When we planned our trip to Croatia, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Dubrovnik had never been at the very top of my travel bucket list, but after a family member insisted that we visit, we decided to add it to our summer itinerary. I can honestly say it was one of the best travel decisions we've ever made. Having traveled to more than 70 countries, I don't say this lightly: Dubrovnik ranks among my top three favorite destinations in the world. It has everything I look for in a family vacation — history, incredible food, warm and welcoming people, absolute safety, unforgettable scenery, and some of the clearest, most brilliantly blue water I have ever seen. There is simply something magical about Dubrovnik.
Where We Stayed: Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
For our stay, we chose Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, and it turned out to be an excellent choice for families. Located just outside the famous Old Town, the hotel offers the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience. A quick 10-minute taxi ride brings you directly into the historic center, while the hotel itself feels like a peaceful seaside retreat away from the crowds. While I wouldn't compare it to the ultra-luxury experience of a Four Seasons or Aman, it delivers everything you'd expect from a wonderful five-star resort, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Our family stayed in two connecting oceanfront rooms. Although the rooms weren't particularly large, they were modern, spotless, and offered beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.
Sanaz's tip: Book two connecting oceanfront rooms if you're traveling with children — the sea views make waking up early feel like a reward.
One of the Best Hotel Breakfasts We've Ever Had
One of the highlights of our stay was breakfast each morning. The hotel is part of a Turkish luxury hotel group, and that influence shines through in the incredible breakfast buffet. Alongside classic breakfast favorites like eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, and pastries, there was an amazing selection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialties that made every morning feel like a feast. It became one of our favorite parts of each day, and we always made sure to wake up early enough to enjoy it.
Sanaz's tip: Wake up early — the breakfast buffet is genuinely one of the best we've encountered anywhere, and it's worth savoring without rushing.
Swimming in the Adriatic
The hotel has a beautiful swimming pool that our children loved, but what truly made this property special was its direct access to the Adriatic Sea. Unlike sandy beaches, Dubrovnik's coastline is rocky, and the hotel features platforms and natural rock areas where guests can swim directly in the sea. Watching my husband and children spend hours jumping from the rocks into water so unbelievably clear that you could see straight to the bottom is one of my favorite memories from the trip. The color of the water is difficult to describe. Even after traveling extensively throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean, I still consider Croatia to have some of the most crystal-clear water I've ever seen. The hotel also featured an excellent spa, a beautiful fitness center, and several wonderful restaurants. Our favorite was the sushi restaurant, which served some of the best sushi rolls we've had anywhere. We also loved the Greek restaurant, where delicious food was accompanied by live entertainment, traditional dancing, and the famous plate-breaking celebration that had our children smiling from ear to ear.
Sanaz's tip: The rocky coastline is part of the charm — bring water shoes for the kids and they'll spend hours jumping off the platforms.
Evenings Inside Dubrovnik's Old Town
Each evening we took a short taxi ride into Dubrovnik's magnificent Old Town. Walking through those ancient stone streets feels like stepping back hundreds of years in time. The city is remarkably clean, incredibly safe, and filled with charming boutiques, hidden alleyways, and beautiful restaurants tucked inside centuries-old stone buildings. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik becomes even more magical. The Old Town served as King's Landing throughout much of the series, and you'll constantly recognize streets, staircases, fortresses, and city walls from some of the show's most iconic scenes. Even for someone who isn't a huge fan of the series, it's impossible not to appreciate the remarkable history and beauty surrounding you.
Sanaz's tip: Go in the evening when the day-trippers have left — the Old Town transforms into something genuinely magical after the crowds thin out.
Don't Visit Dubrovnik Without Going Boating
If there is one experience I believe every visitor should prioritize, it's spending a day on the water. Croatia isn't known for long sandy beaches. Instead, its magic lies in the countless hidden coves, rocky inlets, tiny fishing villages, and secluded islands that are best explored by boat. We chartered a private boat through Dubrovnik Boats, and it became one of the highlights of our entire vacation. Throughout the day we cruised between secluded swimming spots, explored hidden coves with impossibly clear water, visited the beautiful island of Lopud, and stopped in charming fishing villages where we enjoyed long, leisurely lunches at tiny family-owned restaurants. Fresh fish, grilled octopus, local seafood, and Croatian wine somehow tasted even better while overlooking the harbor. It was one of those perfect travel days that you'll remember forever.
Sanaz's tip: Book Dubrovnik Boats for a private charter — it's worth every penny and the hidden coves you'll discover are completely inaccessible any other way.
A Hidden Gem: BOWA on Lopud Island
If I could recommend one unforgettable experience in Dubrovnik, it would be spending a day at BOWA. Located on Lopud Island, BOWA is unlike any restaurant I've visited before. Accessible primarily by boat, it's a secluded waterfront restaurant where guests spend the day relaxing in private cabanas overlooking the sea while soft music plays in the background. We reserved one of the cabanas for the entire day, and it turned out to be one of our favorite family memories. The cabana included a beautifully prepared multi-course meal, and throughout the afternoon our children alternated between swimming in the crystal-clear water, jumping from the pier, and relaxing together as a family. It perfectly captured everything we loved about Croatia: beautiful scenery, incredible food, relaxed luxury, and unforgettable family moments.
Sanaz's tip: Reserve a cabana at BOWA well in advance — it books out quickly and is genuinely one of the most special experiences we've had anywhere in the world.
Final Thoughts
Dubrovnik exceeded every expectation I had. It's one of those rare destinations that truly offers something for everyone. History lovers will be captivated by the medieval architecture and ancient city walls. Food lovers will discover outstanding restaurants around every corner. Families will appreciate how safe, walkable, and welcoming the city feels. And for anyone who loves being on the water, few places in the world compare to the extraordinary beauty of Croatia's Adriatic coastline. I recommend spending four to five nights in Dubrovnik so you have enough time to enjoy both the Old Town and at least one or two days exploring the nearby islands by boat. After visiting more than 70 countries, Dubrovnik remains one of the most unforgettable places I've ever experienced. It's not just one of my favorite destinations in Europe — it's one of my favorite places in the world.
Sanaz's tip: Four to five nights is the sweet spot — enough time for Old Town evenings, a full boat day, and a day at BOWA without feeling rushed.
Restaurants Worth Reserving
Dubrovnik surprised us with just how exceptional the food was — from harbor-view fine dining to a full day at a boat-access cabana restaurant on Lopud Island.
Nautika
Reserve aheadOne of Dubrovnik's most celebrated restaurants, Nautika offers outstanding cuisine paired with spectacular views overlooking the Old Harbor and the Adriatic Sea. Dinner here feels every bit as memorable as the city itself.
Restaurant 360
City walls viewsPerched on the ancient city walls with panoramic views of the harbor, Restaurant 360 delivers both exceptional food and an atmosphere that's impossible to replicate. One of the most memorable dining experiences in all of Croatia.
BOWA (Lopud Island)
Full-day cabanaAccessible only by boat, BOWA on Lopud Island is in a category of its own. Reserve a private cabana for the day, enjoy a beautifully prepared multi-course meal, and spend the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water. One of the most special experiences we've had anywhere in the world.