Travel: 48 hours in Dubrovnik

By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jul 2016, 12:00 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:58 BST
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Picture: Getty Images/iStockphotoDubrovnik, Croatia. Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Robin McKelvie spends a weekend in Dubrovnik

Friday, midday

Check into the landmark Excelsior Hotel (doubles from £195, www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com). Book a room with a view of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town.

1pm

Head for lunch at the recently revamped Proto (www.esculaprestaurants.com) and get acquainted with the excellent local seafood. Try their signature starter – local lobster and langoustines laced with black truffle.

3pm

Hide Ad

Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most remarkable baroque cities. Stroll through the narrow old streets, exploring churches and monasteries, and stopping for a refreshing gemist (white wine and sparkling water).

7pm

The Bellevue Hotel is well named, with sweeping views of an Adriatic bay away from the crowds. Their Vapor restaurant (tel: 020-330885) offers the likes of pasta with truffles and local spiny lobster, simply grilled.

9pm

Ease down to Café Festival (www.cafefestival.com) on the lifeblood pedestrianised Stradun in the old town. Join the locals in their favourite twin pastimes: seeing and being seen.

Saturday, 10am

Pre-book a car from Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos.co.uk) and explore the tranquil Konavle region. It is home to vineyards producing delicious wine from the malvasia grape. Crvik (tel: 020-771230) welcomes visitors. Call ahead.

1.30pm

Time for hearty hinterland Konavle cuisine at Konavoski Dvori (tel: 020-791039). Order a platter of local ham and cheese, before lamb and veal cooked on hot coals.

5pm

Back in Dubrovnik, hike the old town walls. The fading afternoon light is the best time to appreciate Dubrovnik’s unique drama.

8pm

Hide Ad

Stara Losa at the Prijeko Palace (www.prijekopalace.com) only opened this year, but already local chef Damir Saric is making culinary waves. The tasting menu is superb.

Sunday, 9am

Try a treatment at the Excelsior’s spa. Their myriad options are guaranteed to ease joints.

• EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) fly to Dubrovnik from Edinburgh starting at around £130 return. Dubrovnik Tourist Office, www.tzdubrovnik.hr