Dubrovnik Croatia 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Dubrovnik Itinerary:

This itinerary balances exploring Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town with the beauty and adventure of its surrounding region.

Where to Stay:

For a charming, historic experience within the city walls:

  • Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik: Luxurious hotel with stunning sea views, right in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
  • Villa Dubrovnik: Boutique hotel perched above the Adriatic Sea, offering breathtaking panoramas and easy access to the old town.

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Dubrovnik (preferably Dubrovnik Airport for ease). Transfer to your accommodation within the Old Town walls (taxi or pre-booked airport transfer recommended for convenience).
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the historic streets of the Old Town, starting at the Pile Gate and wandering along the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street.
    • Things to see: Explore the charming Old Town streets, soak in the history and architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Croatian dinner at Restaurant Proto, known for its seafood and stunning terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Day 2: Walking the Walls & Dubrovnik History

  • Morning: Walk the iconic city walls (early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid midday crowds and heat).
  • Afternoon: Visit Fort Lovrijenac, Stradun, the Rector’s Palace, and the Dubrovnik Cathedral.
  • Evening: Dine at Pizzeria Tabasco for delicious pizza in a charming setting, or indulge in a fine-dining experience at Restaurant Dubrovnik within the Old Town walls.

Day 3: Island Hopping - Lokrum Island & Lokrum Restaurant

  • Morning: Take a ferry from the Old Town to Lokrum Island. Explore the Benedictine monastery ruins, the lush botanical gardens, and the iconic Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.

  • Afternoon: Relax on the beaches of Lokrum Island, wander through the Dead Sea salt lake, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

  • Evening: Have dinner at Restaurant Lokrum, one of the island’s restaurants offering stunning views and fresh seafood options.

Things to note:

  • The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Respect the city walls: Be mindful of other visitors and avoid climbing on them or damaging the structure in any way.

Activities within Dubrovnik:

  • Take a walking tour of the city walls: This is a must-do for any visitor to Dubrovnik, offering breathtaking views and a chance to learn about the city’s history.
  • Explore the Old Town: Walk along the streets, visit museums and churches, and discover hidden alleyways and courtyards.

Restaurant Recommendations within the City:

  • Restaurant Lokrum: Enjoy a delicious meal with a view at this renowned seafood restaurant inside the old town walls. They offer fresh Adriatic fish, seafood platters, and local delicacies like “crni rizot” (black risotto) or “brudet” (fish stew).
  • Restaurant Dubrovnik: This elegant restaurant is located in a charming courtyard within the Old Town, serving traditional Croatian cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 4-7: Exploring the Dubrovnik Riviera & Beyond

  • Visit the island of Lokrum: Just a short ferry ride from the city, Lokrum offers stunning nature walks, historical sites, and picturesque beaches.
  • Explore the walled city of Korčula (Days 4-5): Visit this charming medieval town and enjoy its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves.

Day 5: Lokrum Island Day Trip:

  • Morning: Arrive on Lokrum Island by ferry and explore the Abbey of Benedictines, a historical landmark with a fascinating past.
  • Afternoon: Relax at one of the secluded coves and soak in the beauty of the island. Enjoy the views, swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply sunbathe.
  • Evening: Explore the charming restaurants along the harbor, like Konoba Trevizi which offers a unique dining experience overlooking the sea.

Day 6: Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town:

  • Wander through the historic streets and soak in the architecture and atmosphere.

  • Discover the history of the city: Explore the city walls, the Rector’s Palace, and the ancient streets and squares of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

  • Enjoy the views from the top of Mount Srđ: Take a cable car ride to the top for stunning panoramic vistas.

Beyond the Walls:

  • Explore the islands: The Dubrovnik Riviera is dotted with beautiful islands, each offering its own unique charm.

  • Visit the Lokrum island: Explore the historical monastery and relax on the beach.

  • Hike or bike through the countryside: The surrounding hills offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Things to note:

  • Respect nature: Stay on marked trails and avoid littering.
  • Explore the history of Dubrovnik: Learn about the city’s fascinating past as a maritime republic and explore its historical sites.

Enjoy the Beaches:

  • Banje Beach: This popular beach is located right in front of the city walls and offers stunning views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
  • Dubrovnik beaches: While there are limited swimming options within the walled city, you can find many nearby beaches outside the city walls for a refreshing dip.

Things to do:

  • Take a boat trip: Explore the beautiful islands of the Adriatic Sea, like Hvar, Korčula, or Lokrum, with stunning views of the coastline.

  • Enjoy the sunset from a scenic viewpoint: Take in the beauty of the Adriatic sunset from a spot like Banje Beach or the cliffs above the Old Town.

Tips for Exploring Dubrovnik:

  • Book your accommodation in advance: Dubrovnik is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, so it’s important to secure a place to stay before you arrive.

  • Explore the Old Town: The Old Town is a beautiful and historic area with stunning architecture and charming restaurants.

  • Walk the walls for a unique perspective: Enjoy the views from above the city while learning about its fascinating history.

  • Take advantage of the cable car: The view from the top of Mount Srđ is breathtaking, especially at sunset.

  • Consider visiting in the shoulder season: May-June or September-October for milder weather and fewer crowds.

Restaurant Recommendations (Beyond the Old Town):

  • Lokrum Restaurant: Located on the island of Lokrum (accessible by boat from Dubrovnik), this restaurant offers traditional Croatian dishes with a focus on fresh seafood.
  • Restaurant Adriatic: This popular spot has a modern take on Dalmatian cuisine and is known for its stunning views and delicious food.

Beyond the Beaches:

  • Explore the Old Town: The city walls are a great place to start your exploration of Dubrovnik’s history, with fantastic views of the harbor and the surrounding islands.

  • Enjoy the local wine: The Dubrovnik region is famous for its vineyards and wineries.

  • Experience the Adriatic Sea: Take a boat trip to explore the beautiful islands and coastline.

  • Visit the Elafiti Islands: These are just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, and they offer a variety of experiences, from swimming in the crystal-clear waters to hiking through the picturesque countryside.

  • Explore Lokrum Island: This island is a great place to spend a day outside the city. It’s a car-free island with beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and historical ruins.

Day 5: Exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town:

This itinerary focuses on the activities you can do outside the city walls for a day trip.

  • Enjoy the local seafood: The islands of the Adriatic are known for their fresh seafood, so be sure to try some while you’re out there.

  • Visit the island of Lokrum: The island offers a variety of restaurants and cafes with delicious seafood options.

  • Explore the city walls: Enjoy stunning views of the Old Town and the sea.

  • Enjoy the beach at the foot of the old town walls: Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea, swim, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery.

  • Explore the island of Lokrum: This island is a great place to spend a day enjoying nature and history.

For a Day Trip:

  • Island of Hvar: Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful lavender fields.
  • Island of Mljet: Known for its national park, which features two saltwater lakes and dense forest.

Tips for Enjoying Dubrovnik’s Beauty:

  • Enjoy the views from the city walls: The Old Town is built on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The top of the walls offers breathtaking views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding islands.

  • Explore the island’s history: The islands are rich in history and culture.

  • Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the island:

Enjoy the Views:

  • Visit the island of Mljet: Take a boat trip to explore the beautiful island and its saltwater lakes.

  • Enjoy the beaches: The Elafiti Islands offer numerous beautiful beaches and coves for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

  • Enjoy the historical charm:

  • Explore the nearby islands: The Elaphiti Islands are a great place to start with beautiful beaches, charming restaurants, and picturesque towns.

  • Enjoy the island’s history: Visit the island of Lokrum (a popular destination for swimming and exploring the historic monastery and botanical gardens).

Take a Ferry to the Elafititi Islands:

  • Island of Lokrum: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the historical sites of this island, which is a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik.
  • Beyond the island of Hvar: Explore the nearby islands by boat: enjoy the beaches, swim in the clear waters, or visit the charming town.

Enjoy the Beaches:

  • Lokrum Island:

  • Island of Korcula:

  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches and the unique setting of the Old Town on a ferry ride.

  • Explore the island’s history: (This is where you’d add information about what your visitors can do on the Elafiti Islands)

Enjoy the Island Activities:

  • Island of Lokrum: Enjoy the beautiful views and explore the historical sites like the Old Mill, the Dead Sea, and Fort Lovrijenac.

Things to note:

  • Visit during the shoulder season: For a quieter experience and better weather for exploring the islands.
  • Book your ferry tickets in advance: Especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
  • Respect the natural environment: The Elafiti Islands are a beautiful and fragile ecosystem.

Enjoy the Beauty:

  • Visit the island of Lokrum: Explore the lush gardens, historical sites and enjoy the breathtaking views.

  • Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands: Experience the beauty of the islands and its natural environment.

  • Visit the island of Mljet: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the stunning scenery.

Enjoy the Islands:

  • Explore the Island of Korcula: Discover the medieval charm of the city and enjoy the beautiful harbor.
  • Enjoy the scenic views and the beauty of the island’s nature.**

Things to note:

  • Visit other Elafiti Islands: Explore the various islands, including their unique sights and experiences.

Remember:

  • Explore the island of Korun (Korcula Island): Enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the stunning scenery.

  • Enjoy the peacefulness and beauty:

  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the various activities and attractions they have to offer.**

This is a sample itinerary, and you can adjust it based on your own interests and time constraints.