My husband’s parents came to stay at our home in England, so we decided to whisk them away to Croatia for a week of family bonding and adventures along the gorgeous azure Adriatic coast. We flew with RyanAir, and in under three hours, we were welcomed by sunshine into the picturesque city of Dubrovnik.
Length of Stay: one week
Time of Year: April
Flight: RyanAir
Accommodation: Airbnb in Mlini
Transportation: rental car
We found the most gorgeous Airbnb in Mlini, which is a small fishing village halfway between Cavtat and Dubrovnik. The drive from Mlini to Dubrovnik takes 15 minutes, but all of the essential facilities such as restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores are within a 5-minute radius, and we were just a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Staying together in our Airbnb brought the whole family together, allowing for plenty of family bonding time, and gave us a completely different experience than if we had stayed in a hotel. The Airbnb we booked had a huge garden, patio, hot tub, and an array of amenities including a slide, swing, and toys for the little ones.
We ended up renting a car for just £70 per week with Avantcar through booking.com. This is a great way to explore the surrounding area at your own pace, however, it’s essential to confirm border crossing charges with the rental company if venturing into neighboring countries.
ACTIVITIES IN DUBROVNIK
We kicked off our visit with a ride on the famous Dubrovnik Cable Car, which offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
After descending, we spent the afternoon wandering around the Old Town, marvelling at the ancient city walls and narrow cobbled streets. The historic charm of Dubrovnik is truly captivating.
In the evening, we enjoyed a delightful dinner at Taj Mahal, a restaurant serving authentic Bosnian cuisine. The flavors were incredible, and it was a perfect introduction to the culinary delights of the region.
We took a few short trips to the local beaches, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and sunny weather. One of our favourites was Banje Beach, which has an elegant beach club with high-end dining and a DJ. For a coffee break, we visited Festival Café, where the hot chocolate was an absolute treat, especially for the kids.
You can purchase a 1, 3, or 7 day “Dubrovnik Pass” at a tourist office, this gives you access to 9 different museums, free bus rides, and a wide range of discounts you can use in the city. The 1 day pass is €35.
DAY TRIPS TO MONTENEGRO AND BOSNIA
Venturing into neighboring Montenegro and Bosnia is a must if you are renting a car.
In Montenegro, highlights included visits to Perast, Budva, and Kotor, each offering distinct cultural and natural attractions. Budva’s old town and Kotor’s fortress were particularly beautiful.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: MOSTAR AND BLAGAJ
Mostar immediately stole our hearts with its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. We spent the day exploring the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), which is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the city. The bridge offers spectacular views and is a great spot for family photos.
We also visited the Kriva Ćuprija Bridge and several local mosques, immersing ourselves in the rich history of the area. For a coffee break, we stopped at Luft Café, which provided an amazing view of the Old Bridge and the river below.
Lunch was at Sadravan Restaurant, which turned out to be one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. The local Bosnian dishes were absolutely delicious, and the service was impeccable. We ended our visit with a trip to Europa Restoran, a fantastic place to pick up some souvenirs.
In Blagaj, we visited the famous Dervish Monastery, set against a striking cliffside and surrounded by beautiful nature. The tranquillity of Blagaj was a perfect counterpoint to the bustling streets of Mostar.
MONTENEGRO: PERAST, BUDVA, AND KOTOR
In Montenegro, we explored the charming towns of Perast, Budva, and Kotor. Perast is a small town with stunning baroque architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. It was a lovely place to stretch our legs and take in the beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor.
Budva was our next stop, where we spent time exploring the Old Town (Stari Grad). We walked along the old town walls and visited the Church of the Holy Trinity. For a sweet treat, we stopped by Godo for some delicious ice cream.
Lunch was at Astoria in Budva, where we enjoyed a fantastic meal with a view of the Adriatic. On our way back, we made a quick stop at the luxurious Sveti Stefan, a small islet and resort.
Our final adventure took us to Kotor, a town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and dramatic landscapes. We climbed to the top of the Kotor Fortress, which offered breathtaking views of the bay and the town below.
In Kotor, we also visited St. Luke’s Church, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and the South Gate. The history and beauty of Kotor made it a fitting end to our journey.
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, we highly recommend renting a car and driving to the nearby Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Make sure to always be carrying cash (card is not accepted in all places) and try to visit outside of peak season if you can. The peak season is June to August.
The prices for accommodation, flights, ferries, taxis, and many restaurants increase and the beaches can be quite packed. May and September are the best months to visit to avoid the crowds, humidity, and inflated prices. With over 1200 islands belonging to Croatia, we will definitely be back for some island hopping!
