Dubrovnik
Traveling to Dubrovnik, Croatia, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a unique experience filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views. Famous before and even more famous after Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik attracts people from all over the world.
Here are five essential things to know before visiting this enchanting place:
1. Entry Requirements and Visa:
Croatia is part of the European Union, and travelers from EU and EEA countries do not need a visa. However, it’s essential to check the latest entry requirements based on your nationality. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Croatia recently (2023) joined Schengen, which means there are no longer borders with neighboring EU countries (Slovenia and Hungary).
2. Currency and Payments:
At the same time as joining Schengen, it has also switched from Kuna to Euro, so prices have pretty much doubled since, according to the locals. While most of the places in Dubrovnik accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to have some cash for small shops, markets, and places that might not accept cards. There are ATMs available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.
3. Peak Tourist Season and Crowds:
Dubrovnik is a popular destination, and its popularity peaks during the summer months, especially from June to August. During this time, the city can become quite crowded with tourists. If you prefer a quieter experience and milder weather, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October).
4. Dubrovnik Card and City Walls:
Consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Card, which offers access to many attractions and public transportation, including the city walls. Walking along the historic walls provides stunning panoramic views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the red-roofed buildings. Early morning or late afternoon visits can offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
5. Game of Thrones Connection:
Dubrovnik’s captivating old town has served as the filming location for the fictional city of King’s Landing in the popular TV series “Game of Thrones.” Many guided tours and fan experiences are available for fans of the show. Even if you’re not a fan, exploring the historical sites and learning about the filming locations can add a unique layer to your visit.
Bonus Tip: Sun Protection and Water
Dubrovnik enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers. To stay hydrated while exploring the city, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. You’ll find water fountains throughout the old town.
Dubrovnik’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty is truly captivating. Embrace its charm, explore the ancient streets, and take in the awe-inspiring views of the Adriatic coastline.
Attractions and things to do.
Old Town, Pile
Pile, the old town, is also the main attraction. With an exit to the West harbor, surrounded by walls (you can walk on for a fee), and its stone-paved small streets, the old town sends you back a few hundred years in time. At the same time, it provides you with stunning views that are hard to put into words, and you must see for yourself. You can easily spend a day in the old town just walking around.
If you want to explore every attraction in detail, you may need more than one day, and I recommend you get the Dubrovnik Card to enjoy some discounts. As you can imagine, such popular places are overpriced and overcrowded. As a tip to avoid the crowd, you need to try to plan a visit to the old town when there is no cruise ship or only one. Right next to the walls of the old town, there is a gondola that can take you up the hill so you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and see the old city from above. There is also a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a spectacular view.
I also recommend that you avoid getting accommodation around the old town as prices are insane, and the value for money is pretty low.
I stayed in an apartment on the Lapad peninsula, just on the other side of the old town, and the value for money was much better.
Beaches around Dubrovnik
If you want to relax on the beach, there are a couple of options: Copacabana Beach, Uvala Lapad Beach (Sunset Beach), and Mandrac Beach. Don’t get fooled by advertisements that say pebble/sandy beach. There might be some traces of sand between the stones, but 95% of the beaches in Croatia are pebble beaches. So don’t forget to bring your swimming shoes.
Uvala Lapad Beach has its perks. In addition to enjoying an unforgettable sunset, there are a couple of beach bars and restaurants in the area. On the right side of the beach is a bar inside a cave where you can enjoy some excellent cocktails.
My favorite beach, though, was Copacabana Beach, a bit more family-friendly and cleaner than Uvala Lapad Beach. If you can’t survive without a sunbed or umbrella, be ready to pay around 50 Euro for two sunbeds and one umbrella. If you dream of a Cabana or Gazebo, keep it as a dream. It is not worth 150 Euro (unless you use it as accommodation).
Spotting Cruise Ships in Dubrovnik
In addition to being healthy, walking around the beach is also great for spotting large cruise ships. Dubrovnik is such a popular destination that almost all Mediterranean cruises include it in their itinerary. Therefore, every day, you can spot 1-2 new large ships as they arrive or leave the port.
Day Trips From Dubrovnik
Once you have enough beach time, enjoying some day trips may be a good idea.
Depending on the duration of your visit, you should consider accommodating at least 1-day trip as there are many more things to see around. I stayed for 12 days, so I had enough time to enjoy 3-day trips that I highly recommend.
1. Elafiti Islands:
This group of islands, including Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, is just a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik. Here, you can actually enjoy their sandy beaches or explore hidden coves and charming villages. Each island has its own unique character, making it a great choice for island hopping. The trip costs about 65 Euros per person and includes lunch and drinks on the boat. It’s a bargain considering you would spend only on lunch with a drink of at least 30 Euro per person, or 25 Euro for a sunbed.
2. Montenegro:
If you’re up for a bit longer journey, consider a day trip to Montenegro. Visit the stunning Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its fjord-like appearance, charming towns, and dramatic mountain scenery. The trip by car is quite amazing along the coast, and it is about 2-3 hours, considering moderate traffic. The old town of Kotor and the coastal village of Perast are must-see highlights (be careful going around the small streets of Kotor; it’s an excellent labyrinth, so it’s pretty easy to get lost on the small streets).
3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
If you’re interested in cultural diversity and history, a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating choice. Admire the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and explore the charming old town known for its Ottoman architecture and vibrant markets. I combined the visit to Mostar with a visit to Kravica Waterfall. It was a great decision as the waterfall is impressive. I liked the waterfall more than the bridge, but that may be just my preference. The trip by car to Mostar is about 2-3 hours, and the journey between Mostar and Kravica takes another 1 hour.
Very Important. Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are not in the EU. There is a border; you must check the requirements depending on your nationality. For most EU countries, entering either for up to 90 days is no issue. Depending on your nationality and agreements between the countries, you may or may not get a stamp on your passport.
Other alternative day trip options are
- Lokrum Island: Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is a nature reserve. It is known for its lush botanical gardens, medieval ruins, and beautiful saltwater lake. It’s a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, offering walking trails, peacocks, and scenic viewpoints.
- Cavtat: A picturesque coastal town located about 20 kilometers south of Dubrovnik. Cavtat boasts charming architecture, a lovely waterfront promenade, and a peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll, visit the Rector’s Palace, and relax at one of the waterfront cafes.
Restaurants and nightlife
Dubrovnik offers more laid-back and refined nightlife than some other bustling party destinations. However, plenty of enjoyable options exist for those looking to unwind and have a good time after the sun sets.
There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the old town and the Lapad area. The restaurants offer Adriatic food and a selection of international cuisine. A good meal starts at 20 Euro, beer is around 5-6 Euro, and cocktails start around 10 Euro. A fish plate/sea food for two costs between 50 and 80 Euro. A good dinner with drinks for two costs about 100 Euro.
In the embrace of the Adriatic’s gentle waves and the caress of coastal breezes, Dubrovnik stands as a testament to the harmonious union of nature and history. Its rugged shores and crystalline waters cradle a treasure trove of stories, cultures, and experiences waiting to be discovered.
Final Thoughts
Whether you find yourself entranced by the medieval beauty of Dubrovnik’s Old Town or enchanted by the hidden coves and beaches that dot the coastline, Dubrovnik offers an immersion into a world where time seems to pause, allowing you to savor each fleeting moment.
So, as you bid farewell to its shores, may the memories of its panoramic vistas, charming villages, and vibrant culture accompany you on your journey ahead. Let the echoes of laughter, the scent of the sea, and the whisper of the wind remind you that Dubrovnik’s magic remains etched in your heart, ready to awaken the wanderer within whenever you close your eyes and dream of its beauty.
You may discover more of Croatia’s Hidden Coastal Treasure in this article.