Dubrovnik Coast

Discovering the Dubrovnik Coast: Forest Cafés, Secret Beaches & Storybook Streets

If you are dreaming of sun-soaked days, clear blue seas and a coastline that feels both glamorous and quietly authentic, the Dubrovnik Riviera is a wonderful choice. From forest-framed cafés and charming old towns to island-hopping and wine tasting, this stretch of Croatia’s coast offers something for every kind of traveller.

Staying by the Sea: Astarea Hotel as a Perfect Base

We stayed at the Astarea Hotel, a comfortable base in a peaceful seaside setting, perfectly placed for exploring both Dubrovnik and Cavtat.

One of the things I loved most was how easy it was to get around without needing a car. We made full use of:

• Water taxis: Around €8 per person each way, running roughly from 8 am to 8 pm
• Local buses: A simple, budget-friendly way to connect to nearby towns
• Boats and wine trains: Ideal for day trips and exploring further afield

Being able to step straight onto a water taxi and glide along the coast to Cavtat or Dubrovnik turned every transfer into part of the holiday.

Cavtat: Forest Trails, Hidden Cafés & Harbour Views

Cavtat quickly became one of my favourite discoveries on this trip. It feels like a quieter, more laid-back cousin to Dubrovnik, with a beautiful harbour, relaxed promenade and just enough cafés and restaurants to keep you happily occupied.

A highlight here is the forest park that wraps around the peninsula:

• Follow trails shaded by pine trees
• Pause at viewpoints looking out over the Adriatic
• Walk up to the church for sweeping coastal views

Tucked away in the forest is a hidden little café, the perfect spot to stop for a coffee, listen to the wind in the trees and soak up the scenery. It feels wonderfully away from it all, yet only a short stroll from the waterfront.

Mlini: Secret Beaches & Quiet Corners

For a change of pace, we headed to Mlini, a peaceful, almost dreamlike spot that feels a world away from the busier tourist areas.

Here you will find:

• Small coves and quiet beaches backed by greenery
• Pretty pathways along the shore
• A sense of calm that makes it easy to switch off

Mlini has an almost “abandoned” charm in places, with old buildings and quieter corners that give it an atmospheric, slightly secret feel. It is ideal if you want to escape the crowds for a few hours and simply enjoy the sea, sun and scenery.

Dubrovnik Old Town: Walls, Walks & Timeless Views

Of course, no trip to this coastline is complete without visiting Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Enclosed within dramatic stone walls, the Old Town is a maze of:

• Cobbled streets and narrow alleyways
• Characterful shops and boutiques
• Elegant squares lined with bars and cafés

One of the absolute must-dos is walking the city walls, which cost around €19 per person. From the top, you are treated to panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops, church towers and the glittering Adriatic beyond. Go early or later in the day if you can, both to avoid the heat and to enjoy a slightly quieter experience.

Wandering without a fixed plan is part of the charm here: dipping into side streets, discovering tiny wine bars, and catching glimpses of the sea between stone buildings.

Islands, Lokrum & Game of Thrones

The sea around Dubrovnik is scattered with islands that are perfect for a day of exploring and snorkelling.

• Join a three-island boat trip to discover quiet bays, swim in clear waters and see the coastline from a different angle.
• Visit Lokrum Island, just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, known for its peaceful botanical gardens, resident peacocks and Game of Thrones filming locations.

Lokrum is a lovely mix of shaded paths, rocky bathing spots and historic ruins, with some fun nods to the series for fans who want to step into their favourite scenes.

For one of the best views of all, take the cable car up above Dubrovnik. From the top, you get a breathtaking sweep of the Old Town, surrounding islands and open sea: an ideal moment for photographs and a quiet drink with a view.

Tasting the Dubrovnik Coast: Wine Valleys & Waterfront Dining

Food and wine are a big part of the experience along this coast. We made the most of:

• Local wine trains and winery visits, travelling through vineyard valleys, tasting regional wines and learning about local grape varieties
• Fresh seafood dinners in the Old Town and along the harbours, with grilled fish, octopus salad and simple, flavourful dishes
• Cafés and konobas (traditional taverns), perfect for relaxed lunches and sunset drinks

From harbourside tables to tucked-away courtyards, every meal felt like an unhurried moment to pause and take everything in.

Why The Dubrovnik Coast Belongs On Your List

What makes this coastline so special is the way it combines so many different experiences in a relatively small area:

• Historic streets and iconic filming locations
• Forest walks and hidden cafés in Cavtat
• Quiet coves and beaches around Mlini
• Island-hopping, snorkelling and sea views
• Local buses, boats and wine trains that turn getting around into part of the adventure

Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or solo, the Dubrovnik Riviera can be as relaxed or as active as you want it to be. You can spend your days hopping between old towns and islands, or simply choose a favourite cove and watch the sun slip into the sea.

If this has inspired you to start planning your own Croatian escape, I would love to help you design a tailor-made itinerary along the Dubrovnik coast, created around how you like to explore, relax and dine.