7 Day Dubrovnik Cruise
Setting sail from Dubrovnik is a magical way to start your small ship cruising experience! This ancient fortified city is the ideal place to relax and explore before or after your Dubrovnik cruise, and with neighbouring countries such as Montenegro and Bosnia being so close, it makes a great base for discovering nearby hidden gems.
Table of contentsWhere is Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular cities in the Mediterranean and is located in southern Croatia. Situated right on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is located in the region of Dalmatia and is the closest major city to Bosnia and Montenegro.
Benefits of a Dubrovnik Cruise
As the most southern city in all of Croatia, Dubrovnik is a great starting point for your vacation, giving you the opportunity to head north on a cruise with the confidence that you haven't missed a thing! Dubrovnik is also the most popular city in Croatia, meaning that many cruise companies choose to set sail from the Adriatic gem.
There is so much to do and see in this unique city that you can well and truly enjoy a few days exploring and getting acquainted with the summer sun before you set sail.
Cruises that visit Dubrovnik
Below is a list of the cruises we offer that either start in Dubrovnik, end in Dubrovnik, or visit Dubrovnik along the way!
Cruises from Dubrovnik
If you’re looking to join a small ship cruise with Sail Croatia, Dubrovnik is one of two seaside towns that you’re able to depart from. Below is a list of the routes we offer that depart from Dubrovnik:
Dubrovnik Return Route
Due to popular demand, the Dubrovnik Return Routes are the newest additions to the Sail Croatia cruise program, offering travellers a cruise that departs and ends in the Pearl of the Adriatic. These routes are perfect if you’re looking to book return flights in and out of Dubrovnik, allowing you to explore before and after your cruise!
Sample Itinerary
Dubrovnik - Mljet - Hvar - Stari Grad - Split - Makarska - Korčula - Dubrovnik
You can join a Dubrovnik Return route on an Elegance Cruise or Hike Croatia Cruise.
Dubrovnik to Split Route
The other option available on Sail Croatia cruises is the Dubrovnik to Split route. These one way itineraries depart from Dubrovnik and end in Split, and are a popular way to traverse the islands and coastline of Dalmatia! If you plan on exploring two Croatian cities on your Dalmatian adventure, one way trips are a great option, allowing you to fly in and out of different airports.
Sample Itinerary
Dubrovnik - Mljet - Korčula - Vis - Hvar - Milna - Split
You can join a Dubrovnik to Split route on all of Sail Croatia’s small ship cruises, except for the Hike Croatia Cruise
Cruises to Dubrovnik
As one of the most popular destinations in Croatia, Dubrovnik is on the must-see list of most cruise itineraries and tourists alike! Most 7 day cruises departing from Split will end in Dubrovnik, or at least visit the destination along the way. If you’re looking to get an in-depth perspective of Dubrovnik, we would recommend booking at least 1 or 2 days either side of your cruise to explore at your leisure!
Dubrovnik Ports
The largest cruise port in Dubrovnik is Port Gruz. The port is located 2.5 kilometres from the Old Town and is easily accessible via public bus or taxi. The port has recently been renovated, and can now comfortably accommodate large cruise ships and luxury small ships. There are also multiple marinas in Dubrovnik that cater specifically to sailing yachts and catamarans.
Things to do in Dubrovnik
With so much to see and do in Dubrovnik, your biggest challenge is going to be how to fit it all in!
Below are our favourite things to see and do in this magical city.
Walk the City Walls
With just under 2 kilometres of uninterrupted fortifications, the impressive Dubrovnik City Walls have stood the test of time, protecting the city of Dubrovnik since as early as the 600’s. A ticket to walk the walls costs approximately €35 per person, and you should allow at least 2 hours to explore the many towers, fortresses and ancient structures along the way.
Ride the Cable Car up Srd Hill
Srd Hill looms above the Old Town of Dubrovnik, providing a picturesque backdrop to this already magical city. The Cable Car transports travellers 778 metres up Srd Hill, before arriving at the viewing platform on top of the mountain. A return ticket will set you back approximately €25, however it’s well worth it for the otherworldly view of Dubrovnik and its surrounding islands.
Beach Hop
Dubrovnik is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in Dalmatia, so no list of things to do would be complete without beach hopping! Whilst most are pebble beaches, many of the beaches in Dubrovnik have sun loungers and beach umbrellas available for rent for maximum relaxation.
Our top pick of the best beaches in Dubrovnik are Banje Beach, which overlooks the Old Town and offers plenty of facilities, as well as the many secluded beaches found on Lokrum Island, including a beach for the naturists amongst us!
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is positively brimming with history, architecture and impressive structures around every corner. You can spend hours meandering along the Stradun (main street), cobblestone streets and twisting alleyways, finding hidden shops, galleries and informative plaques along the way.
If you’re looking for the most comprehensive way to get to know the tales and events that took place in Dubrovnik Old Town, a Historical Walking Tour is your best option. There are plenty of providers to choose from, however most walking tours cost between €10 and €15 and give you a comprehensive insight into one of the most spectacular cities in Europe.
Things to see in Dubrovnik
Where to go on your Family Holiday in Croatia
Buza Bar
You simply can’t come to Duborvnik without stopping past the famous Buza Bar for a cold drink. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this unique hole-in-the-wall bar can only be found by those in the know! Follow the signs for ‘cold drinks’ before passing through a literal hole in the wall to reach your thirst quenching destination. Serving up cold drinks, impressive views, and a relaxing atmosphere, Buza Bar is where locals and tourists alike go to cool off and relax.
Minceta Fortress
As the highest point in Dubrovnik, Minceta Tower is the perfect place to be transported to ancient times and view the entire Old Town from above. Minceta Tower was thrust into the spotlight during the blockbuster series, Game of Thrones, and is a key set in season two of the famous HBO show.
Lokrum Island
Whilst Lokrum Island isn’t technically in Dubrovnik Old Town, it’s located a short 15 minute ferry ride away. This mystical island is a lush oasis filled with many hidden surprises, including a 19th Century botanical garden, a Benedictine Monastery, abandoned military forts, hidden beaches, a ‘dead sea’ and even resident peacocks! Ferry tickets are €5 each way, making for a cost effective day of exploring!
Dubrovnik Cathedral
History and architecture buffs rejoice, this one’s for you! The incredible Dubrovnik Cathedral dates back to the 12th Century and has been badly damaged many times throughout its long history, including in an earthquake in 1667 and 1979 and during the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991. Today the Cathedral features Roman Baroque architecture and gilded finishes throughout, making it a must see landmark in Dubrovnik Old Town.
How to get to Dubrovnik
Thanks to its popularity, Dubrovnik is relatively easy to get to, making it the perfect starting point for your Dubrovnik Cruise. An international Airport is located approximately 30 minutes away from the Old Town, making for a seamless tript to your accommodation. Dubrovnik International Airport welcomes a huge number of domestic and international flights throughout the summer months, and flying is the easiest option for getting to Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik also offers comprehensive bus and ferry connections, as well as well maintained roads if you’re travelling by car from nearby countries. If you’re planning on driving in Croatia, check out our handy guide to Croatian Motorways.
