Our Family Holiday in Croatia: Dubrovnik, Mount Srđ and the Elafiti Islands

Riding the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

One of the first things we did was take the cable car up to Mount Srđ, the low mountain that rises directly behind Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The ride itself is part of the experience, it is quick but incredibly scenic, and as you glide upwards the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town shrink beneath you and the islands begin to dot the horizon.

At the top, there is more to do than people often expect:

Panorama views: The main event is the viewpoint terrace. The views over Dubrovnik’s city walls, Lokrum island and the Elafiti Islands are truly spectacular, especially towards sunset. It is one of those moments where everyone goes a bit quiet and just stares.

Restaurant and bar: There is a restaurant and bar at the top, with an outdoor terrace that makes the most of the view. It is not the cheapest meal you will have in Croatia, but for a special drink or dinner with that backdrop, it is hard to beat. If you can, time it for late afternoon into sunset.

Zip lining: For older children and teens (and any grown‑ups who like a bit of adrenaline), there is a zip line experience that runs across part of the hillside with the city far below. It looks dramatic and is a real highlight if you enjoy that sort of thrill.

Quad bikes / buggy safaris: You will also find quad bike and buggy tours starting from the top station, heading further across the rugged landscape behind the mountain. Expect dusty tracks, ruined fortifications and big sea views.

From a practical point of view, if you or your children are tempted by the zip lining or quad bikes, it is really important to check that your travel insurance covers these activities before you go. Some standard policies class them as “adventure” or “hazardous” activities and either exclude them or require you to add them on. It is worth checking the small print, or asking me to help you find a policy that fits, so you can relax and enjoy it knowing you are properly covered.

You can easily spend a couple of hours at the top: take in the views, visit the fort and museum if you are interested in the history, and then decide whether you fancy a gentle drink on the terrace or something more adrenaline‑fuelled.

Exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Dubrovnik’s Old Town really does live up to the pictures. Enclosed within high stone walls and full of marble streets and tiny squares, it is a place to wander rather than “tick off” sights, and that is exactly what we did.

My recommendations:

Lose yourself in the back streets: Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, let yourself get a bit lost. Duck down the narrow lanes leading off the main street and you will find washing strung high above, tiny chapels, and glimpses of the sea between the buildings.

Beautiful spots for food and drink: One of the joys of Dubrovnik is simply picking a pretty terrace, sitting down and enjoying a drink or a meal. There are restaurants tucked into little alleys with fairy lights, and cafes with views over the harbour or city walls. You really can dine in some stunning settings, even if you just stop for a cold drink and an ice cream with the kids.

Harbour and city walls: The harbour is lovely, especially in the later afternoon when the light softens and the boats come and go. If you have time and the children are up for it, walking the city walls is a brilliant way to see the Old Town from above.

My biggest tip for the Old Town is to slow down. It is tempting to try and squeeze too much in, but we found our best moments were when we wandered, stopped for something to eat or drink in a pretty spot, and just soaked up the atmosphere.

Cave Bar: Instagram vs Reality

We also made a stop at the famous cave bar in Dubrovnik, a natural cave that has been turned into a bar right on the water’s edge.

It really is very photogenic. You are surrounded by rock, with clever lighting and the sea just outside. It is great if you want that “wow” Instagram shot and it is certainly a fun idea.

However, if I am completely honest: for us, it was more of a one‑drink novelty than an essential experience. It is lovely for a quick visit and a couple of photos, but with limited time in Dubrovnik I personally feel there are better things to see and do, especially with a family. I would prioritise:

• More time exploring the Old Town
• An extra hour at the top of Mount Srđ
• Or another swim or sunset by the sea

If you are nearby and curious, by all means pop in. Just do not feel you have “missed out” if you choose to spend your time elsewhere.

Day Trip to the Elafiti Islands

A real highlight of our holiday was a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands, the small archipelago that lies just off the coast from Dubrovnik. Most day trips visit Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, each with its own character, and that is what we did.

The trip we chose gave us just enough time on each island without feeling too rushed. The scenery throughout the day was absolutely beautiful: deep blue sea, green islands, little stone harbours and gentle hills.

My top tip: choose a smaller boat

One piece of advice I always share with clients is to book a smaller boat for the Elafiti islands rather than one of the very large, crowded excursion boats. On a smaller boat you usually get:

• A more personal, relaxed atmosphere
• Easier access on and off for the children
• Less queuing at each stop
• A better chance to actually chat to the crew and get local tips

It makes a surprising difference to the feel of the whole day and, in my opinion, is well worth it.

Koločep: Coves and Coastal Walks

Koločep (often called Kalamota) is the closest island to Dubrovnik and a lovely gentle introduction to island life.

Here you can:

• Walk through pine trees and along coastal paths
• Discover quiet little coves for a swim
• Enjoy a coffee or ice cream by the small harbour

It is an easy stop with children because nothing is far away, and the water is usually very calm and inviting.

Lopud: Sandy Beach and Golf Carts

Lopud was one of our favourites, particularly for families, because it has something you do not find everywhere in Croatia: a proper sandy beach.

When you arrive on Lopud, you come into the main harbour, which has a pretty promenade, cafes and a small beach. But the real star is Šunj Beach, a wide sandy bay on the other side of the island with shallow water that is perfect for children.

To get there you have two options:

• Walk across the island, which takes around half an hour and is quite hot in the middle of the day
• Or do what we did and hop in one of the golf carts that run across the island

The golf carts were a hit with Jack and saved everyone’s legs and energy for swimming. Once you arrive at Šunj, you can rent sunbeds, paddle in the shallow warm water and generally enjoy a classic “beach day” feel.

Back in the main village, you can stroll along the seafront, stop for a drink and admire the views. Lopud is largely car‑free, which adds to its relaxed atmosphere.

Šipan: Rustic Croatia and Sea Views

Šipan is the largest of the three main Elafiti Islands and has a more rustic, traditional feel.

On Šipan you can:

• Wander through the harbour villages, with stone houses and little churches
• Enjoy a simple, fresh seafood lunch at a local konoba (tavern)
• Walk a little way inland amongst olive groves and greenery
• Find quiet spots to swim from rocky or small pebble beaches

It felt less polished than Lopud, but in a very charming way, and it gave us a nice glimpse of everyday island life.

Final Thoughts and How I Can Help

Our time in Croatia gave us a lovely mix of:

• History and atmosphere in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
• Big views and a touch of adventure on Mount Srđ
• Relaxed island‑hopping, sandy beaches and swims on the Elafiti Islands

For families, it works incredibly well: the journeys are short, the scenery is constant, and you can balance activity with downtime very easily.

If this sounds like the sort of holiday your family would enjoy, I can help you:

• Choose the right base in or near Dubrovnik
• Pick the best time to visit
• Arrange boat trips on smaller, more personal boats
• Check suitable travel insurance if you want to include activities like zip lining or quad biking

Get in touch with me to start planning your own Croatian adventure.