Things to do in Dubrovnik
Check out the best views of the city
For the best views of Dubrovnik, get yourself to the top of Mount Srd, towering just behind the walls of the Old Town. At 412m (1351ft) high, it will take you 90 minutes to walk up to Fort Imperijal perched on its top, but if you don’t fancy the calf burn, the cable car (www.dubrovnikcablecar.com) will get you to the summit in less than four minutes.
Climb a mountain
Croatia was among the first countries in the world to establish a national climbing organisation, and when you glimpse the rugged cliffs of the Dalmatian mountains you’ll understand why. Gorges, peaks, caverns and spurs are all abundant, though inexperienced climbers may struggle. Viator (www.viator.com) will sort you out with a tour.
Hop from island to island
It’s bordering on criminal to come to Dubrovnik without taking in one or several of the beautiful outlying islands. Lokrum is a haven of nature and the easiest to reach just 15 minutes away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town quay, while Mljet is one of the most seductive islands in the whole of the Adriatic, thanks to its pine trees, saltwater lakes and immense solitude. Dubrovnik Island Boat Tours (tel: +385 91 165 6666; www.dubrovnik-boat.com) have vessels for hire.
Take the plunge
There’s a reason Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a fan of the Adriatic – the sea’s crystal-clear waters hide a plethora of maritime flora and fauna, and two shipwrecks, the Taranto and the Tomislav are also fascinating to explore underwater. Aquarius Diving Center (tel: +385 91 2345 225; http://dubrovnik-diving.com) is a small family-run company that will see you safely in and out of the shallows.