The best way to see Dubrovnik is to ride the modern cable car up to the top of Srd Hill for outstanding panoramic views of the Old City and the deep blue Adriatic Sea, dotted with picturesque islands. Once you reach the top of the old town, visit the museum in Fort Imperial to discover more of the city’s past. During the summer, Dubrovnik hosts the Summer Games, a theatre festival that attracts culture vultures. The festival features numerous exhibitions in small galleries, churches, palaces, and classical music concerts almost every night. You can walk on the walls that surround the Old Town and look out to the sea. Elsewhere, fifteen minutes from the old town port is Lokrum Island, which can be reached by boat. Take a day trip here to experience the secluded swimming and sunbathing spots. Discover the island by foot along paths that lead to a botanical garden and the ruins of an old Benedictine monastery.

Dubrovnik’s seafront dictates the food that is available here. The cuisine centres on fresh fish and seafood and is complimented by a glass or two of Pošip, the light white wine from the nearby island of Korčula. Because the city is so close to the Italian border, you are bound to find a good pizzeria. To taste the best seafood, dine out at one of the restaurants in the Old Port in Dubrovnik. The vibrant Restaurant Poklisar is frequented by the locals or try typical fish house Lokanda Peskarija, known for its scenic location and great value. The 360 ̊Restaurant, in the Sveti Luka bastion on the city walls offer a fine dining experience in a modern and elegant setting. Overlooking the port, the menu is full of Mediterranean-flavoured cuisine with an extensive wine list. Out on the terrace bar you can try one of the best cocktails in the region.

Family holidays to Dubrovnik will take your breath away. From ancient sights to fine sands and turquoise waters, this city will show you and the family the best of Croatia. The best way to explore Dubrovnik is by foot. You and whole family can enjoy a stroll around the city walls so you can get a better view of the impressive Old Town. At around two kilometres long, with 700 steps that take you up and down towers, you will encircle the whole town from 25 metres up. For the adventurous family members, book a kayak tour to Lokrum Island. From here you will get the chance to go snorkelling and explore some caves. Up to two children can travel on the kayak with an adult, meaning you’ll get to enjoy the paddling experience together. If you’d prefer to stay dry, then a visit to the marine aquarium and maritime museum in St. John’s Fort at the old city harbour is a must. You’ll learn about the fish and marine life from the Adriatic.

On water or land, there are activities for everyone on a holiday in Dubrovnik. At Copacabana Beach, on Dubrovnik’s Lapad peninsula, is a pebbly stretch. Here you can try a range of extreme water sports, including banana boats, parachute boat ride to jet-skis. As one of the larger islands in the Dalmatia region, Mljet National Park is home to two idyllic salt water lakes and a 12th century monastery found on an islet on the larger lake. You can hike or cycle from Pomena to Polače on sheltered paths, and swim or kayak in clear water lakes. The Dubrovnik countryside provides fascinating walks and mountain bike rides. Pass through the traditional town of Konavle with its chapels and summer houses. You will follow a trail that leads through an olive grove, cypress trees and vineyards that offer wine tasting. You will hike up to Sapro mill stop at an old water mill and Franciscan monastery.

If you’re after an idyllic beach escape along the Riviera, you have plenty to choose from outside of the buzzing city of Dubrovnik. For a chance to walk on soft sands, Slano is a beautiful two kilometre long bay with clear blue water and luscious plants. Lopud is also a lovely beach to retreat to with a curve of powdery golden sand. The pebbly Banje Beach lies just below the walls of the old town. With sheltered bathing spots and an extensive line-up of water sports, you’ll want to recuperate at one of the seafront bars and cafés at the end of the day.

By night, the best place to hang out in Dubrovnik is the Old Town. Wine bars and Irish make up the majority of the old town, whilst Pile Gate has most of the dance clubs and venues offering live music. D’Vino Wine Bar is hidden away in a narrow stone alley and serves the best Croatian wines. The mellow vibe is complimented by the candlelight and low-key music. You can also sample great wines at the swanky new wine bar La Bodega. It is housed in a 17th century stone building at the end of Stradun, near to the Rector’s Palace. Also in the area is Troubadour Hard Jazz Café that stages live jazz and rock music on its outdoor terrace. For a bar that’s on the beach, head to Banje Beach restaurant, lounge & club to enjoy a cocktail or two. You can get there by land or sea –if you have a boat you can anchor on the private pier.

There will be romance in the air when you take a holiday to Dubrovnik with your loved one. From stretches of sandy beaches to island discoveries, there are plenty of places to getaway together. You can find love amidst the ancient walls, wandering around the chic boutiques, pretty jewellery shops, colourful floral gardens and charming terrace cafés, this city is sure to help you rekindle. Go island hopping with a day trip to the Peljesac peninsula and Korcula. There you can get lost in the small unspoiled villages and sheltered coves framed by beautiful beaches. By night you can enjoy a romantic candlelight drink at the informal Buza bar. Hidden within the seaward-facing city walls, the views here are wonderful. Tables are arranged on a series of levels on the rocks, and you are free to go for a cheeky swim in the sea.

Dubrovnik’s historic old town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its Renaissance architecture which is evident from the St Saviour Church. Home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe is a Franciscan Monastery and museum which is well worth a visit. Next door is the grand Rector’s Palace which has Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences in its architecture and is now the history department to the museum of Dubrovnik. In the quieter months there are regular concerts by Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra which are held in various venues in the Old Town. There are also weekly theatre plays, performed by Dubrovnik Theatre, they are played weekly in the theatre’s own venue. If art is your thing, then pay the Museum of Modern Art a visit to experience one of the popular contemporary art shows.