Timeless Dubrovnik

Rich in history, sun and sea –it’s time to grab your passport

Why go?

Whether you’re yearning for a relaxing destination with a cocktail in hand, or you want to get your walking shoes on, Dubrovnik has it all. Boasting 300 days a year of glorious sunshine, a landscape that will leave you lost for words, and the friendliest locals who will welcome you like family, it’ll keep you coming back for more – plus it’s only a two-hour flight away.

Stunning sights

The magnificent Old Town and its stone walls face the Adriatic Sea, but before you up your step count wandering around inside, it’s all about the view from above. Spend some time walking along the town walls – you can admire the Old Town from above and visit cultural highlights along the route. Either hop aboard the tourist cable car that will ferry you up the mountain face, or go off the beaten track with a family-run trip courtesy of Eco Tuk Tours – experience bird’s eye views you’ll get nowhere else, thanks to the brilliant Croatian tour guides.

A wander around the Old Town will take you back in time. Get lost among the narrow streets and churches brimming with history, and stop off at the famous Jesuit Stairs featured in Game Of Thrones. The main street has perfectly preserved its traditional architecture, but blended it with modern shops, where you can buy yourself a treat – and of course a scoop of gelato in every flavour – for a break from the sun.

Sun daze

You’ll never tire of admiring the views of Croatia’s mesmerising blue waters, so you’ll want to hop aboard the ferry from the Old Town that runs every ten minutes  to the island of Otok Lokrum. Don’t forget to slather on your sunscreen as you look around the botanical garden and watch peacocks roam freely, and look out for the swings hidden in the pine trees that are perfect for the kids. Swim, sunbathe and snorkel the island’s coast before enjoying a sandwich or ice cream at the few restaurants – it’s worth noting some locations are nudist friendly, so look out for signs to avoid a cheeky surprise!

Visit Coral Beach Club and enjoy the warm sun on your skin on the pebble beach. The secluded location looks out towards one of the surrounding Elaphiti islands, and from the comfort of your day bed, you can watch boats pass by with a drink in your hand. Should you feel a grumble in your stomach, don’t worry. The open-air restaurant serves up mouth-watering dishes, including seafood and fresh truffle pasta.

Where to stay

The only place you need to stay during a visit to Croatia is with the Valamar Collection. In Dubrovnik, the five-star Dubrovnik President Hotel and four-star Lacroma Hotel are located just minutes from each other. Clinging to the cliffside, the beachfront Dubrovnik President Hotel will take your breath away as soon as you walk through its doors. And, although it boasts 292 sea view rooms, it never feels full and the service is second to none. Feeling hungry? Choose from three on-site restaurants – Momenti is intimate, serving à la carte food on a gorgeous terrace, while the beachfront Miramare serves up Mediterranean specials, such as fresh seafood and cured meats. For an array of choice and dietary requirements, the main buffet dining room serves up the breakfast of dreams, not to mention the most luxurious dinner we’ve ever had. To totally chill out, take a trip to the Balance Spa, which houses relaxation rooms, sauna, whirlpools and a foot bath. The Piano Bar and its soft key melodies is a great place for a night cap on the terrace and to watch the sun slowly lower to bring your perfect Croatian holiday to a blissful close.

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