During a short trip to Dubrovnik you get to experience summer feelings one more time: beautiful beaches, crystal clear bays and a balanced program of sightseeing. In the low season from September to October, the medieval city can be really enjoyed. Because then most tourists have already left and the temperatures are at a pleasant 25 degrees. It's still warm enough to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea on Dubrovnik's beaches.

© Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

What to See

Dubrovnik city walls

In the Middle Ages, the trading and port city was protected from attackers and pirates with thick, high walls. A few years ago, they became the backdrop for the hit series Game of Thrones: Many famous scenes were shot on or along the city walls. A ticket for a tour costs € 35, -, but the visit is worth it: you can walk the entire walls and even climb the north tower. On the west side there are three charming bars where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the sea and the surrounding islands.

View from the city wall. © Fabian Sindelar

The island of Locrum

During a short trip to Dubrovnik, an excursion to Locrum, a nature reserve of Croatia, cannot be missed. Easily accessible by a boat that departs every 30 minutes, the unspoiled island forms a perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxation. On the one hand, there's Empress Elizabeth's old villa and the real iron throne used for Game of Thrones; on the other hand, you can choose between several quiet beaches. A special highlight is a natural saltwater pool with a small cave that can be explored. There's also a cozy bar here and, at Sissi Villa, a charming restaurant overlooking a park area that appears in Game of Thrones as the gardens of King's Landing .

© Fabian Sindelar

The Franciscan Monastery

The Franciscan monastery is one of the most beautiful places in the old town of Dubrovnik. The cloister is an enchanting garden surrounded by 60 double columns; the capitals are all individually designed and date back to the 14th century. Next to the cloister, there's a small museum full of treasures from Dubrovnik's history. These include a monastery apothecary, preserved in its original state from 1317 - one of the oldest in all of Europe. Today, the Franciscan monastery is considered a jewel of historical and artistic value of Dalmatia.

© Fabian Sindelar

Where to Stay:

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

© Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik immediately stands out with its colorful golden facade. The historic building from 1897 combines the charm of the fin de siècle with modern luxury and everything you would expect from a five-star hotel. In case there's bad weather, guests can enjoy the indoor pool and the spacious spa area. Just 500 meters from the Pile Gate you can reach all the sights of the city in just a few minutes, such as the Stradun, where you can find many boutiques and restaurants. The hotel's restaurants and bars are the perfect place to enjoy Dalmatian delicacies and cocktails with a view of the old town and the Adriatic Sea.

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Marijana Blazica 2, Dubrovnik, 20000, Croatia
Tel: +385 20 320 320
Web: hilton.com
Price: Doubles from € 500

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

© Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

A half-hour trip from Dubrovnik's Old Town you can find the five-star Sun Gardens Dubrovnik resort, a partner of Leading Hotels of the World. Its sea-view restaurants and bars, multiple pools, and a private beach leave nothing to be desired, and the balanced spa offerings include everything from charcoal and salt saunas to hammams, aromatherapy, steam baths, and customized treatments. Rooms are modernly appointed and offer either gorgeous views over the Adriatic or views over the hotel's tranquil gardens. Especially recommended for families are the spacious residences or villas. There's also a kids club for all younger guests. Tip: If you want to see the old town of Dubrovnik from a different perspective, you can approach the old city walls with a speedboat of the hotel and moor in the harbor.

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik
Na Moru 1, Orasac, 20235 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tel: +385 (0)20 361 500
Web: dubrovniksungardens.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 370

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

© Unsplash

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik belongs to the top class luxury hotels and is perfect for a short trip to Dubrovnik. Superstars such as Morgan Freeman and Francis Ford Coppola have been guests here. It comes as no surprise that this hotel at the Ploce Gate is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Comprised of two buildings - the 1913 Villa Odak and The Tower, a new modern building - the 158 rooms score high with natural colors, dark wood, and select art objects. The spa program includes Turkish and Roman baths and a Finnish sauna. A team of therapists offer customized massages and beauty treatments. Indoor and outdoor pools are joined by a private beach with views of the old town and Locrum Island. At dinner in the hotel's restaurants and bars, this view transforms into a sparkling interlude of sunset and the lights of the city and harbor.

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Frana Supila 12, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tel: +385 20 300 300
Web: adriaticluxuryhotels.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 2600

Where to Eat:

© Fabian Sindelar

Restaurant Sesame

There are many good restaurants in Dubrovnik, but none is as special as Sesame - if you're planning a short trip to Dubrovnik, don't miss this gem. Just a few minutes from the Pile Gate of the Old Town, it's tucked away, surrounded by trees, on several terraces. Also known among locals as the Green Oasis, the ambiance in the 200-plus-year-old stone house offers a very special experience, as the cuisine follows a family tradition dating back to the 1880s and conjures up traditional Croatian dishes, as well as fish and seafood, in an almost artistic way. Especially recommended are the homemade tagliatelle with lobster. Tip: If you don't get enough after dinner, you can come back first thing in the morning. Because the restaurant Sesame also offers breakfast and lunch.

Restaurant Sesame
Dantea Alighierija 2 20000 Dubrovnik
Tel: +385 20 412 910
Web: sesame.hr

Read more: These are the best hotels in Croatia