Dubrovnik

Historic, cinematic and heavenly, the Croatia port city of Dubrovnik is a top-tier holiday destination with views of the Adriatic Sea. As one of the best preserved medieval cities around the globe, it’s home to unique sights and architectural gems, while its port is the perfect getaway to the Croatian islands!

Take your trip to Dubrovnik to the next level with Ferryhopper’s top travel tips, including the best beaches, monuments and even day trips around Croatia! Browse all the ways to travel to/from Dubrovnik by ferry and book your ferry tickets online.

Discover detailed information about:

• Dubrovnik ferry port
• Vacation in Dubrovnik

Sneak peek of the pedestrian street of Stradun

Dubrovnik ferry port

The stunning ferry port of Dubrovnik is a sight for sore eyes. Full of sightseeing options within walking distance, as well as all modern amenities, the port of Dubrovnik has all you might need as you are waiting for your ferry or simply strolling around.

Note: there is also the Old Port of Dubrovnik, found in the eastern part of the city, perfect for relaxing walks with picturesque views.

Ferries from Dubrovnik port: schedules and tickets

There are several ferry connections that connect Dubrovnik with other Croatian cities and even some beautiful evergreen islands! To learn more about all the ferry schedules in Croatia, consult our dedicated blog article.

All ferry routes from Dubrovnik are primarily operated by the companies of Jadrolinija, TP-Line and Kapetan Luka - Krilo. Specifically:

• Dubrovnik - Split ferry: ferries between the two mainland hotspots travel seasonally, with crossings that last less than 4.5 hours and ferry tickets that cost €45.
• Dubrovnik - Makarska ferry: the seasonal route to the port city of Makarska lasts around 3.5 hours, with ferry tickets costing around €45. In the high season, you can find 1 departure every day.
• Dubrovnik - Hvar ferry: ferries to Hvar are available in the high season, with up to 3 daily departures that cost €45. The duration of the ferry trip to Hvar is around 3.5 hours on average.
• Dubrovnik - Sobra (Mljet) ferry: this is the only year-round route between Dubrovnik and Mljet, with daily connections that last 1-1.5 hours. Ferry tickets usually cost €8 per passenger.
• Dubrovnik - Pomena (Mljet) ferry: seasonally, there are daily departures for the port of Pomena in Mljet. Ferries make the crossing in 1.5 hours on average, with tickets usually costing €18 per passenger.
• Dubrovnik - Polače (Mljet) ferry: you can reach the port of Polače in Mljet seasonally, with daily crossings that last less than 2 hours. The cost of a standard ferry ticket starts at €10.
• Dubrovnik - Brač ferry: this route runs seasonally, with up to 3 daily crossings. Normally, Dubrovnik - Brač ferry tickets cost around €45, with the trip lasting around 4-4.5 hours.
• Dubrovnik - Korčula ferry: in the high season, you can catch a ferry to Korčula several times per day. Ferry tickets range from €10 to €25, while the crossing lasts 2 hours on average.
• Dubrovnik - Šipan ferry: Šipan is visitable by ferry year-round, with 1 daily crossing that lasts 45 minutes. The price of a ferry ticket starts at just €3-€5.
• Dubrovnik - Lastovo ferry: throughout the year, there is 1 daily ferry to the island of Lastovo that makes the crossing in 3.5 hours on average. Standard ferry tickets usually cost around €10-€13.

There is also a seasonal ferry route between the Italian port of Bari in Italy and Dubrovnik, operated by Jadrolinija in the high-season months. The crossings are served weekly, with an estimated travel time of 7 hours on average. You can learn more about ferry schedules between Italy and Croatia here.

Tip: there are plenty of ways of traveling to the island of Mljiet from Dubrovnik and even more things to do once you get there. Make sure to check out our complete guide on trips from Dubrovnik to Mljet here!

Where is the ferry port in Dubrovnik?

The ferry port of Dubrovnik is rather close to the city’s reputable Old Town, in the western part of Dubrovnik. Specifically, it’s located in the neighborhood of Gruz.

How to get to Dubrovnik port?

You can easily travel to the port of Dubrovnik by local bus, shuttle bus from the airport, taxi/private ride or on foot from neighboring points of interest, such as the Old Town (2-3 km away).

Picture-perfect views of Dubrovnik's Old Port

Holidays in Dubrovnik

Renowned for its fantastic architecture, sophisticated culture and cliffside beaches, Dubrovnik is a must-visit location for holidays in Croatia. Through its world-famous Old Town, you can travel to iconic locations featured in Game of Thrones, and through its seaport, you can plan one-day and weekend-long getaways to the Croatian islands.

You can plan a trip to Dubrovnik year-round, as the city glows in its own unique way regardless of the season. In the winter months, the Christmas markets, decorations and fluorescent lights are a one-of-a-kind experience. In the summer months, spending days on its beautiful coastline, attending the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and visiting magical islands is what life in Dubrovnik is all about!

How to get to Dubrovnik

There are several ways of reaching Dubrovnik, from traveling by ferry to flying.

You can easily reach the port of Dubrovnik by ferry from other mainland Croatian cities, such as Split and Makarska. There are also ferry connections from Bari on Italy’s east coast, as well as numerous Croatian islands, including Hvar, Lastovo, Pomena, Mljet and Brač.

As for flights to Dubrovnik, you can reach the international airport of Dubrovnik (also referred to as “Čilipi Airport”) and then resume your journey to the city center by shuttle bus or taxi.

Tip: if you’re currently in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, or wish to get there before visiting Dubrovnik, the two cities are connected by bus services. Their international airports are also connected, though flights tend to be more pricey in this case.

What to do in Dubrovnik

The touristy side of Dubrovnik is quite organized, offering many opportunities for sightseeing, nature exploration and sea adventures.

History lovers will find countless medieval sights to explore, while thrill-seekers can try out snorkeling and kayaking activities around the city’s coast. As for foodies and wine lovers, Dubrovnik is a great destination for culinary and wine tourism, combining mouthwatering seafood delicacies with unforgettable wine tastings.

Not sure where to begin? Discover the best of Dubrovnik below, including its best swimming spots, entertainment options and traditional recipes.

Beaches in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is home to some of the prettiest beaches in all of Croatia. Some of them are only a stone’s throw from the city center, while others invite you to more remote locations, perfect for relaxation and exploring the coastline’s hidden gems.

Some of the best beaches in Dubrovnik are the following:

• Banje beach: this beautiful beach is a rather popular swimming spot in Dubrovnik. It provides tourists and locals with several amenities, including restaurants and even entertainment options after sunset.
• Bellevue beach: here we have a stunning secluded beach with both sandy and pebbly segments. Access might be tricky, as there are plenty of steps before you reach the beach.
• Pasjača: past the airport of Dubrovnik, you can find this gorgeous beach, perfect for reconnecting with nature. Secluded and wild, this beach has no facilities, so make sure to come prepared!
• Sveti Jakov beach: less than 25 minutes from the Old Town, this beach is a stunning location for swimming and sunbathing. You can recognize it by its characteristic purplish umbrellas as you follow the steps leading down from the church of the same name.
• Uvala Lapad beach: this is a family-friendly swimming option in Lapad, a residential neighborhood close to the Old Town. Here, you can enjoy quaint sunset views and find numerous services and establishments within walking distance. You can quickly get here by bus.

Heading down to the secluded beach of Bellevue

Sightseeing in Dubrovnik

There’s an abundance of sights to visit, admire and learn about in Dubrovnik. It is a perfect interweaving of medieval and Baroque aesthetics, rewarding visitors with once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Dubrovnik:

• The imposing theater and fortress of Lovrijenac, outside the western wall of the city
• The main pedestrian street of Stradun, touring you through the Old Town of Dubrovnik
• The Walls of Dubrovnik, defensive stone structures that surround the Old Town and are usually visited on tours
• The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, featuring a Baroque style and various paintings of Italian and Dalmatian artists
• The Cultural History Museum of Dubrovnik, perfect for cultural and artistic sightseeing
• The historic Minceta Tower, which our beloved Daenerys from Game of Thrones visited in search of her stolen dragons
• The Franciscan Church and Monastery, home to a medieval pharmacy that is one of the oldest in the whole world
• The Maritime Museum of Dubrovnik, showcasing the city’s important maritime history with around 15 collections
• The impressive oceanside Fort Bokar

Most of Dubrovnik’s attractions are either in the Old Town or close to it. To combine numerous sightseeing options at once, consider joining a guided tour and/or making use of the city’s tourist packages. The latter is also a great budget-friendly solution.

Tip: if you choose to visit the city in the summer, do not miss out on the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. It is one of the oldest festivals in Europe, full of musical, cultural, theatrical and more initiatives unfolding in around 45 days!

Nightlife in Dubrovnik

Even the most historic parts of Dubrovnik come to life under the moonlight. You can find several streets lined up with bars, cozy restaurants and even a few nightclubs. The main street of Stradun is one of the most popular meeting points at night.

Whether you wish to dine with views of the Adriatic Sea at a seaside restaurant or hit the dance floor in Culture Club Revelin or Elyx Night Club, nights in Dubrovnik cater to all tastes.

And even if you end up simply taking a walk around the city at night, its coziness will reward you all the same.

Glimpses of the Old Town's nocturnal life

Food in Dubrovnik

The food scene of Dubrovnik is as delicious as it is multifaceted, combining elements from many different cuisines. Paired with a nice glass of wine, dining out in Dubrovnik is an absolute highlight when vacationing in the city.

The team of Ferryhopper highly recommends the following meals and products to try in Dubrovnik:

• Black risotto (with squid ink, also known as crni rizot)
• Buzara (meaning stew, usually with local seafood)
• Rožata (Croatian recipe that resembles a crème brûlée)
• Paški Sir (or Pag Island cheese, originating from the island of the same name)
• Zelena Menestra (another type of stew with meat and vegetables)
• Olives (popular in the region of Dalmatia)
• Ćevapi (usually grilled sausage)
• Rakija (famous alcoholic drink in the Balkans)
• Maraština (white wine with Dalmatian roots)

Tip: konobas in Croatia are small, usually family-owned restaurants/taverns with more traditional recipes and local ingredients.

Useful information about Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is bursting with lively neighborhoods, each as unique and inviting as the other. Among the best is, of course, the Old Town, which is a rather convenient location to stay in Dubrovnik. 

However, there are plenty of seaside areas, farther away from the city center, where beaches are only a few steps away. Additionally, you can find some comfortable camping grounds in Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas to better reconnect with nature.

Whatever you choose, Dubrovnik offers all essential visitor amenities, including pharmacies, polyclinics, ATMs and tourist offices/agencies.

Tip: Dubrovnik is a fantastic Croatian destination for digital nomads! Learn all about remote work in this beautiful seaside city in our dedicated guide.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Dubrovnik

Here are some useful phone numbers for your stay in Dubrovnik:

• Dubrovnik Port Authority: +38520313333
• Dubrovnik Airport (head office): +38520773222
• Libertas (bus company): +38520441444
• Police: 192
• Ambulance: 194
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Dubrovnik

As a pedestrian-friendly city, Dubrovnik is easily explorable on foot, especially its quaint Old Town, though so sights have lots of steps. For crossing larger distances, however, tourists usually prefer taxis/private rides or buses, operated by the company Libertas.

There are also shuttle buses connecting the international airport of Dubrovnik with the Old Town and the city’s ferry port. Shuttle bus departures are usually synchronized with plane arrivals.

Tip: the city of Dubrovnik usually offers tourist packages that grant free or discounted access to both historical landmarks and local transportation. Check out what options are available for the period you wish to visit Dubrovnik.

Note: regarding bus services, you can normally buy tickets at bus stops, kiosks, most hotel front desks and the main bus terminal.

Sunset at the imposing Fort Bokar

Book ferry tickets online to Dubrovnik

Ready to immerse yourself in Dubrovnik’s unparalleled medieval aura? Take a look at our interactive Map of ferries, find all the ways to travel to Dubrovnik and its neighboring islands and ports, and plan your ferry trip hassle-free.