Destinations Mediterranean

Cunard recommends: Dubrovnik

Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is where centuries of Eastern and Western influences meet, offering an intoxicating blend of history, culture, winelands, and breathtaking coastal vistas. Tour guide Denis Kurcan gives us a taste of this captivating Croatian city.

3 min 12 Sep 2025

Cunard

Author

Sights to see

“Those that seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik”, wrote playwright George Bernard Shaw, and it’s easy to see why. With majestic city walls rising from the sea, surrounding a historic core that seems set in time, Dubrovnik offers a striking mix of natural beauty and rich history.

Begin your adventure in the Old Town, a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways, Renaissance fountains, palaces, and churches. To grasp its intricate layout, walk the UNESCO-protected city walls, a familiar sight for fans of TV show Game of Thrones. Towering 25m high and stretching for two kilometres, they encircle the city, offering panoramic views of sun-baked terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea beyond.

I’d highly recommend stopping at the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest continuously-operating pharmacies. Here, you’ll find handmade cosmetics crafted from centuries-old Franciscan recipes. Wander through the 14th-century cloister, explore the collection of ancient manuscripts, paintings, and gold chalices, and pause in its orange and palm tree-shaded central garden.

One of our most popular tours begins with a cable car ride up Mount Srd for sweeping views over the Old Town, the sparkling Adriatic, and the scattered islands beyond. You’ll also visit neighbouring Cavtat, a picturesque harbour town with roots stretching back to Ancient Greece. Wander its palm-lined promenade, step back in time at the Renaissance-era Rector’s Palace, or seek out a hidden cove for a cooling dip.

Experiences to enjoy

To uncover a side of the city most never see, hop onto an electric Tuk Tuk tour. With your driver-guide sharing local stories, you’ll weave through the city’s tangle of backstreets to secret viewpoints beyond the tourist trail. You’ll ride past historic landmarks, cross the striking Franjo Tudman Bridge for postcard-worthy views of Gruž Harbour, and the Elafiti archipelago, before ascending to the summit of Mount Srd for a jaw-dropping vista.

To unwind, head to the city’s beaches. Just steps from the Old Town lies Banje Beach, a mix of shingle and soft sand with stunning views of the city’s storied skyline. For something a little more adventurous, head to Buža, where you can leap from rocky ledges into crystal-clear waters, or relax at the cliffside bar as the sun sets. If you fancy a livelier spot, Copacabana Beach, a half-moon stretch of crystal water and fine white pebbles, is packed with bars and luxury cabanas for hire. But, for the ultimate retreat, I’d choose Lokrum. Just a short taxi-boat ride from the Old Town, this leafy islet of pine forests, olive orchards, and botanical gardens offers shaded respite from the city’s buzz.

Tastes to try

Dubrovnik’s cuisine is shaped by Greek, Italian, and Turkish influences, with seafood at its heart. My favourite is black risotto at Gradska Kavana Arsenal in the old port. Infused with squid ink and shellfish, the dish is more of a decadent seafood stew than a typical risotto. Another must-try is mussels buzara-style, steamed in olive oil, wine, garlic, and fresh herbs. For this, try Kamenice, a cosy eatery with an outdoor terrace, perfect for lingering over a glass of red Plavac Mali or crisp white Pošip. For something more casual, family-run street food joint Barba serves up fresh, inventive bites – try their octopus sandwich with mascarpone or shrimp tempura.

Pašticada Dalmatian – slow-cooked beef in a wine-laced sauce – is a mainstay on most menus. And for something a little sweeter, try Rozata cake, Dubrovnik’s take on crème caramel – a custard pudding drizzled in caramel and laced with homemade rose liqueur.

For a taste of the region’s winelands and traditions, I highly recommend our Croatian Wines and Trolley Train tour through the lush Konavle Valley. Travel between family-run wineries to sample local vintages, tuck into a rustic ‘peasant’s lunch’, and learn about the ancient art of milling and wool-making in the charming village of Ljuta.

Shopping

Stradun, the Old Town’s main artery, has a little bit of everything, from quaint trinket shops to designer clothing stores and independent boutiques. The real finds are tucked away in the small side streets. One standout is Clara Stones boutique, where you’ll find rare Adriatic red coral jewellery – venture downstairs to watch the artisans at work. Next door at Dolce Vita, gelato is sold in every flavour imaginable, plus an irresistible array of sweet treats – perfect for a pick-me-up.

For a taste of Dubrovnik’s daily life, visit the bustling open-air market in Gruž, where locals shop at stalls laden with fresh seafood and seasonal produce, such as sun-ripened strawberries, peaches, and figs. In the Old Town, Gunduliceva Poljana Market offers an assortment of local crafts and keepsakes. Browse under the red-and-white parasols for candied nuts, oils, handmade soaps, and spirits.

To take a little piece of history home, don’t miss the cravat-inspired souvenirs. Dubrovnik proudly claims its role as the birthplace of the necktie (the word ‘cravat’ stems from the Croatian hrvat, meaning Croat), a fitting tribute to the city’s cultural charm.

Dubrovnik provides the perfect mix of culture-rich experiences, delicious dining, and breathtaking scenery. To view our voyages to Dubrovnik, click here.