Apartments, airbnb and villas in Dubrovnik

Visit Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic

Nicknamed ‘The pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik is a small but magnificent city, lying at the southernmost point of the Croatian coast. Bringing together the best of beach vacations and city escapes in the Mediterranean, Dubrovnik is perfect for couples, families and groups looking for a unique and diverse getaway. A UNESCO listed World Heritage Site since 1979, the romantic city boasts an impressive collection of beautiful, historic attractions dating back to the 15th Century. Depending on what you want to get from your stay, we have a comprehensive list of holiday villas, cheap apartments or luxury holiday homes in and around Dubrovnik.

When to Visit Dubrovnik

The most popular time to visit the historic city of Dubrovnik is during the summer months of June, July and August. However, since it is the most popular period it is also the most crowded, with temperatures averaging around 30°, it is renowned for being an incredibly hot and busy time. The cooler months of April, May, September and October are the perfect middle ground, able to avoid the high heat of summer yet still warm enough to enjoy a swim in the ocean! With a reduced international tourist crowd, it has a much more relaxing and authentic atmosphere.

How to Get to Dubrovnik

As Dubrovnik is the most southern city in Croatia, the most practical way to reach it is by air, with a very good frequency of flights from a multitude of locations, especially during the summer months. The closest airport, Čilipi Airport, is located approximately 15.5km away from Dubrovnik city centre, with a non-stop airport shuttle service running between the airport and the Old Town, making travelling between the two relatively hassle free. As an alternative to flying into Dubrovnik, the city is also home to the third most frequented ship port in Europe: Port Gruz. Especially popular during summer months, arriving via cruise ship provides a spectacular view of the surrounding islands en route in, and being only 3km away from the Old Town, is within walking distance, or a short bus/taxi ride away, of the main attractions. If you are already holidaying in Croatia, be sure to leave some room in your itinerary for a trip to Dubrovnik, whether you want to stay for a day trip, or even longer. From your accommodation in Zagreb, the capital city, it is quicker and easier to fly directly, which takes 55 minutes. Alternatively, a drive from a holiday rental in Hvar will take around 4 hours, and a holiday villa in Split, will take just over 3 hours.

How to Get around

Whilst the Old Town is pedestrian only, outside the city walls buses are the primary form of public transport. Bus tickets are around €1 but there are also 24-hour or monthly passes for travellers planning to rely on public transport throughout their stay.

Where to book a holiday home or apartment in Dubrovnik?

Old Town

The Old Town is the heart and soul of Dubrovnik, being its oldest and most popular location. A pedestrian-only zone, the Old Town has all the charm and authenticity it had hundreds of years ago. For history enthusiasts, the Old Town is full of perfectly preserved renaissance, gothic and Baroque architecture, and is the cultural and social hub of the city. Accommodation in the Old Town ranges from luxury palace hotels to classic, boutique apartment rentals, all within walking distance of numerous cafés, restaurants and a thriving nightlife scene.

Ploče

Often referred to as Ploče iza grada (place behind the city), Ploče is perfect if you want to avoid the often crowded and busy Old Town, whilst also remaining in walking distance from the hustle and bustle. Adjacent to the eastern city walls, Ploče offers the best of both worlds: relaxing, coastal views as well as the historic city atmosphere. For the beach-lovers, Ploče is also home to the city's largest public beach, Banje, where you can take part in water sports, beach-lazing, or frequent the beach front bars. Ploče is therefore the perfect balance between a resort-like hotel experience and a more upmarket lavish hotel break with views of the ancient city walls and the breath-taking waters of the Adriatic coast.

Lapad

Lapad is just west of the Old Town city walls and is the perfect spot for the more nature-orientated, outdoor recreation traveller. Offering much more affordable accommodation than in the immediate city zone, Lapad rentals can be located right on the bay, or set in a more hilly, wooded location further up from the beach with access to coastal paths and the breath-taking ocean views which define the Dubrovnik landscape. There are regular buses between Lapad and Old Town, only a 15-minute journey each way. Lapad is the more financially savvy way to enjoy Dubrovnik, but with its own down to earth charms.

What to do in Dubrovnik

City Wall Walk

A must do experience when visiting the Old Town. 2 kilometres of ancient wall encompass the most historic part of the city and offer one of the best views of the ancient, idyllic architecture on the one hand, and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea on the other. The walls are a comparatively easy way to walk around and you are able to sight-see from a unique, birds-eye perspective.

Old Town

From a 15th Century Rector's palace and an incredible Cathedral harbouring priceless paintings and treasury rooms, to a Franciscan monastery holding a pharmacy dating back to the 14th Century, the Old Town is rich in some of the most intriguing, historical buildings and stories that Croatia has to offer. In addition to its historical value, the Old Town is also home to world-class restaurants and has a bustling social scene ready to be explored and enjoyed by travellers from across the globe.

Lovrijenac Fortress

On top of 37 metres of sheer rock is one of the most impressive fortresses in Dubrovnik. Believed to date back to the 11th century, Lovrijenac is one of the oldest buildings in the city and was integral to the city's defences for hundreds of years. Today, however, it is most famous for its role in HBO's most famous TV show, Game of Thrones, where it doubles as the set for the ‘Red Keep' in ‘Kings Landing' – definitely worth a visit whether a fan of the show or not!

Dubrovnik Nightlife

Dubrovnik has many beach restaurants and nightclubs to choose from - perfect for a party holiday with friends. One of the most popular and upscale venues is Banje Beach Restaurant and Night Club, where you will be able to enjoy seafood whilst listening to music and being right by the beach - all the best things in one place! To rave among the town's history, visit Culture club Revelin to dance until the early hours of the morning in a medieval fortress!