Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik blends historic charm with Mediterranean brilliance. Its polished stone streets, imposing walls, and the striking contrast between terracotta rooftops and the deep blue sea create a setting that feels almost unreal — yet vibrantly alive.
There are journeys that stay with us — Dubrovnik was one of them. Before going, we had already heard about the mighty walls, the stone streets, and the Game of Thrones scenery. But it was only when we set foot in that city bathed by the Adriatic that we truly understood why it is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
In this article, we share our experience, the best ways to get there, what to visit, the ideal itinerary, and a few excursions that turned the trip into a true Mediterranean adventure — even when travelling with a child.
✈️ How to Get to Dubrovnik (and from the Airport to the City)
Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi) is about 20 km from the historic centre. It is small but modern and receives direct flights from several European capitals, including Lisbon and Madrid.
We travelled from Madrid (from Portugal to Madrid we took the high-speed train), and there are several flights per week.
As we did not rent a car — since it is truly unnecessary for visiting the city — we opted for public transport from the airport.
There are several options:
- Shuttle Bus (Atlas or Platanus): The most practical and affordable option. It departs shortly after flight arrivals and drops passengers at Pile Gate (the main entrance to the Old Town — lower part). It costs around €10 and takes about 30 minutes.
- Táxi ou Uber: Ideal if travelling with luggage or in a group. Prices range from €30–40 and will drop you at or near your accommodation. The Old Town sits on a hillside, and many houses are accessed via staircases and pedestrian-only streets.
- Rental Car: We do not recommend driving around the walled city. Parking is scarce and expensive. A rental car is more useful if you plan to explore the Dalmatian coast and the rest of Croatia.
🏨 Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
There are accommodations both inside and outside the city walls. We chose to stay outside the walls, in one of the many properties along the hillside overlooking the sea and the historic centre. It was a difficult choice — but a perfect one: quieter, more affordable, and just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town (always downhill or uphill!).
Here are the areas that seemed most practical to us:
- Old Town: The heart of the city. Charming, but expensive and in some places with many stairs.
- Ploče: Incredible views of the walls and the sea. A quieter area close to Dubrovnik’s main beach — Banje Beach.
- Lapad e Gruž: Beach area with good restaurants, further from the main tourist zone. Perfect for those wanting to combine relaxation with sightseeing or travel to the Croatian islands or Italy. The downside is the distance from the walled city.
- Pile: The neighbourhood west of Dubrovnik’s walls. An ideal solution due to its proximity and variety of accommodations. The views over the city and sea are also superb. This was the area we chose and truly enjoyed. We stayed at Villa Dard.
Search for your stay here
Dubrovnik is a small city, but with plenty to see and do. We stayed for 3 days, which felt ideal. However, if you want to spend more time at the beach or on excursions, a few extra days would be perfect. Here is our ideal 3-day itinerary:
Dia 1 – The City Walls and Historic Centre
Early in the morning, to avoid queues and crowds, we did Dubrovnik’s most iconic experience. The walk begins near Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town (though you can start elsewhere), where we climbed up to the walls. The walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are an absolute must.
👉 Tip: Walk the city walls early in the morning or late in the day. The 1,2 miles circular route offers breathtaking views of the sea and red rooftops. It is one of the most beautiful walks we have ever done.
Along the walls, we passed several stunning spots. The section overlooking the sea allows you to see small beaches nestled among the rocks. Near Tvrđava Minčeta, one of the highest points of the walls, the views are particularly iconic.
After leaving the walls, you should visit:
- St. Braise Church, the city’s patron saint;
- Rector’s Palace
- Franciscan Monastery (home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe)
After exploring the above landmarks, we headed towards Fort Lovrijenac, whose viewpoint over the walled city is magnificent.
The cherry on top is the small cove nearby, perfect for a swim in the calm, warm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Other Activities
Day 2 – Islands, Sea and Panoramic Views
We started the day with a boat trip around Lokrum Island (10 minutes from the Old Port). This was one of our mistakes. We should have actually visited Lokrum Island — we only realised it after sailing around it. It is a nature reserve filled with peacocks and shaded pine trails. There are also several swimming and diving spots.
In the afternoon, instead of taking the Dubrovnik cable car up to Mount Srđ, we hiked to the top. The trail begins in the upper part of the city, roughly alongside the cable car route. The climb is demanding (though not as hard as it looks). At the top, the panorama is breathtaking — you can see the entire walled city, the island in the distance, and the newer districts.
👉 Extra tip: there is a panoramic restaurant at the top (Panorama Restaurant) — ideal for dinner at sunset.
Day 3 – Beach and Fresh Air
On the third day, we decided to enjoy the beach and stroll through the city. We chose Banje Beach, right next to the walled city. Although very busy, it is incredibly appealing due to the water temperature and quality.
However, as Dubrovnik is the starting point for some of Croatia’s best boat tours, we recommend:
- Elaphiti Islands tour (Koločep, Lopud and Šipan): Full-day trip with swimming stops and lunch included.
- Sunset Cruise: An evening cruise along the illuminated walls — romantic and unforgettable.
- Kayaking along the walls: For the more adventurous, paddling along the coastline is a unique experience.
🍽️ Where to Eat (and Enjoy a Drink)
Dubrovnik is expensive, but there are good options if you know where to go. The cuisine is largely international European fare — plenty of pizza, pasta, burgers, meats and seafood.
Our favourites:
- Konoba Tabak: Traditional restaurant outside the walls, excellent for fresh fish.
- Buza Bar: The famous cliffside bar with direct sea views. Perfect for watching the sunset with a beer in hand.
- Dubravka 1836: A classic next to Pile Gate, overlooking the walls.
🌞 When to Visit Dubrovnik
- May and September are the best months — warm weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.
- July and August are hot and crowded (especially with cruise ships).
This was when we visited. Despite the crowds, by booking in advance and visiting popular spots at off-peak times, sightseeing was manageable. And as a bonus, we had perfect beach weather.
- October still offers good weather and a more peaceful city.
💡 Final Tips
Dubrovnik is a perfect blend of history, sea and Mediterranean energy. Its proximity to several paradise-like islands in the Mediterranean is a major advantage.
It was worth every step we had to climb from our accommodation to the Old Town. This is a city to explore slowly — savouring the beaches and walking the walls.
👉 Practical tip: everywhere we saw references to the Dubrovnik Pass, which includes entry to the walls and several museums. It is an excellent option if you have more time and want to explore every corner of the city.
👉 Another tip: wear comfortable shoes — there are many stairs and the stone streets can be slippery. At the beaches, always use water shoes!
❓ FAQ
How many days do I need in Dubrovnik?
2 to 3 days are ideal to explore the city and enjoy a boat trip. Add more days if you want to visit the islands and spend time at the beaches.
Is Dubrovnik expensive?
Yes and no. It is expensive, but not among the most expensive cities in Europe. Restaurant prices are comparable to Portugal, though monuments and attractions are noticeably pricier.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Although most places accept card payments, some small shops still prefer cash in euros.
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