The Most Beautiful Places To See In Dubrovnik

Lord Byron lionised Dubrovnik as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ and a young George Bernard Shaw described it as an earthly paradise, so enchanted was he by its maritime charms. The city was hammered by artillery in the Croatian War of Independence, but the hardy Dubrovnik quickly returned to its former glory, and these days, life in the coastal town is laid-back, picturesque and throngs with a tourist industry of its own. With lots to take in, return trips are advised, but if you are pressed for time, here is a list of five places of unmissable beauty to see in Dubrovnik.

Mount Srd

Where better to begin than with an epic view of Dubrovnik itself? Clear weather permitting, you can enjoy panoramic views of up to 60km from Mount Srd’s 412m peak, which also plays host to the historic Napoleonic Fort Imperial and War Museum, which are well worth a visit. A cable car runs from the city to the summit, allowing for a steady climb in which to absorb the vista of the dazzling Adriatic coastline, with its myriad islands, and a bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik’s pretty, historical centre.

Stradun

City Walls

No trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without circumnavigating this historic city along its famous walled perimeter. At nearly 2km in length, and completely intact, you can enjoy views of the city and its iconic red rooftops from a completely new perspective. Either take a stroll at your discretion or join one of the many guided tours that offer expert historical context to the photogenic vistas of The Old Town. Refreshments are available en route, and rounded fortresses create fascinating diversions along the path. A must-see.

Lokrum Island

A mere 10 minute ferry journey from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Lokrum Island has to be experienced. A small slice of paradise awaits, which not only plays host to a swathe of exotic vegetation, but also to a colony of peacocks (no people live on the island), who freely roam the island and its many beaches. Take this opportunity to luxuriate in the shade, float in the salt lake (or “Dead Sea” as it’s known) or explore a niche aspect of history within the ruins of a Benedictine monastery.

Lovrijenac Fortress

Dating as far back as 1018, Lovrijenac Fortress (Fort of Saint Lawrence) has been christened ‘Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar’, due to its imposing spectacle atop a 37m high sheer cliff face. Detached from the main city, it not only serves as a tourist attraction, but also a theatre, and is a keen point of interest for historians as its construction represents a resistance to Venetian rule in the 11th Century. Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones may well recognise The Red Keep in King’s Landing, for which Lovrijenac Fortress doubles.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.