch at Nishta(1 hour)
Vegetarian. €10-15
Cable car to Mount Srd for sunset(1.5 hours)
€27 return. Panoramic views
Lokrum Island
Ferry to the car-free nature island for swimming, botany, and the Iron Throne.
Ferry to Lokrum(15 minutes)
€15 return, every 30 min
Ferry back, dinner at Shizuku in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Ramen and sushi. €15-22
Game of Thrones & Beaches
King's Landing filming locations in the morning, Adriatic beaches in the afternoon.
GoT walking tour(2 hours)
€25-35. Walk of Shame stairs, Red Keep, filming locations
Lunch at Taj Mahal (Bosnian food)(1 hour)
Cevapi, burek. €10-15
Banje Beach(2 hours)
Views of walls. Free public section
Dinner at Proto(1.5 hours)
Fine seafood. €30-45
Elafiti Islands
Day trip to three car-free islands — Sunj Beach on Lopud has the best sand in the Dubrovnik area.
Day trip boat to Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan(8 hours)
€40-60 with lunch. Or Jadrolinija ferry €5 each way
Sunj Beach on Lopud(2 hours)
Sandy, crystal-clear, shallow
Return, dinner at Pantarul(1.5 hours)
Best bistro in Dubrovnik. €20-30
Rest Day & Kayaking
A slower day with optional sea kayaking around the walls.
Sea kayak around the walls(3 hours)
€35-45. Guided tour past the walls, Lovrijenac, to Betina Cave. Morning or sunset
Lunch at Lucin Kantun(1 hour)
Truffle burger. €8-12
Dinner at Restaurant 360 on the walls(2 hours)
Fine dining on the walls. Tasting menu from €80. Book ahead
Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia
Cross the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina to visit the stunning Ottoman bridge town of Mostar.
Bus or guided tour to Mostar(2.5 hours)
Guided tours €45-65. Public bus €20 each way. Bring passport
Stari Most (Old Bridge)(1.5 hours)
16th-century Ottoman bridge. Watch divers jump 24m
Walk the Ottoman old town(1 hour)
Copper workshops, Turkish rugs. Turkish coffee €1
Lunch at Sadrvan by the bridge(1 hour)
Cevapi, dolma, baklava. €6-10
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque(30 minutes)
€5. Climb the minaret for bridge views
Day Trip to Montenegro — Kotor & Budva
Drive south to the breathtaking Bay of Kotor in Montenegro.
Drive or tour to Kotor, Montenegro(2 hours)
Guided tours €45-65. Bring passport
Kotor Old Town(1.5 hours)
Free to enter. Medieval walled town in a dramatic fjord setting
Climb the Kotor fortress walls(1.5 hours)
€8. 1,350 steps to the fortress
Lunch in Kotor Old Town(1 hour)
Try Galion — seafood with bay views. €12-18
Cooking Class & Lapad Neighborhood
Learn to cook Dalmatian cuisine, then explore the residential Lapad peninsula.
Dalmatian cooking class(4 hours)
Book Dubrovnik Cooking School (€65-85). Market visit, cook peka, black risotto, rozata
Walk Lapad peninsula(2 hours)
Pine-shaded promenade, quiet beaches
Swim at Copacabana Beach in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Pebble beach. Sunbeds €10
Dinner at Pantarul(1.5 hours)
Try the dishes you missed. €20-30
Wine Country — Peljesac Peninsula
Day trip to Croatia's premier wine region — Dingac and Postup red wines from clifftop vineyards.
Ston — the 'European Great Wall'(1.5 hours)
Free to enter town (wall walk €10). Longest fortress walls in Europe
Oyster tasting at Mali Ston(1 hour)
Fresh oysters €1-2 each. Bota Sare restaurant
Wine tasting at Matusko Winery(1.5 hours)
€15-25. Dingac — Croatia's first protected appellation
Trsteno Arboretum & Cavtat
Renaissance arboretum (GoT filming location) and the charming harbor town of Cavtat.
Trsteno Arboretum(1.5 hours)
€7. 500-year-old garden — Tyrell gardens in GoT
Lunch at Taverna Galija in Cavtat(1.5 hours)
Family-run seafood. €15-22
Return to Dubrovnik, dinner at Azur(1.5 hours)
Asian-Mediterranean fusion. Prawn dumplings. €20-30
Beach & Snorkeling Day
Your second rest day. Pick your favorite beach and spend the day in the Adriatic.
Beach day — choose your favorite(4 hours)
Sveti Jakov for views, Banje for convenience, Copacabana for space. Snorkeling gear €10-15/day
Late lunch at Bowa Beach in Lapad(1.5 hours)
Beach club with deck chairs. €15-25
Dinner at Poklisar on the harbor(1.5 hours)
Fresh seafood and sunset views. €25-35
Rest Day — Free & Easy
After nearly two weeks of activity, take a complete rest day. No plans, no pressure.
Multi-Day Trip — Korcula Island (Day 1)
Take a catamaran to Korcula Island for a 2-night stay. Marco Polo's alleged birthplace, with a stunning medieval old town, pristine beaches, and excellent wine.
Catamaran from Dubrovnik to Korcula(2.5 hours)
Kapetan Luka or TP Line, €20-30 each way. Daily departures in summer. Book ahead
Check into hotel in Korcula Old Town(30 minutes)
Small hotels and apartments from €60-120/night. The Old Town has stunning waterfront options
Walk Korcula Old Town(2 hours)
Free. A miniature Dubrovnik on a peninsula — fishbone-patterned streets designed to channel sea breezes, a cathedral with a Tintoretto painting, and Marco Polo's tower (€5)
Marco Polo Tower and exhibition(45 minutes)
€5. Climb the tower for panoramic views. The claim that Marco Polo was born here is debated between Croatia and Italy
Dinner at Konoba Mate in Korcula Old Town(1.5 hours)
Traditional Dalmatian in a stone courtyard. Grilled fish, peka lamb, and local Grk wine. €20-30
Korcula Island (Day 2) — Beaches, Wine & Moreska
Explore Korcula's beaches and wine, then watch the Moreska — a medieval sword dance performed since the 15th century.
Morning beach — Pupnatska Luka(2.5 hours)
Korcula's best beach — a sheltered pebble cove with crystal-clear water surrounded by pine forest. 20 min drive from town. Bring food and water
Wine tasting at Toreta Winery(1.5 hours)
€10-15. Taste Grk and Posip — white wines unique to the Korcula area. The Grk grape only grows in the tiny village of Lumbarda nearby. Smooth, mineral, and delicious
Lunch at Konoba Belin in Lumbarda(1.5 hours)
A family restaurant surrounded by vineyards. Home-cooked food — grilled fish, pasta with seafood, local wine. €15-22
Walk Lumbarda village and sandy beaches(1 hour)
One of the few sandy beaches on the Dalmatian coast — Przina Beach
Moreska sword dance performance (Thursdays in summer)(1 hour)
€15. A dramatic medieval sword dance performed outside the Old Town walls. A battle between the Black King and Red King over a captured princess. Unique to Korcula, performed since the 1400s
Return from Korcula & Afternoon Free
Morning catamaran back to Dubrovnik, afternoon at leisure.
Olive Oil Tasting & Konavle Valley
Explore the rural Konavle Valley south of Dubrovnik — olive oil estates, silk weaving, and traditional Dalmatian village life.
Olive oil tasting at an estate(1.5 hours)
€15-25. Konavle produces some of Croatia's finest olive oil. Visit a family mill, learn about pressing, and taste 4-5 oils with bread and local cheese
Visit Ljuta mill and the silk village of Cilipi(1.5 hours)
Free to walk. Ljuta has an ancient water-powered grain mill. Cilipi has traditional folk dancing in front of the church on Sunday mornings (free) and a silk embroidery tradition
Lunch at Konavoski Dvori(1.5 hours)
A riverside restaurant by a waterfall in the Ljuta canyon. Traditional peka, grilled lamb, and trout. €18-28. One of the most atmospheric restaurants in the Dubrovnik region
Diving or Snorkeling Day
Dubrovnik's underwater world is remarkable — clear water, sea caves, and a sunken ship. Dedicate a day to exploring beneath the surface.
Scuba diving or guided snorkeling tour(4 hours)
Diving: €60-90 for a 2-dive trip including equipment. Blue Planet Diving is reputable. Sites include a sunken cargo ship, underwater caves near Lokrum, and reef walls. Snorkel-only tours: €30-40. Visibility typically 20-30 meters
Walk the Old Town walls at sunset (if not done)(1 hour)
The late afternoon light on the walls is magical
Dinner at Nautika(2 hours)
Fine dining at Pile Gate entrance. Terrace overlooking the sea and Lovrijenac. Lobster, fresh fish, and Dalmatian wines. €50-70. Reserve for sunset table
Final Old Town Day & Farewell Dinner
Last full day in the Old Town. Tie up loose ends, pick up souvenirs, and savor a farewell dinner.
Franciscan Monastery and pharmacy(45 minutes)
€5. One of the oldest pharmacies in Europe (since 1317)
Dominican Monastery(45 minutes)
€5. Gothic cloister and art gallery
Souvenir shopping — lavender, local wine, olive oil(1 hour)
Gruz market is cheaper than Old Town shops
Lunch at Lokanda Peskarija on the harbor(1 hour)
No-frills seafood on the old port. Mussels, calamari. €15-20
Farewell dinner at Dubravka 1836(2 hours)
Terrace dining overlooking the sea and Lovrijenac. Traditional Dalmatian cuisine. €30-45
Bonus Day — Mljet National Park
If you haven't had enough islands, take a day trip to Mljet — the greenest and most forested island in the Adriatic with saltwater lakes and a monastery.
Catamaran from Dubrovnik to Mljet (Polace or Pomena)(1.5 hours)
€20-30 each way. Check schedules — limited departures
Mljet National Park entry(5 hours)
€15. Rent a bike (€10/day) and cycle around the two saltwater lakes — Veliko and Malo Jezero. The swimming is incredible — warm, calm, crystal-clear. On the island in the middle of the big lake sits a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, reachable by small boat (included in entry)
Visit the Benedictine Monastery on St. Mary's Island(45 minutes)
Included in park entry. A serene 12th-century monastery surrounded by lake water. The restaurant here serves simple but excellent fish and salad
Departure Day
One final morning walk through empty Old Town before heading to the airport.
Early morning Old Town walk (before 8AM)(1 hour)
Empty marble streets, golden light. The real Dubrovnik
Atlas shuttle to DBV airport(30 minutes)
€9. Allow 2 hours before flight
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Schengen Zone Entry
Croatia joined the Schengen Area in January 2023. US citizens get 90 days visa-free. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa. If you already have a valid Schengen visa, it works for Croatia too. ETIAS may apply for visa-exempt travelers from 2025.
Budget
Avoid Cruise Ship Days
Up to 10,000 cruise ship passengers flood Old Town daily in peak summer. Check the Dubrovnik port authority website for cruise schedules. Visit the walls and Old Town early morning (before 9AM) or late afternoon (after 5PM) when day-trippers have left. May/June and September/October are far more pleasant.
Eat Outside Old Town Walls
Restaurants inside Old Town charge 30-50% more than those just outside. Walk 5 minutes to Lapad or Gruz for the same quality at local prices. In Old Town, Konoba Dalmatino on Miha Pracata street is one of the few places with fair prices. A seafood dinner outside walls costs €15-25 vs €30-50 inside.
transport
Airport to Old Town
DBV airport is 20 km south. Atlas shuttle bus runs to Old Town for ~€9 (timed to flight arrivals). Taxi costs €35-40 (agree on price beforehand). No Uber in Dubrovnik. City buses from the airport are cheapest (~€6) but infrequent. Book shuttle in advance during peak season.
Safety
Marble Streets Are Slippery
The polished limestone streets of Old Town become extremely slippery when wet or even dewy in the morning. Wear shoes with good grip, not smooth-soled sandals or flip-flops. This catches many tourists off guard — ankle injuries are common.
Local Customs
Dubrovnik Card for Savings
The Dubrovnik Card (€35 for 1 day, €45 for 3 days, €55 for 7 days) includes city walls, 9 museums, bus transport, and discounts. Worth it if you plan to walk the walls (€35 alone) plus visit any museum. Buy online for 10% discount. Activate on first use.
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