Explore the Hidden Gems of Croatia: 8-Day Itinerary

Check out the lively street-life around the Orthodox church.

It's well worth your time to pop into Zagreb's only Orthodox church, with its candle-lit, icon-filled interior. It is surrounded by a pedestrianized area around Gajeva Street, Bogovićeva Street, and Preradovićev Square, named after one of the country's great poets, whose statue stands there today. The area is a favorite among locals for shopping, sipping coffee and dining out. Preradovićev Square is also known locally as Flower Square after the florists' market that was cleaned up in the 1980s; nowadays it's the beating heart of Zagreb's pavement-cafe culture.

See one of Zagreb's most beautiful and iconic buildings.

Like all increasingly self-confident nationalities in the late-era Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Croats built the Croatian National Theatre as an embodiment of national self-pride and cultural self-confidence. To ensure their theater ranked among the best, they contracted the same architects responsible for building opera houses all over Europe from Augsburg to Odessa. The theatre is located on what was once known as Marshal Tito Square, but was finally renamed to the Square of the Croatian Republic in 2017.

Museum-hop through the parks from one beautiful late-19th century building to the next.

You'll find a string of good museums in the green horseshoe, starting with the Archeological Museum on the northern end of Zrinjevac Park. As you make your way down the park you'll encounter several excellent art galleries, including the the Modern Gallery, with a wide-ranging collection of Croatian art from 1850 to the present day, the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters, and the Art Pavillion. On the opposite wing of the horseshoe you'll discover the Museum of Arts and Crafts, which anyone with an interest in the history of interiors will enjoy immensely. There's also an Ethnographic Museum, as well as the music-focused Museum Franjo Schneider. And you don't have to wander to far from the parks to find several other interesting museums, including the Museum of Illusion, the Museum of Chocolate, and even the Museum of Hangovers.

Lower Town

Walking the Lower Town transports you back to the Belle Époque of the late 19th and early 20th century, when Europe experienced the height of elegance and culture. True, the Lower Town is not as famous as the oldest parts of Zagreb in the Upper Town, but it is where the Croatian national revival made its greatest architectural impact in the final decades of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The refined influences of that period are seen in the numerous Secessionist-style public buildings which are reminiscent of 'Late Empire' Vienna and Prague. Unlike the Upper Town, the streets are mostly wide and airy, and the layout is intended to give the impression of grandeur. The Lower Town is also the site of Zagreb's 'green horseshoe' where many of the city's best museums and galleries are interlaced with large beautifully manicured garden squares.

Walk a horseshoe shaped route through the Lower Town by following its green parks.

Zagreb's 'green horseshoe' is where you'll find many of the city's best museums and galleries, interlaced with large beautifully manicured garden squares. A good starting point is Zrinjevac Park, just south of the Upper Town and Jelačić Square. The series of interconnected public gardens, parks, and squares were laid out from the 1870s onwards and interspersed with set-piece public institutions like galleries, museums, academies, and theatres that were de rigueur for every European capital that aspired to be 'modern'.

Check out the lively street-life around the Orthodox church.

It's well worth your time to pop into Zagreb's only Orthodox church, with its candle-lit, icon-filled interior. It is surrounded by a pedestrianized area around Gajeva Street, Bogovićeva Street, and Preradovićev Square, named after one of the country's great poets, whose statue stands there today. The area is a favorite among locals for shopping, sipping coffee and dining out. Preradovićev Square is also known locally as Flower Square after the florists' market that was cleaned up in the 1980s; nowadays it's the beating heart of Zagreb's pavement-cafe culture.

Enjoy an intriguing and bitter-sweet visit to a unique museum focused on heartbreak.

One of Zagreb's most quirky museums is the Museum of Broken Relationships. At first a temporary exhibition only, it struck such a chord with the public that it became a permanent museum in 2010, displaying objects connected with all aspects of human relationships and break-ups. A compelling and sometimes visceral monument to wistful memory and raw emotion, visitors are invited to overcome a difficult separation by donating memories and thus recognizing the end of a relationship.

Be sure to stop by the picturesque square and church at the heart of Old Zagreb.

Markov trg at the center of Gradec hosts the surprisingly modest Sabor or national parliament and the rather squat but nonetheless attractive St Mark's Church, with its famously multi-colored roof tiles displaying the coat of arms of Zagreb and Croatia. The interior has been ravaged over time by earthquake, fire, and 19th-century "restorers", but some parts, like the south portal, are original. The building on the other side is the Banski dvor, or Ban's Palace, originally the seat of the Hapsburg-appointed governor and now the seat of Croatia's government.

Highlights of Zagreb, Guided Tour

On this 2.5-hour private tour, you will see the main sights and vibrant everyday life in Zagreb. You will visit the oldest parts of town, hear genuine Zagreb stories and legends, and enjoy a walk through the old town's green promenade. Highlights include Zagreb cathedral, the short funicular connecting the lower and uppers parts of the city, the oldest part of the city called Gradec were the city's parliament and best museums are to be found, the famous pedestrianized Tkalčićeva Street that has one of the most engaging and fun dining areas in Southern Europe and the open-air market of Dolac.

Historic lookout tower

A tower that once protected the southern city gate from danger. A spiral staircase inside leads to a small wooden terrace offering superb views of Zagreb's roofscape.

See the beautiful courtyard which was once the center of the palace, and is now the heart of Split.

The Peristyle was the central courtyard of the palace complex and the crossing point of its main streets. The columns around the courtyard were pillaged from Egypt, though the officer in charge of the operation must have forgotten to get some extras as four of the columns are clearly different from the others. There's also a black granite Egyptian sphinx on one side dating from 1500 BC which originally flanked the entrance to Diocletian's mausoleum (other sphinxes around the palace were decapitated by Diocletian to allay his superstition that they posed a threat to his rule). If you sit on one of the red cushions scattered around the Peristyle you'll be approached by a waiter with a menu of very expensive drinks, but it may be worth it just to sit and lap up the history and watch people go by. At the southern end of the Peristyle, steps lead up to a cone-shaped, roofless chamber which once served as the palace vestibule. Visitors would wait here before being summoned before the ex-emperor into his private apartments.

Enter this ancient gateway to discover palace cellars used as film sets for Game of Thrones.

While today about 200 feet (60m) from the water, the Bronze Gate originally sat directly on the sea, allowing boats to pull directly up to the palace. As you enter the gate you will find a mass of souvenir and arts & crafts stalls, but just inside the entrance on either side are the substructures, or cellars of the palace. After the palace fell into disrepair, the cellars were used as rubbish pits. Families occupying the apartments above would simply create holes in the floor and voila, they had an instant trash dump with a seemingly unending supply of space. Of course centuries of trash did eventually them fill up and they were only rediscovered in 1956; the excavations continue to this very day. While entrance to the cellar is not free, it provides an excellent idea of what the palace must originally have looked like, as they're an exact mirror image of the imperial living quarters above. Game of Thrones fans will also be happy to learn that the cellar was used as a filming set, including as Daenerys Targaryen's grand Meereen throne room.

Split Old Town Walking Tour

This two-hour guided tour will take you to the Roman emperor Diocletian's 1700-year-old palace which was built as his personal rest home. Walk from the Bronze Gate through the central hall of the ancient cellars is the main communication line between the busy waterfront promenade, the Riva, and the palace's main forecourt, the Peristyle. You'll also stop by the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural attractions on the Adriatic coast, the Roman temple of Jupiter (latterly a Christian baptistry), the fabulous Golden Gate, and the medieval Croatian bishop who introduced the Croatian language in religious services.

See the beautiful courtyard which was once the center of the palace, and is now the heart of Split.

The Peristyle was the central courtyard of the palace complex and the crossing point of its main streets. The columns around the courtyard were pillaged from Egypt, though the officer in charge of the operation must have forgotten to get some extras as four of the columns are clearly different from the others. There's also a black granite Egyptian sphinx on one side dating from 1500 BC which originally flanked the entrance to Diocletian's mausoleum (other sphinxes around the palace were decapitated by Diocletian to allay his superstition that they posed a threat to his rule). If you sit on one of the red cushions scattered around the Peristyle you'll be approached by a waiter with a menu of very expensive drinks, but it may be worth it just to sit and lap up the history and watch people go by. At the southern end of the Peristyle, steps lead up to a cone-shaped, roofless chamber which once served as the palace vestibule. Visitors would wait here before being summoned before the ex-emperor into his private apartments.

Climb to this stone fortress above the town of Hvar for the perfect photo.

Resting atop of the hill with breathtaking views of Hvar Town and the nearby Pakleni Islands is the Citadel, built by the Venetians in the 1550s but with the help of Spanish engineers, hence it is another name: the Spanish Fortress. It is the perfect spot for a photo of yourself standing on the turrets and overlooking the town and harbor. During the season it is open to visitors for a 40 Kuna entry fee. To reach the citadel just walk up the stairs located next to the Loggia, which is the colonnaded white building located just in front of the port. Once you reach the gardens above the town, then follow a zig-zagging path through the gardens. When you reach a gate in the garden, go through it, instead of taking the other path which is helpfully spray-painted with the word "stop". This will take you to the entrance of the citadel.

Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets of this small town nestled at the end of a clear blue bay.

Stari Grad is more laid back and family-oriented than Hvar Town but is becoming more popular with younger crowds and the jet-set as time goes by. Its streets are lined by stone houses decorated with bright window boxes, and there are plenty of small squares to explore that suddenly open up at the end of shoulder-rubbing alleyways. The fertile plain stretching south and west of Stari Grad is one of the few places in Europe where the ancient Greek system of field division has been preserved almost untouched. With olive groves and vineyards divided by a grid of dry stone walls and country lanes, it is easily explored on foot or by bike. A highlight within the town is the summer house and walled garden of the 16th-century poet and aristocrat Petar Hektorović called the Tvrdalj. This simple stone structure purpose-built for quiet contemplation and as a refuge for the locals in time of the attack is built around a central cloister with a turquoise pond packed with mullet. Almost immediately adjacent to the Tvrdalj is the Biankini Palace, an impressively restored Renaissance building that now houses the Town Museum

Hop over to these rocky islands to swim and snorkel in their picturesque little coves and lagoons.

If weather permits, Hvar can be a splendid place for swimming as the sea conditions are truly exceptional, with crystal clear water. If you are hoping for soft sand beaches though, you will be disappointed. Beaches range from "pebbly" to "rocky ledge". A great option is to catch a water taxi (about 50 Kuna per person roundtrip) from the town of Hvar to the forested Pakleni Island, where the best beaches are to be found. The contorted, crooked shorelines of the islands create numerous little coves and lagoons that are nice spots for swimming and relaxing. Sveti Klement is the largest of the islands and hence has the best facilities, but there are restaurants, bars, snack stands, and toilets located near most of the beaches. Snorkeling is also possible at the Pakleni Islands, although generally there are no reefs, as is the case along most of the Croatian coastline. However, visibility is amazing and there are plenty of interesting rock formations. The best option if you are serious about snorkeling is to go with an organized boat tour.

Hvar Island

Hvar has a reputation as the Croatian Ibiza, i.e. lots of young people partying as if their lives depended on it, but it's actually much more than that and remains relatively unspoiled and comparatively affordable in relation to the mainland coast. Both of its main towns, Hvar and Star Grad, are lovely medieval towns full of traffic-free alleys surrounded by ancient stone houses; these act as a romantic backdrop to the towns' many cafes from where you can indulge in people-watching and view the fancy yachts filling up the harbor. In the summer, you can take a passenger-only 1-hour catamaran trip directly to Hvar Town. In other months, Hvar is still relatively easy to get to via a 2-hour car ferry to the main island port of Stari Grad. If you do take the ferry, it's still just a short bus or taxi ride to Hvar or Stari Grad - you can even walk to Stari Grad from the ferry port. Keep in mind though that you must be quick off the ferry to catch the bus. If you can afford it, taking a private boat is the ultimate way to experience Hvar, as you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe along the way. Also keep in mind that while Hvar is happening in the warmer months, it is quite sleepy in the off season. Many restaurants and attractions will be closed, but if you enjoy exploring in peace and quiet, it is the perfect time to visit.

Check out where war galleys were once repaired on Hvar's main square.

There's plenty to see in Hvar Town beginning at the main square, Trg svetog Stjepana (St Stephen Square) where you'll find the 17th century Venetian arsenal in which war galleys were once hauled for repair. The upper story was adapted in 1612 to house the town theatre, one of the oldest Baroque playhouses in Europe. St Stephen's Cathedral at the eastern end of the square is a 16th-century building with a fragile looking four-story campanile. Some of the artwork inside might be worth your time popping in to see. The Bishop's treasury next door contains a small but fine selection of religious.

Climb to this stone fortress above the town of Hvar for the perfect photo.

Resting atop of the hill with breathtaking views of Hvar Town and the nearby Pakleni Islands is the Citadel, built by the Venetians in the 1550s but with the help of Spanish engineers, hence it is another name: the Spanish Fortress. It is the perfect spot for a photo of yourself standing on the turrets and overlooking the town and harbor. During the season it is open to visitors for a 40 Kuna entry fee. To reach the citadel just walk up the stairs located next to the Loggia, which is the colonnaded white building located just in front of the port. Once you reach the gardens above the town, then follow a zig-zagging path through the gardens. When you reach a gate in the garden, go through it, instead of taking the other path which is helpfully spray-painted with the word "stop". This will take you to the entrance of the citadel.

Krka Waterfalls

While the more famous Plitvice Waterfalls are much larger and get all the press, the Krka waterfalls also pour crystal clear blue water over karst rock formations. And just like Plitvice, they are so beautiful that a National Park was created to protect them. But they also have a couple of key advantages over Plitvice. First of all they are much closer to Split, meaning it is much more manageable to visit them as a day trip. In fact Krka is only an hour from Split, versus a three hour drive to reach Plitvice. Keep in mind though that the waterfalls can only accommodate a limited number of people and the park limits entry. So if you want to be assured of getting in, either get there very early, or book ahead with an organized group. One more thing to remember is that it is not just about swimming - the National Park is also a great place for a hike. Also, don't forget your watershoes if you plan to swim, but please note that you are no longer allowed to swim beneath the main cascading falls.

Krka Waterfalls

While the more famous Plitvice Waterfalls are much larger and get all the press, the Krka waterfalls also pour crystal clear blue water over karst rock formations. And just like Plitvice, they are so beautiful that a National Park was created to protect them. But they also have a couple of key advantages over Plitvice. First of all they are much closer to Split, meaning it is much more manageable to visit them as a day trip. In fact Krka is only an hour from Split, versus a three hour drive to reach Plitvice. Keep in mind though that the waterfalls can only accommodate a limited number of people and the park limits entry. So if you want to be assured of getting in, either get there very early, or book ahead with an organized group. One more thing to remember is that it is not just about swimming - the National Park is also a great place for a hike. Also, don't forget your watershoes if you plan to swim, but please note that you are no longer allowed to swim beneath the main cascading falls.

Krka Waterfalls

While the more famous Plitvice Waterfalls are much larger and get all the press, the Krka waterfalls also pour crystal clear blue water over karst rock formations. And just like Plitvice, they are so beautiful that a National Park was created to protect them. But they also have a couple of key advantages over Plitvice. First of all they are much closer to Split, meaning it is much more manageable to visit them as a day trip. In fact Krka is only an hour from Split, versus a three hour drive to reach Plitvice. Keep in mind though that the waterfalls can only accommodate a limited number of people and the park limits entry. So if you want to be assured of getting in, either get there very early, or book ahead with an organized group. One more thing to remember is that it is not just about swimming - the National Park is also a great place for a hike. Also, don't forget your watershoes if you plan to swim, but please note that you are no longer allowed to swim beneath the main cascading falls.

Krka Waterfalls

While the more famous Plitvice Waterfalls are much larger and get all the press, the Krka waterfalls also pour crystal clear blue water over karst rock formations. And just like Plitvice, they are so beautiful that a National Park was created to protect them. But they also have a couple of key advantages over Plitvice. First of all they are much closer to Split, meaning it is much more manageable to visit them as a day trip. In fact Krka is only an hour from Split, versus a three hour drive to reach Plitvice. Keep in mind though that the waterfalls can only accommodate a limited number of people and the park limits entry. So if you want to be assured of getting in, either get there very early, or book ahead with an organized group. One more thing to remember is that it is not just about swimming - the National Park is also a great place for a hike. Also, don't forget your watershoes if you plan to swim, but please note that you are no longer allowed to swim beneath the main cascading falls.

Transfer to Ferry Terminal

First keep in mind that the ferry terminal is located only about a 1/2-mile (800m) from the Split Old Town. Also consider that if staying in the pedestrian area of Old Town, a car cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk a short distance with your bags anyway. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand. UberX is available in Split if you prefer to take a car. If staying in a hotel, they can also arrange a taxi pick up for you. The price should be about 10-15 EUR depending on your hotel location. For the most convenience, you can arrange a private transfer to the ferry terminal.  Make sure the taxi knows which terminal you are going to: the Krilo (Kapetan Luka) catamaran terminal is opposite the bus station and the car ferry terminal is a bit further to the left. The Jadrolinija catamaran terminal is at the top of the dock area nearest the old town. If taking the Krilo catamaran, the taxi driver should drop you off beside the concrete pier where the catamarans leave from or next to the bus station on the opposite side of the street. You should see one or two catamarans waiting at the end of the pier when you arrive. If you're going to the islands in the off-season, then you'll probably need to go to the car ferry terminal further down the waterfront.

Transfer to Ferry Terminal

First keep in mind that the ferry terminal is located only about a 1/2-mile (800m) from the Split Old Town. Also consider that if staying in the pedestrian area of Old Town, a car cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk a short distance with your bags anyway. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand. UberX is available in Split if you prefer to take a car. If staying in a hotel, they can also arrange a taxi pick up for you. The price should be about 10-15 EUR depending on your hotel location. For the most convenience, you can arrange a private transfer to the ferry terminal.  Make sure the taxi knows which terminal you are going to: the Krilo (Kapetan Luka) catamaran terminal is opposite the bus station and the car ferry terminal is a bit further to the left. The Jadrolinija catamaran terminal is at the top of the dock area nearest the old town. If taking the Krilo catamaran, the taxi driver should drop you off beside the concrete pier where the catamarans leave from or next to the bus station on the opposite side of the street. You should see one or two catamarans waiting at the end of the pier when you arrive. If you're going to the islands in the off-season, then you'll probably need to go to the car ferry terminal further down the waterfront.

Transfer to Ferry Terminal

First keep in mind that the ferry terminal is located only about a 1/2-mile (800m) from the Split Old Town. Also consider that if staying in the pedestrian area of Old Town, a car cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk a short distance with your bags anyway. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand. UberX is available in Split if you prefer to take a car. If staying in a hotel, they can also arrange a taxi pick up for you. The price should be about 10-15 EUR depending on your hotel location. For the most convenience, you can arrange a private transfer to the ferry terminal.  Make sure the taxi knows which terminal you are going to: the Krilo (Kapetan Luka) catamaran terminal is opposite the bus station and the car ferry terminal is a bit further to the left. The Jadrolinija catamaran terminal is at the top of the dock area nearest the old town. If taking the Krilo catamaran, the taxi driver should drop you off beside the concrete pier where the catamarans leave from or next to the bus station on the opposite side of the street. You should see one or two catamarans waiting at the end of the pier when you arrive. If you're going to the islands in the off-season, then you'll probably need to go to the car ferry terminal further down the waterfront.

Transfer to Ferry Terminal

First keep in mind that the ferry terminal is located only about a 1/2-mile (800m) from the Split Old Town. Also consider that if staying in the pedestrian area of Old Town, a car cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk a short distance with your bags anyway. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand. UberX is available in Split if you prefer to take a car. If staying in a hotel, they can also arrange a taxi pick up for you. The price should be about 10-15 EUR depending on your hotel location. For the most convenience, you can arrange a private transfer to the ferry terminal.  Make sure the taxi knows which terminal you are going to: the Krilo (Kapetan Luka) catamaran terminal is opposite the bus station and the car ferry terminal is a bit further to the left. The Jadrolinija catamaran terminal is at the top of the dock area nearest the old town. If taking the Krilo catamaran, the taxi driver should drop you off beside the concrete pier where the catamarans leave from or next to the bus station on the opposite side of the street. You should see one or two catamarans waiting at the end of the pier when you arrive. If you're going to the islands in the off-season, then you'll probably need to go to the car ferry terminal further down the waterfront.

Insider's Game of Thrones Tour, Guided

'Winter is coming' is not a phrase commonly heard in Dubrovnik unless it's on the set of the phenomenally popular television series, Game of Thrones, so take the opportunity to visit several of the locations from the show any time of the year. As soon as you approach the old city you'll immediately begin to recognize some of the sets from various episodes.

Insider's Game of Thrones Tour, Guided

'Winter is coming' is not a phrase commonly heard in Dubrovnik unless it's on the set of the phenomenally popular television series, Game of Thrones, so take the opportunity to visit several of the locations from the show any time of the year. As soon as you approach the old city you'll immediately begin to recognize some of the sets from various episodes.

Insider's Game of Thrones Tour, Guided

'Winter is coming' is not a phrase commonly heard in Dubrovnik unless it's on the set of the phenomenally popular television series, Game of Thrones, so take the opportunity to visit several of the locations from the show any time of the year. As soon as you approach the old city you'll immediately begin to recognize some of the sets from various episodes.

Insider's Game of Thrones Tour, Guided

'Winter is coming' is not a phrase commonly heard in Dubrovnik unless it's on the set of the phenomenally popular television series, Game of Thrones, so take the opportunity to visit several of the locations from the show any time of the year. As soon as you approach the old city you'll immediately begin to recognize some of the sets from various episodes.

Transfer to Airport

Dubrovnik has one main airport, Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport. The most affordable way to reach Dubrovnik airport is by public bus (2 EUR), however, this will take quite a lot of time. You can still save quite a bit of money in comparison to a taxi by taking the direct Atlas Shuttle bus (6 EUR). The buses pick up near the western entrance to Dubrovnik, Pile Gate, and departs roughly every 30 minutes during the day. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi which will cost roughly 35-50 EUR. UberX is also available, or you can also arrange a private transfer for added convenience. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that if staying in Old Town, the taxi cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk to the Pile Gate with your bags. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand.

Transfer to Airport

Dubrovnik has one main airport, Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport. The most affordable way to reach Dubrovnik airport is by public bus (2 EUR), however, this will take quite a lot of time. You can still save quite a bit of money in comparison to a taxi by taking the direct Atlas Shuttle bus (6 EUR). The buses pick up near the western entrance to Dubrovnik, Pile Gate, and departs roughly every 30 minutes during the day. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi which will cost roughly 35-50 EUR. UberX is also available, or you can also arrange a private transfer for added convenience. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that if staying in Old Town, the taxi cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk to the Pile Gate with your bags. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand.

Transfer to Airport

Dubrovnik has one main airport, Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport. The most affordable way to reach Dubrovnik airport is by public bus (2 EUR), however, this will take quite a lot of time. You can still save quite a bit of money in comparison to a taxi by taking the direct Atlas Shuttle bus (6 EUR). The buses pick up near the western entrance to Dubrovnik, Pile Gate, and departs roughly every 30 minutes during the day. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi which will cost roughly 35-50 EUR. UberX is also available, or you can also arrange a private transfer for added convenience. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that if staying in Old Town, the taxi cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk to the Pile Gate with your bags. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand.

Transfer to Airport

Dubrovnik has one main airport, Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport. The most affordable way to reach Dubrovnik airport is by public bus (2 EUR), however, this will take quite a lot of time. You can still save quite a bit of money in comparison to a taxi by taking the direct Atlas Shuttle bus (6 EUR). The buses pick up near the western entrance to Dubrovnik, Pile Gate, and departs roughly every 30 minutes during the day. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi which will cost roughly 35-50 EUR. UberX is also available, or you can also arrange a private transfer for added convenience. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that if staying in Old Town, the taxi cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk to the Pile Gate with your bags. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand.