Destinations · Southern Dalmatia
Dubrovnik,the walled city on the sea
The most photographed city on the Adriatic, and still one of its most rewarding villa bases. A specialist's guide to Dubrovnik, its riviera and the Elaphiti islands.
The city in short
Dubrovnik is the closing act of the Croatian coast. A walled medieval republic, still enclosed by two kilometres of stone rampart, rising directly out of the sea at Croatia's southernmost point.
For a villa holiday, the city itself is the base for a much richer region. The Konavle valley south of the city, the Elaphiti islands twenty minutes offshore, and the wine peninsula of Peljesac an hour north are what turn a Dubrovnik stay into a proper week.
It is the destination we recommend for guests who want a single grand evening or two, then real quiet.
- 1,940 m
- Of walls
- 13
- Elaphiti islands
- 0
- Cars in the old town
- 10 min
- Cable car to Srdj
Why Dubrovnik
The finale ofthe Croatian coast
Dubrovnik does not compete with any other Croatian destination on architecture. Walking the walls at dawn, before the city wakes, remains one of the great European experiences.
The trick is to base yourself outside the old town, in Cavtat, on the Lapad peninsula, or up the coast toward Trsteno, and visit the walled city on your terms rather than living inside its rhythm.
Luxury lifestyle
Sunset from Srdj,dinner on Prijeko
Days move around the water. A private boat to the Elaphiti islands and lunch at Bowa on Sipan. An afternoon at the villa. Cable-car up to Srdj for the sunset. Dinner at 360 or Nautika, both perched over the water.
Concierge-led tours of the palace and cathedral, private after-hours visits to the walls, and helicopter transfers from Split or Venice are all part of the standard Dubrovnik week for our guests.
Best beaches
Elaphiti coves,Sveti Jakov, Banje
Dubrovnik itself is not a beach city. Banje beach, at the foot of the walls, is the classic view. Sveti Jakov, a short taxi east, is quieter and better for swimming.
The proper swimming is on the Elaphitis: Sunj on Lopud is a rare sand beach, and the coves around Sipan and Kolocep are only really reached by private boat.
Fine dining
The finest windowseats on the coast
360 (Michelin star) sits inside the city walls with the harbour below. Nautika, just outside the Pile Gate, holds a decades-long reputation. Restaurant Stara Loza and Above 5 both trade on rooftop views.
For a proper local evening, take a taxi to Konoba Dubrava in Bosanka above the city, or into the Konavle valley to the family konobas at Ljuta and Pridvorje.
Family activities
Cable cars, kayaks,and the Konavle valley
Sea-kayaking around the walls and Lokrum island is the single most memorable family activity in Dubrovnik. The Srdj cable car, followed by a short walk on the summit, works for all ages.
The Konavle valley south of the city offers horse riding, a working watermill and lunch at a family homestead. All within thirty minutes of the villa.
Nature
Mljet, Lokrumand the Peljesac wines
Mljet National Park, a two-hour boat ride, has two salt-water lakes and a Benedictine monastery on an island within a lake. Lokrum, ten minutes offshore, is the perfect half-day out.
The Peljesac peninsula produces Croatia's most serious red wines from the Plavac Mali grape. A day at Grgic and Miloš, ending with oysters in Ston, is a fixed feature of most of our itineraries.
Local experiences
The walls at dawn,Konavle in the afternoon
Private walk of the walls at 7am before opening. A cellar visit and lunch on Peljesac. An oyster tasting at Mali Ston. A boat evening around the Lokrum monastery ruins.
In summer, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival brings classical concerts inside the Rector's Palace, which we book for guests months in advance.
When to visit
May, June, Septemberand quiet October
Dubrovnik is at its finest in May, June and September. October is quieter still but the sea temperature drops to 21 degrees by the end of the month.
July and August are hot and crowded during the day inside the walls, but stays outside the old town make this a non-issue. Winter has a growing following: mild, empty, and lit through Advent.
Helpful information
Practicalitiesfor Dubrovnik
Getting there
Direct flights into Dubrovnik airport from most European capitals in season. Private helicopter or speedboat transfer from Split and Cavtat.
Where to base
Cavtat for quiet and easier logistics; Lapad and Ploce for closest proximity to the walls; Zaton and Trsteno for larger private estates.
Old town timing
Enter the walls at opening or after 6pm to avoid the cruise-ship crowds. Book Buza and 360 at least ten days ahead in summer.
Getting around
Private driver for most trips. The city itself is car-free inside the walls; villas outside have parking. Cable car up to Srdj.
Peljesac and oysters
A full-day trip to Ston, Mali Ston and the Peljesac vineyards. Book Bota Sare or Kapetanova Kuca for the oyster lunch.
What to pack
Layers for boat days, walking shoes for the walls, something modestly smart for the rooftop restaurants.
Frequently asked
Dubrovnikin questions
Luxury concierge
Plan your Dubrovnikholiday
Tell us your dates, party and how much of the wider region you want to see. A specialist replies within four hours with a shortlist and a suggested itinerary.
Luxe Villas Collection
Browse villasin Dubrovnik
Sea-view estates on the Lapad peninsula, larger houses in Cavtat and Zaton, and quiet villas up the coast toward Trsteno.