Dubrovnik cruises depart from one of the most visited cities in the region. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik had been a popular tourist destination until the war of 1991. Now that the scars of war have faded, and with its status as a certain fictional city on television, Dubrovnik has regained its "throne" as a city to be seen and enjoyed and a perfect departure point from which to cruise Croatia.
Things to do in Dubrovnik
Though Dubrovnik is primarily a departure point for cruises of the islands of Croatia, visitors may wish to arrive early to enjoy the city's many highlights, from walking the Old City Walls and exploring the Rector's Palace to simply strolling the Stradun and stopping in at a cafe for a coffee or glass of local wine.
The Historic Old Town may look familiar to fans of Game of Thrones, having stood in for the fictional city of King's Landing. The area features many real historical and cultural highlights, including the surrounding city walls, ornate fountains, beautiful cathedrals, and the Rector's Palace, divided by the lively Stradun.
The Old City Walls protected what is today considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The walls are massive, nearly six meters (20 feet) thick and 22 meters (72 feet) thick in spots. A walk along the walls leads visitors from the vertical cliffs to the north all the way to the Adriatic, offering beautiful views of the city and the sea. From the city walls, a cable car reaches the top of Mount Srđ.
The Stradun is a pedestrianized thoroughfare that bisects Dubrovnik's Old Town. Cafes line the walkway, offering plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy a drink, while at night, the street lights up, perfect for a romantic evening stroll.
The best time to cruise from Dubrovnik
Plan ahead, as the peak season and low season in Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast as a whole will have an impact on your cruise itinerary. In fact, many Dubrovnik cruise packages are unavailable during the offseason.
October and May are the best times to visit Dubrovnik when the weather is still beautiful and tourist facilities are open, but the crowds are smaller and prices are slightly lower.
Dubrovnik in June to September is the peak season when the sun is bright, and the weather is hot, but prices are generally higher, and crowds are bigger.
Dubrovnik in November to April is the offseason. During this time of year, the weather is still mild, and crowds are nearly non-existent, but many tourist facilities, including hotels and shops, are closed for the winter. Certain Adriatic cruises are not available during this period.
What cruises depart from Dubrovnik?
Luxury cruises departing from Dubrovnik visit many of the Dalmatian Coast's greatest treasures, from picturesque fishing villages and sweeping fields of lavender to secluded white sand beaches and uninhabited islands.
Cruises from Dubrovnik to Split are bookended by UNESCO World Heritage sites, beginning with Dubrovnik's fantastic Old City Walls and ending with the stunning Diocletian Palace in Split, with many of the Dalmatian Coast's highlights in between, including the islands of Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet, and the beaches of the Makarska coast.
Hvar Island is the most popular island in Croatia's most popular region, with good reason. Thanks to the charms of Hvar Town, the fragrant beauty of the surrounding lavender fields, and the pristine beaches of the nearby Pakleni Islands, Hvar is a highlight of any Croatian cruise.
Korčula, mountainous and blanketed in thick forest, has been fought over for centuries by the Venetians, Genoans, and Turks. Still, today, the only conflict is an internal one as visitors struggle with either spending more time relaxing on one of the island's gorgeous beaches or strolling Korčula Town's lovely streets.
Mljet Island is etched with limestone mountains and shallow canyons covered in dense forests. The island features two saltwater lakes, several tiny fishing villages, and uninhabited islands dotting its coastal waters. At the same time, a third of the Mljet's surface has been given over to a national park. Saplunara, at the southeastern tip of the island, is known for one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
The Makarska Coast, the most popular mainland resort in Croatia, stretches from Brela to Gradac and features white sand beaches against the crystal blue of the water and the greys and greens of the surrounding mountains. The town of Makarska is known for its two ancient monasteries, while the region produces excellent wines.
Bol, a traditional fishing town on the coast of the island of Brač, is famous for one of the most iconic beaches in the Adriatic. Zlatni Rat, a spear of golden sand jutting into the sea, changes shape with the tide. The beach is the perfect spot for a swim or to try windsurfing.
How do I get to Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has its own international airport, which can be reached via direct flight from several countries in Europe. Dubrovnik cruises departing from Split are serviced by the Split International Airport.
Visitors flying in from outside Europe to join a Croatian small ship cruise may need to connect in Zagreb or another European airport.
Please contact our reservations team to book your next cruise to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
