21 Dubrovnik Hidden Gems to Discover on Your Croatian Holiday
Our on-site travel specialists are ready to customize your off-resort explorations and adventures just the way you want them. Among all the unusual places and experiences, all the things to do and see in Dubrovnik, some stand apart. Consider this list of hidden gems as inspiration for your Dubrovnik bucket list, one that will ensure you get the authentic taste of southern Croatia.
SAIL TO DEER ISLANDS
It’s time for the wind in your hair and blue waves below! Hop onto the boat for an idyllic day at the archipelago in the vicinity of the resort. Two thousand years ago, Roman author Pliny the Elder wrote of these islands as Elaphites, which translates to “land rich in deer.” The effortless charm of Elaphites makes it impossible not to unwind. Disembark on Lopud Island to explore its beautiful nature and rich history written in monasteries, churches, and lush Mediterranean parks. Bask in the calm vibe of Šipan Island, whose coves are hugged by old fig trees and silvery olive groves. Relish that perfect vacation moment when nothing’s around you but the untouched island beach, scents of pines and sea salt.
CHEER AT WILD LEAGUE
Have you heard of the most popular amateur water polo competition in the world? It’s called Wild League (Croatian: Divlja liga) and it takes place across several Dubrovnik beaches, under the ever watchful eyes of mighty City Walls and fortresses, not to mention the professional water polo referees. If you happen to visit during Wild League, when masses of Dubrovnikers cheer their water polo teams with contagious enthusiasm, don't miss it! Rooting for one or all forty local teams along with denizens is a blast of fun and a chance to sense the true Dubrovnik spirit!
SWIM AT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CROATIAN BEACHES
By now, you probably know that Croatia has the cleanest sea in the whole of Europe. And that lots of its beaches regularly appear on top lists naming the most beautiful beaches in the world. Yet, there are many Croatian beaches away from the spotlight, with plenty of such hidden gems in the Dubrovnik region alone. If you happen to be on the hunt for the best beaches out there, you will not want to miss this one. During your afternoon sail to Lopud, simply cross to the island’s south for a swim at gorgeous sandy Šunj beach. It is easily accessible by walking, a nice 20-minute stroll from the main settlement’s center. You can also drive there, albeit in a golf cart – the only four-wheel vehicle allowed on this beautiful island.
BE THERE WHEN DUBROVNIK CITY WALLS ARE SOMETHING ELSE
If the Dubrovnik City Walls are on your bucket list but you like neither crowds nor heat, then join the few early risers who savor the unforgettable views from the City Walls in the morning. Walk the iconic bulwarks of Dubrovnik, watching the still-shadowed terracotta roofs as the city wakes up. With dawn behind you and the heat of noon still ahead, accompanied by tourist masses, you can escape both heat and crowds, enjoying vistas and horizons in peace. Besides, you can always get acquainted with the City Walls from the side of the sea. Take a private sunset cruise or jump into a kayak and slowly paddle around the Old City as the sun’s last gleam paints oranges and magentas across the majestic walls and sea alike.
DROP BY THE MUSEUM OF LOVE AND THE MUSEUM OF RED
There’s plenty of love hidden just below the Lovrijenac Fortress. Enter the Love Stories Museum and learn how Dubrovnik became the stage for eternal love stories – from historical tales of lovers, to movie romances, and a collection of visitors’ love stories. A different kind of red is to be found in the Red History Museum, which takes you on an amazing journey through Croatia’s history in Yugoslavia, one that ended in the 1990s war from which Dubrovnik emerged victorious and whole once again.
JET SKI TO THE ISLAND WITH TWO NAMES
Getting to the island of Koločep is easier and faster than you might think. Just hop on a Jet Ski and in no time you’ll be happily exploring this stunning island lying just across Sun Gardens Dubrovnik. Koločep is the southernmost inhabited island in Croatia and also the only one having two names, as locals prefer to call it Kalamota. Visits the island’s Blue Cave for fabulous morning swims when the light colors the cave in all the hues of blue.
RELISH IN THE SWEETEST BITTER ORANGES DAY
Almost every garden in Dubrovnik has a bitter orange tree. Come autumn, its aromatic fruits are transformed into superb jams, arancini, liqueurs, and many other sweet local specialties. The best opportunity to taste (and smell) those sweet delights arises in autumn, during the Bitter Orange Day, a traditional humanitarian event which raises funds for those in need.
INDULGE IN A PRIVATE ISLAND FOR A DAY
Hire a boat at the resort and sail westwards to the islet of Sikirica. Ideal for couples and hidden from prying eyes, the islet’s several pebbly beaches earned Sikirica the title of one of the most romantic places in the Dubrovnik region.
FOLLOW THE STEPS OF ODYSSEUS
Set sail for the island of Mljet, nature's genuine work of art. Succumbing to the charms of the island’s resident enchantress, Circe, Odysseus spent seven years on this, greenest of all Adriatic islands. Visit his cave, explore the island's natural and cultural highlights. You might discover you want to stay here longer, just like Odysseus!
REVISIT WORLD CLASSICS UNDER THE STARS
Dubrovnik is many things to many people. It is also the most beautiful cultural stage Croatia has. Every summer, for more than seven decades, during the globally renowned Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the city's palaces, fortresses, and other venues host concerts, theatrical productions, and other cultural events. Enjoy the starry performances of internationally acclaimed artists under the stars, in a breathtaking ambiance.
PLAY THE GAME OF GARDENS
The historic gardens of Dubrovnik are the living, flourishing proof that true beauty never goes out of fashion. Created a long time ago by aristocrats, princes, sea captains, and monks, the gardens of Dubrovnik are a universe to themselves. Why not take the unhurried route from the resort and walk or bike to Trsteno, where you can explore the spacious grounds of the oldest arboretum in Europe? The very arboretum that remained etched in the memory of fans of the Game of Thrones series, where it played as luscious royal gardens. A short descent via stone stairs will bring you to the sea, where you can have a dip with these magical gardens in sight, before returning to the resort.
HARVEST THE OLIVES IN DUBROVNIK
Join us for the November olive harvest in our resort garden! A special ambiance permeating the olive groves makes this activity a celebration of life. Hands come together to pick up dark, ripe olive fruits that are immediately taken to a press, only to come back as the thick liquid of unmistakable golden shine.
BECOME A LOCAL COFFEE LOUNGER
In Dubrovnik, just like in the rest of Croatia, a lot happens around the coffee culture.
Drinking coffee is the lifeblood of everyday life. Everything is done around coffee: business meetings, romantic dates, and family gatherings. However, coffee is never drunk in a hurry, which you’ll learn if you become a coffee lounger at one of the city's numerous cafes. In short: when you’re in Dubrovnik, do what Dubrovnikers do! Buy some fresh local fruit at the farmer’s market and then sip your espresso or latte, taking your time and simply enjoying being.
HAVE FIRST-HAND ENCOUNTERS WITH MYSTERIES, PEACOCKS, AND THE DEAD SEA
The legend says it is a haunted island. Yet, during the day, Lokrum is full of sunny wonders. Be prepared to share hiking paths along fortresses, monuments, parks, and gardens with the island’s domesticated peacocks. And after you learn about Lokrum's thrilling and chilling mysteries, have a dip in the island’s Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake in the island’s center.
TRY EXPLORING DUBROVNIK BY NIGHT
The amazing contours of Dubrovnik Old Town have a different magic after nightfall. Take a stroll around its buzzing evening streets and alleys. Join a special after-dark tour where you will learn some of the city’s secrets that are best shared after sunset. Afterwards, if the night is still young enough, you can visit an open-air cinema, a theatrical play, or a concert.
BECAME A SILK-MAKER’S APPRENTICE FOR A DAY
The attractions of the Konavle Valley are many, but one of them often comes as a surprise to visitors. The once-secretive tradition of local silk production is carried on to this day, as you will learn if you join a silk-making workshop, where you can embroider your unique souvenir to take home.
MERGE FUN WITH SUSTAINABLE
Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is firmly dedicated to sustainability. Among many sustainable practices, our crews clean our beaches of plastic waste. We also have on-site organic gardens, growing greens for our restaurants. As our resort guests, you are invited to partake in our organic garden workshops. Kids love it just as much as adults! It seems that getting your hands dirty and green brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
TRY WINE FROM UNDER THE SEA
One of the regional hidden gems is tucked away under the surface as the undersea wine. Expand your explorations of Dubrovnik under the sea with a visit to Croatia’s first underwater wine cellar, Navis Mysterium. Here, wine sits in special amphorae for 700 days under the sea before it is drawn to the surface and bottled for your pleasure.
SCENT THE WHITE GOLD
The town of Ston is filled with sights and tales that have salt at their heart. After walking the Ston walls, the second longest in the world, visit Ston saltworks and its oldest preserved salt pans in Europe. The right chance to buy some of this pure salt of the highest quality that has been produced in the same way for millennia.
HOP FROM WINE THRILLERS TO WINE ROMANCES AND BACK
Don’t let the rugged looks mislead you - the Pelješac Peninsula is home to some seductively tasty wine and delicate seafood. Some years ago, the global community of wine experts followed closely a scientific thriller connected to discovering the roots of Zinfandels that brought them back to the steep slopes of Pelješac. Our wine and dine tours of this unique peninsula are a sure way to fall in love with its many tastes, including the rich aromas of its red wines and the exquisite, briny freshness of the best oysters in Europe.
WALK UPHILL FOR THE BEST VIEWS OF DUBROVNIK
Taking the cable car to Mt Srđ, the city’s towering guardian, is sure to win you over with a bird's-eye view of Dubrovnik, its surroundings, and the open seas. The other, less-known way to enjoy the same vistas is to take the Way of the Cross trail. This is an easy-paced 60-minute walk to the top that will gradually introduce you to the ever-widening horizons. Best taken early in the morning or just in time for sunset, this trail reveals the whole range of glorious Dubrovnik views.
TRAVEL THROUGH SPACE AND TIME
Kids just love fortresses. So, whether you travel with kids or just fondly remember being one, you’ll love the Dubrovnik fort system. Secret tunnels, stories of old, pirates and armored soldiers, cannons and gun holes instantly transport visitors to a different era. Built over centuries, for various purposes, the Dubrovnik fortresses of Minčeta, Bokar, Revelin, and Lovrijenac each have a thousand stories to tell. The imposing presence of St. John Fortress, also called Mule Tower, overlooks the entrance to the Old Port. It also hides a secret and silent kingdom inside. The fort’s largest hall houses 31 basins of various sizes, showcasing the rich diversity of Croatian undersea life. Plants and animals of wondrous shapes and colors will transport small and big visitors to the magical, silent world under the sea surface.
UP-CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE BEST DUBROVNIK ATTRACTIONS
Travel specialists at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik will happily tailor your explorations of Dubrovnik and its surroundings any time and in any way you like. Close to Dubrovnik, yet away from the crowds, the resort’s location places all the attractions and hidden gems at your fingertips. With our extensive local knowledge, we will develop bespoke itineraries and activities to create your unforgettable holiday.
