by Saron Lease
The Dubrovnik Riviera is a great place for a Croatian holiday as it is packed with beautiful scenery & beaches but if you want to get out & about, what are the top things to do & see? We give you our top tips…
It’s tempting to lie by the pool or stay on the beach on holiday but Dubrovnik is a great place to explore! Obviously the old town of Dubrovnik is a must – see, “the pearl of the Adriatic” and it’s not hard to see why. It is a fascinating glimpse back in time and oozes atmosphere at every turn. You cannot help but be romanced by it. The Dubrovnik city walls are a great way to see the old town and of course you may have coffee on the main plaza “Stradun”. Banja Beach is also an incredible location and definitely has to be on your list even though it’s a bit busy. But what else should be on your list?
Catch a boat out to Lokrum Island for some peace and tranquility. This is a regular haunt for locals to get away from it all during the busy season and when you get there you’ll see why! Explore the island and saunter among the peacocks and beautiful nature and then find a spot by the sea and view Dubrovnik old town. A spot of diving and relaxing and a lunchtime snack – perfect.
If you have time, visit one of the Elafitti Islands too as they are quite different – sandy beaches in hidden bays, no cars on the island and pretty old sea edge villages with masses of charm. We suggest Lopud or Kolocep. Just gorgeous.
Head up Srd Hill for spectacular views of the old town and the Dubrovnik riviera coastline – a cable car runs up from the old town or if you have a car we’d heartily recommend heading up to explore a bit and to have lunch at one of the village restaurants which serve scrummy traditional dishes.
If food and wine is your thing then the Konavle a Region just south of the airport is rich with good wine and food – check out the local “Konobas” for some of the best real local food – not the usual tourist food. Don’t go too commercial :). Don’t miss Cavtat Bay either which is close by – this beautiful little sea edge town is “quintessential Croatia” and will charm you for sure.
If you’re in Dubrovnik you’re in striking distance of Mostar old town and this is really worth a trip to see just how diverse and beautiful this region is. From astonishing Roman history to the Ottoman Empire and of course the stunning old bridge and recent history, this is a truly cultural day trip and really interesting.
