My husband and I snuck off to Dubrovnik for a 4‑day escape in June and it was exactly what we needed. A short 3‑hour flight, and we were swapping everyday life for sea views and stone streets. The weather was pretty much perfect for exploring and pool time, with just one dramatic evening downpour to remind us we were still in Europe!

We stayed at Valamar Argosy, around 25 minutes by taxi from the airport, so we were in holiday mode very quickly. The hotel had exactly the kind of “short break but make it special” feel we were after: stunning views over the marina and bay, two gorgeous infinity pools and beautiful outdoor spaces to relax in. There are sister hotels close by and a couple of local restaurants within walking distance, so we had options on our doorstep for low‑effort evenings.

Local buses to Dubrovnik’s Old Town stop nearby, but we happily gave in to convenience and grabbed an Uber instead: about £7 and roughly 20 minutes later we were stepping through those famous stone gates.

Falling for Dubrovnik’s Old Town

We absolutely LOVED the Old Town. Surrounded by impressive medieval walls and polished limestone streets, it feels like stepping onto a film set… which in a way, you are. Dubrovnik doubled as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, and once you are looking up at the fortresses and terracotta rooftops you can instantly see why.

The Old Town is packed with:

• Gorgeous, quaint restaurants tucked down little alleys
• Plenty of bars for an Aperol or a glass of Croatian wine
• Lots of small boutiques and shops to wander in and out of

We also made it our mission to try some local dishes. I went for Punjene Paprike, stuffed peppers with minced meat in a rich sauce, and it was absolutely delicious. My husband tried ćevapi, little grilled sausages served with soft flatbread, and declared them his new favourite “holiday food”

Sunsets, Cocktails and Coastal Strolls

One of my favourite memories from the trip was our evening at the Cave Bar, just a 10‑minute walk from Valamar Argosy. Carved into the rock with steps down to the water, it is a fantastic spot for sunset cocktails. Watching the sun sink into the Adriatic with a drink in hand and the waves just below us really had that “wow” moment.

We also headed to Lapad promenade one evening for dinner and drinks. It is an easy stroll or short ride from the hotel, with a relaxed seafront feel and lots of restaurant options, from casual bites to smarter spots.

On our last night we walked down to the marina and had dinner at Orka restaurant, overlooking the water and the bobbing boats as the sky turned pink. It was such a lovely, calm way to end the trip and made us both say, “We could definitely stay longer next time.”

Why I’d Recommend Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik works brilliantly for:

• A romantic 3–4 night escape
• A longer stay combining the city, coast and nearby islands
• Foodies who love pretty restaurants and local dishes
• Game of Thrones fans who want to see filming locations in real life

I would go back in a heartbeat, whether for another short break or as part of a longer Croatian adventure.

A Couple of Tips for Your Own Trip

• Plan at least one sunset stop: A cave bar, a rooftop terrace or the city walls in the early evening really show Dubrovnik at its best.
• Mix Old Town and coastal time: Spend a day (or two) wandering the Old Town, but leave time for the marina, Lapad promenade, or a swim and cocktail by the sea.
• Keep transfers simple: With the right hotel, you can be by the pool with a sea view in around 25 minutes from the airport, which makes Dubrovnik ideal for a quick getaway.
• Pack a light layer: Even in June, that one dramatic shower can appear, so a light jacket or umbrella is handy if you are out in the evening.

If you would like tips on staying at Valamar Argosy, choosing the right area, or turning a 4‑day break into a longer Croatian itinerary, just get in touch and I will be happy to help you plan your own Dubrovnik escape.