Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik Beyond the Old Town

As soon as the majority of travelers consider Dubrovski, the first impression they gain is the sight of magnificent medieval Old Town, the walls made of stone and terracotta, rooftop and narrow cobblestone streets. Although the Old Town governed by the UNESCO world heritage is indisputably magic, there is more to this Adriatic jewel than what is inside the walls of the fortresses. There is no end to the list of things to do in Dubrovski besides the historic center: secret beaches and island retreats, colorful cultural searches and sightseeing. To those that want to explore the city more literally, the exploration of the city beyond the well-known Old Town can be equally fulfilling.

People who plan to visit Croatia as a tourist destination when they visit Oman usually consider only the key tourist sites in the country, especially the Old Town of Dubrovski, but when you go beyond the Old Town you will find other Croatian things to do. Dubrovski uses impeccable waters of the Adriatic to swim, hiking across beautiful sceneries, or experiencing local food, the city has it all. Ahead of undertaking your trip, ensure you get the appropriate travel paperwork like Croatia Visa or in case you are located in Oman, Croatia Visa with Oman Citizens. Through the right travel planning and the aid of reputed agencies such as GoKite Oman, you will be able to enjoy a smooth trip of one of the most enthralling destinations in Europe.

Here are the Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik Beyond the Old Town

1. Explore Lokrum Island

Located only 15 minutes away by ferry boat, the landmark of Lokrum Island makes a great retreat especially to tourists who feel the need to swap the busy city life with silence and calm. The island is a green and beautiful paradise of pine trees and exotic plants and quiet walking paths. Among the highlights is the botanical garden of the 19 th century that is home to plant species of the entire world. There is also an interesting history of Lokrum, its Benedictine monastery, founded in the 11 th century, is surrounded by all kinds of legends, and contributes to the air of mystery to the island. Besides history and nature, Lokrum is also a paradise of beach lovers. Rather than sandy beaches, there are rocky beaches and secrets coves that have crystal-clear waters that are perfect in swimming and snorkeling. You may be also lucky to see the colorful peacocks and rabbits that are freely moving around on the island and this makes the experience even more magical. Having no vehicles and no lodging whatsoever, Lokrum does not feel disturbed, rather a jewel of nature standing at the entrance to Dubrovski.

2. Ride a Cable Car to Mount Srđ.

A visit to Dubrovski is not complete without having to let go of your mouth at the sight of Mount Srđ. This mountain rises 412 meters above the sea level and is one of the most spectacular panoramas of the Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the glitzy Adriatic Sea. Getting there by cable car is the most trouble-free method of getting to the top; a short but memorable ride, where a sweeping view is offered to you as you ride upwards. Up there, there are a number of activities that you can occupy your time with. The Homeland War Museum is located in the former Imperial Fort and is accessible to history enthusiasts to give them a glimpse of the strength that the city of Dubrovski possessed during the war that happened in 1990s. The adventure adventurers are able to walk the scenic hiking trails going through pine forests and rocky terrain, as those who want to relax can have a drink or meal in the mountaintop restaurant. The sunset at mount Srđ is awe-inspiring especially as it colors the sky with hues of orange and pink making it one of the most remarkable activities to do in Dubrovski other than the Old town.

3. Visit the Elaphiti Islands

You should visit the Elaphiti Islands at least once in your life as a traveler who likes to be relaxed in the calmness of the Adriatic. There are more than a dozen islands herein comprising this small archipelago, but only three of them are inhabited, viz. Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. All the islands are different in their beauty. The nearest to Dubrovski is Kolocep, an area that is marked by calm walking paths, pine trees, and secret caves. Sunj Beach is a man-made sandy beach, which makes Lopud a family beach, one of the few sandy beaches in the area. The biggest of the three, Šipan incorporates history and agriculture with its quaint villages, old churches, olive groves and vineyards. The three can be seen with the help of island-hopping tours that start in Dubrovski and allow you to visit it all in a single day and have the chance to swim and snorkel, as well as dine out the genuine Dalmatian cuisine. The Elaphiti Islands are much less busy than the city of Dubrovski and offer a real getaway where you can relax, enjoy the nature and find a pace of life that perfectly matches your a vacation in Croatia.

4. Relax at Banje Beach

Banje Beach is one of the most popular coastal locations in Dubrovski that is just outside of the Old Town walls. It is situated in a convenient location and has a picturesque postcard view, which makes it a place worth visiting when one wants to enjoy the sun of Adriatic. You can relax on pebbles and swimming in clear waters or enjoying spectacular views of the medieval walls and the Lokrum Island, all of this can be done at the beach. Banje Beach has numerous water sports to offer to adventure seekers including parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. There are also the trendy bars and restaurants in the beach where one can enjoy cocktails or even eat the Mediterranean delicacies as the sun goes down. Banje is transformed into a vibrant night life centre in the evenings, when the beach clubs have parties and enjoy themselves under the bright stars. Banje Beach is also among the best activities to be performed in Dubrovski in addition to visiting its historical streets, whether you want to enjoy the beach, take a water adventure, or enjoy lively nightlife.

5. Discover Cavtat

In case you are seeking a less crammed alternative to Dubrovski, get to Cavtat, a lovely coastal town, only 30 minutes away. The city of Cavtat provides a pictureque old-world charm of narrow cobblestone streets, old churches and a picturesque waterfront prominence backed by cafes and restaurants. Cavtat is not as busy as Dubrovski is and you can enjoy the real Croatian life in the air and on the sea. It is a cultural center, too: the Račica Mausoleum and the Vlaho Bukovac House, in honor of one of the most renowned painters in Croatia. Cavtas sandy and pebbled beaches are ideal in a day of swimming or sunbathing, and a ride in a boat around the coast gives breathtaking Adriatic scenery. Cavtat with its relaxed atmosphere, cultural heritage and sea beauty is a secret place where travelers can enjoy a relaxing vacation on the outskirts of the bustling attractions of the city of Dubrovski.

6. Canyon Boating Adriatic Coast.

One of the adventurous activities that provide a new perspective of Dubrovski is kayaking around the Adriatic coast. Suppose, you are rowing outside the high city walls and down secret caves, or sailing on clear waters that show the life under the water. Numerous guided tours begin just beyond the Old Town and head around the rugged coast, with the occasional visit to Lokrum Island to swim or do some snorkeling. Novices have an opportunity to participate in simple tours with professional guides, and more advanced kayakers have an opportunity to do more extended tours exploring remote bays. Kayaking tours especially during sunsets are special experiences since one can get spectacular scenes with the gold light casting on the medieval walls of Dubrovski. This activity is an adventure, fitness, and a sightseeing experience in one differentiated package and thus it is one of the most memorable experiences to those who do not want the elementary sightseeing. Sea kayaking is a journey you will never forget regardless of whether you are alone, with friends or even loved ones.

7. Walk in Trsteno Arboretum.

Trsteno Arboretum is a kind of a secret heaven of history, garden and architecture enthusiasts as it is only located 20 kilometers outside of Dubrovski. It is among the oldest arboretums of this region in Europe which was created by a noble family of Gozzes in the 15 th century. It is a botanical marvel having exotic plants and trees gathered by the sailors around the globe in the gardens. There are two giant 500 year old oriental plane trees at the entrance, well landscaped Renaissance gardens and fancy fountains that offer a tranquil environment. The arboretum is also spectacularly overlooking the Adriatic Sea where the terraces command the coastline. Trsteno Arboretum will be known as a place of filming the gardens of King’s Landing by the fans of the Game of Thrones; therefore it will add a touch of pop-culture to the classical beauty. Trsteno Arboretum is a great option in the case of individuals who want to avoid the masses and enter a calm, magical environment.

8. The Wine Culture in Experience Dubrovski.

Dubrovski and the areas surrounding it make a pleasant wine adventure playground to wine lovers to sample some of the best wine in Croatia. Vineyards and the production of vine varieties of outstanding kinds is located in the close proximity of the Konavle Valley and the Pelješac Peninsula, with the renowned Plavac Mali red wine. Numerous guided tours are provided out of Dubrovski and it provides visits to family-owned wineries where you can know about the traditional way of production, walk across vineyards and taste wines with local delicacies which include cheese, olive oil and cured meats. Even in Dubrovski there are wine bars and wine tasting rooms where travelers can sample the variety of wines without the need to leave the city. Other than the flavours, wine tours offer an opportunity to bond with local culture and hospitality. Considering whether you are a first time drinker or a wine-loving connoisseur, a visit to the wine culture of Dubrovski is a taste worth writing home about as well as an eye-opener and therefore a place worth visiting on your travel list.

9. Go on a Boat Ride to the Mljet National Park.

Mljet, being among the most beautiful islands in Croatia, is commonly known as the green island because it is covered with pine forests and greenery. To get out of the multitude of people and thrive in nature, a boat trip to Mljet is the best option to start off at the city of Dubrovski. Mljet National Park, that occupies the western section of the island, and has two beautiful saltwater lakes: Veliko Jezero (Large Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake), is the highlight of the island. The lakes are also perfect to either swim, take a kayak or bike around the beautiful tracks that encircle the lakes. In the bigger lake there is a smaller islet with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which also gives historical value to the trip. Hiking is also an ideal place to visit in Mljet and the trails among the islands provide spectacular views of the Adriatic. Mljet National Park is a paradise of outdoor activities, peaceful and untouched in nature and full of natural beauty.

10. Savor Customary Dalmatian Food.

Croatian cuisine is one of the finest expressions of national values and Dubrovski has limitless possibilities to taste the original Dalmatian cuisine. In addition to the touristy areas of the Old Town, exploring the nearby villages and coastal towns is an opportunity to experience traditional food cooked with love in family run konobas (taverns). Seafood is a staple product, and such cuisines as grilled fish, octopus salad, and black risotto (prepared with cuttlefish ink) are among the favorites. A second dish to be tried is peka, a food of meat or seafood, cooked slowly under a bell-shaped lid, which imparts a smoky tender taste. Together with the wines and olive oil, the Dalmatian cuisine is an expression of the rich Mediterranean traditional of the region. Food tours that are not based in the Old Town can easily be coupled with a cultural tour, which makes them a very interesting experience. The next most fulfilling experience in Dubrovski besides sightseeing is the tasting of authentic dishes to the food lovers.

11. Hike in Konavle Valley.

The Konavle Valley south of Dubrovnik is a beautiful basin of hill, vineyards, rivers and stone villages. The countryside of Dubrovski known as Konavle is the ideal hiking and countryside life touring spot. There are many paths that criss-cross the valley that provide different degrees of challenge to both amateur walkers and the more skilled hikers. On the way you will visit vineyards that produce some of the best wine in Croatia, olive groves and old watermills. There are also cultural sites to be found in the valley, including folklore shows or crafts workshops, where you can get to know about the rich traditions of the region. To experience an even deeper sense of adventure, hikers can make their adventure complemented with wine or food tasting in family farmhouses. By hiking into the Konavle Valley, you can experience breathtaking nature, clean air and experience traditional cultural experience all in just a few minutes of driving outside of Dubrovski. It is a perfect means of contrast between the busy life in the city and relaxing nature.

12. Tour the Dubrovski Riviera.

The Dubrovski Rivijer is the long coastline of Adriatic concerning a series of little towns, fishing villages and hidden coves that reveal the lesser known side of Croatia. Slano, Zaton, and Orašac are only a few minutes drive out of Dubrovski but are a world away the bustling tourist atmosphere of the city. All the destinations are attractive in their own way: Slano is a great place to sail across a long bay, Zaton has swimming areas that are friendly to the family and Orašac can allure guests with its ancient olive groves and serene beaches. An adventure in the Riviera will enable you to enjoy the genuine local hospitality, enjoy freshly caught seafood and find beaches that are too beautiful and not congested with many people. It is also a very good entrance to the local traditions and observing how the ordinary life goes beyond the well known walls that surround Dubrovski. The Dubrovski Riviera is a great and refreshing experience on the itinerary list of the travelers who wish to avoid the tourist madness and discover the secrets of the town.

Conclusion

Dubrovski is a sight that will provide a lot more than the Old Town, which everyone knows about. The walled city is the jewel of the crown but those who explore beyond the old roads are paid with wealth of experience that is very much exclusive. Spending time on secret beaches and kayaking the Adriatic Sea to relaxing on serene islands such as Lokrum and Mljet, each and every part of the Dubrovski environment offers you a new adventure. Located in the south of Croatia is the Konavle Valley which welcomes hikers and nature lovers to immerse into the rural life of the country and then the Elaphiti Islands and Dubrovski Riviera are a chance to experience the true nature of life on the coastline. Touring wine, traditional Dalmatian food and cultural tours add further depth to your trip; so that your schedule is full of a lot of variety. You are a history lover, a food and beverage lover, an adventure lover, or just a traveller who likes to enjoy peace and beauty, Dubrovski naselje outside the Old Town has something to offer you that you will remember forever. Indeed, the list of things to do in Dubrovski is long long long long long from the city walls.

As an Omani traveling Croatian escape, the first step to your adventure is to get your travel plans organized with the right documents. Getting a Croatia Visa or even Croatia Visa to Oman Citizens is a clear cut measure that will allow easy access to this Adriatic paradise. The right travel partner, like GoKite Oman, would make the process simpler, as you are provided with expert advice and without any hassles, and you can fully spend on the enjoyment of your vacation. Dubrovski didi as well as the natural beauty combined with a trip to history and culture make your time in Dubrovski a smooth journey with the right plans and visa arrangements. Therefore, begin your adventure today, and leave the Old Town, and discover the unknown wonders that make Dubrovski what it is- one of the most fascinating place in Europe.