Getting Oriented
If you're planning a trip to Croatia, you've probably already heard of Dubrovnik. Set in the country's southernmost region along the Adriatic coast, this small walled city has always been a hotspot beloved by visitors, mostly thanks to its historic charms. However, it rose to international fame with the HBO series The Game of Thrones, which filmed many scenes in and around Dubrovnik. Whether you're familiar with the show or not, the city appeals to multiple travelers, including families, sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies.
Dubrovnik's historical core sits inside its walls, which, in some areas, rise to 750 feet, making them the second-highest in the world. Inside, you'll find plenty of historically significant monuments and buildings, plus buzzy streets and quiet alleyways filled with unique accommodations and eateries. But outside the walls is another world worth exploring and a way to get off the beaten path. You can find several beaches, local communities, islands, and hikes up into the nearby hills.
Explore the Historic City
With so much history seeping out of every corner, it's easy to spend an entire day meandering Dubrovnik's marbled streets and sites, from land or sea!
Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Explore the historic streets of Dubrovnik's Old Town, a walled city steeped in local legends, stories, and curious ways of life. With roots back to the 7th century CE and a wealthy rise as an independent republic in the Middle Ages, there's much to see and do in the marbled Old Town. Highlights include Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace, Luza Square, and the café-lined Brsalje Street, plus Lovrijenac Fortress and Dubrovnik's defense walls (the second-largest in the world). Read More
Kayak Around Dubrovnik & Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is the closest to Dubrovnik, which makes it a perfect location for a kayaking excursion. You'll start at the city's famed Banje Beach or West Harbor, making your way along Dubrovnik's picturesque coastline to Lokrum. Upon arrival, take a dip in the salty sea or a lake nicknamed "The Dead Sea." Then, explore the 15th-century Benedictine monastery or hike through the island's network of trails. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Taste the Local Cuisine
Dubrovnik's unique history and cultural influences give the Southern Dalmatia region an interesting gastronomic scene, including authentic dishes and endless vineyards.
Visit a Family Farm for an Authentic Croatian Meal
Learn about authentic Croatian food and gastronomic traditions from a local family in the Konavle region just south of Dubrovnik. You'll join a family at their home in Cilipi, where you'll learn how to prepare a meal in a peka, a typical iron-domed cooking device. As you tour the farm and enjoy your lunch, chat with the locals to learn more about life in the Croatian countryside. Read More
Konavle Wine Tasting
One of the country's most beloved wine regions is Konavle, which stretches south from Dubrovnik to the Montenegrin border, sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. You'll visit three family-run wineries, including Crvik, Ljubić, and Karaman to taste award-winning varietals. Enjoy various reds, whites, and rosés, plus dessert wines, herbed liqueurs, and traditional food. Read More
Enjoy a Day Trip
Set near a scenic archipelago and rocky coastlines filled with traditional hamlets, a day trip from Dubrovnik is an easy and interesting excursion.
Cavtat & Sokol Grad
About 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik is the scenic seaside hamlet of Cavtat, a small village with a unique history. Founded 7th century, it was a haven for ancient Greek Epidaurum refugees. Enjoy your time lounging by the beach, relaxing at a cafe by the sea, or strolling the waterfront promenade. Before or after, take a quick detour to Sokol grad, a 14th-century defense tower worth the stop for the incredible (and somewhat dizzying!) views and archeological artifacts. Read More
Island of Koločep
Although a popular day trip from Dubrovnik, Koločep Island still maintains its laid-back and authentic vibe. Take it easy on the island, enjoying its two small villages Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, or relaxing on a sandy beach, a rare find in Croatia! There are several walking and hiking paths to immerse yourself in nature, or you can kayak around the island's coves and inlets. To end your day, don't miss the tastiest grilled calamari in the country! Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Dubrovnik Itinerary
Dubrovnik makes many travelers' bucket lists, especially since it has relatively comfortable weather all year. But while planning a trip, it helps to understand its unique location. Croatia has a peculiar shape, with its southern portion stretching narrowly along the coast. Therefore, it can take time to get all the way down to Dubrovnik, especially since the city's region is separated from the rest of the country by a small slice of Bosnia. Luckily, Dubrovnik has an airport with connections to Zagreb and Split, as well as other regional cities, and there are plenty of buses, ferries, and private transfers to get you there.
Despite its location, you can still easily add Dubrovnik to any Croatian itinerary. Give yourself at least 2 or 3 full days in the city and add a day or two if you want to take a day trip. If you plan to combine a visit with Split, some of the islands (such as Hvar, Vis, or Korčula), Zagreb, or Istria, plan for travel times and set aside at least one or two weeks depending on how much you want to see and do.
Many travelers like to start or end in Dubrovnik to make the most out of their time, making their way up or down the coast and flying in or out of Zagreb. If you do that, you don't have to worry about returning across the country! Plus, you can extend your travelers to other countries if you'd like, such as Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Italy.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries featuring experiences in and around Dubrovnik: