Dubrovnik base recommendations / Local Car Hire
Discussion
My wife, teenage daughter and myself are visiting "Dubrovnik" at the end of the month, staying close to Orasac.
I'm hoping to visit Dubrovnik itself and explore the typical stuff on a couple of the days, ideally at quieter times as I don't really like crowds, but the rest of the time is pretty much free. Much as I need some downtime to just switch off and chill by a pool / the sea I know I'll probably need to be "busy" too otherwise I'll go stir crazy.
I was thinking of hiring a car for 4 of the 7 days and exploring the area, I'm just posting here in case anyone has been and has some "must see" things they enjoyed and also to ask for any restaurant / food recommendations as we normally go half board to stop me panicking and over-researching things but we haven't this time and now I'm worried I'm going to paying a premium for disappointing tourist traps based on the little I've read so far. Happy to pay for good food, just not for rubbish
It seems like it's a generally "expensive" area to visit these days so I'm prepared for that but at the same time would be chuffed to bits to find a place a few metres off the tourist trails that's superior in ever way rather than just having a nice aesthetic for people queuing up to post "that photo". History, nice views, pleasant walks, a good coffee and a sandwich, anything really but sometimes it's nice to just have targets rather than relying on stumbling across things.
On the car hire side I'm also looking for recommendations, ideally companies that do hotel drop-off and collection, I generally rely on Zest for such things but this often misses the local gems so if anyone has used a company in that area and been happy please let me know. A company called "AvantCar" seems well regarded via Zest if anyone is familiar with them
I tend to get a bit overwhelmed with researching anything (I've been trying to replace a coffee machine for a year) due to my daft noggin and in the days of influencers and paid reviewers it seems harder than ever to just get some honest opinions, hence me reaching out to the good old folks of PH
Any input would be appreciated, I'll be doing some proper searching myself now it's getting closer to the time but to give you some insight into how that looks for someone like me this is the results of planning for a long weekend for two in Prague...
It's problematic at times.
I've read some older posts on here but there wasn't anything too recent, that I could find at least, so I hope me starting a new topic isn't an issue, thanks, in all honesty I'm doing this so I don't spoil the break for the others, having some "familiarity" with a place seems to make me more bearable to be around
First and foremost - Dubrovnik is nowhere near as large as you'd expect it to be - and with the exception of a couple of restaurants and some hotels everything of "interest" is contained within the city walls. It is also utterly full of games of thrones tat.
From a couple of spots on the the main street - you can see all four walls. It's incredibly pretty, very historic (albeit the locals see nothing wrong with getting a drill out and some rawlplugs and attaching the washing line to the city walls).
Definitely do the walk around the walls (but if you struggle with heights, then just be aware that there are quite a few long looks down with nothing between you and the ground but a waist high wall). The museums they try to sell you at the same time - are all about the size of the average Tesco Metro - so I wouldn't bother.
Food and drinks wise - expect it to be pricey (drinks moreso than food).
Boat trips out to the islands are good.
If you want somewhere to chill and sit - if you come out the right gate (if you were in the city looking at the sea) - and follow the path out and left and dowm some steps, there is a small pebble beach with a bar on it (not the bit right by the city wall but further). It is small, but pretty hidden
We did 5 nights there back in October last year, but that was probably 2 nights too long
Hope this helps
James
From a couple of spots on the the main street - you can see all four walls. It's incredibly pretty, very historic (albeit the locals see nothing wrong with getting a drill out and some rawlplugs and attaching the washing line to the city walls).
Definitely do the walk around the walls (but if you struggle with heights, then just be aware that there are quite a few long looks down with nothing between you and the ground but a waist high wall). The museums they try to sell you at the same time - are all about the size of the average Tesco Metro - so I wouldn't bother.
Food and drinks wise - expect it to be pricey (drinks moreso than food).
Boat trips out to the islands are good.
If you want somewhere to chill and sit - if you come out the right gate (if you were in the city looking at the sea) - and follow the path out and left and dowm some steps, there is a small pebble beach with a bar on it (not the bit right by the city wall but further). It is small, but pretty hidden
We did 5 nights there back in October last year, but that was probably 2 nights too long
Hope this helps
James
Thanks James, that's useful info - especially about the island trips as that was something I was keen to look at and book before we go as I'll often leave it until it's too late and everything is booked up.
Thankfully we're a bit out of the way in a kind of "resort" of sorts so not stuck trying to amuse ourselves in Dubrovnik itself every day, I thought a car might be useful to get out and see some of the local area and escape the crowds too, we did similar in Lindos so that we could explore while the coach trips were in abundance but then come back when they'd all gone and take things in properly.
I was toying with the idea of just upgrading the meals in the hotel to solve the issue of eating out but then part of me thinks that's possibly missing out to some degree, I love a buffet and the familiarity of it all but I don't want to deprive my family of a "proper" holiday just because of that.
Ultimately I suspect it'll all be fine if we never really leave the hotel but, as is the way, I'm overthinking a bit and want everyone to have the best experience possible so appreciate your reply.
Thankfully we're a bit out of the way in a kind of "resort" of sorts so not stuck trying to amuse ourselves in Dubrovnik itself every day, I thought a car might be useful to get out and see some of the local area and escape the crowds too, we did similar in Lindos so that we could explore while the coach trips were in abundance but then come back when they'd all gone and take things in properly.
I was toying with the idea of just upgrading the meals in the hotel to solve the issue of eating out but then part of me thinks that's possibly missing out to some degree, I love a buffet and the familiarity of it all but I don't want to deprive my family of a "proper" holiday just because of that.
Ultimately I suspect it'll all be fine if we never really leave the hotel but, as is the way, I'm overthinking a bit and want everyone to have the best experience possible so appreciate your reply.
We visited in May this year for the first time, and perhaps similar to you like to be on the move on holiday and don't really do lying in the sun.
We did a sea kayaking tour via Adventure Dalmatia that I'd recommend - leaves close to the City gates and was well run with friendly professional guides and suitable for most levels of experience/fitness I'd say. A nice way to see things away from the crowds. Booked through the GetYourGuide app.
Took a boat trip to Lokrum Island from Old Town, no need to book, just buy a ticket at the dock and jump on as the boats go back and forth all day. Nice wooded walks on the Island, places to swim, a few places to eat and drink, and again great views if you are prepared to hike to the top of the hill.
We didn't find many food highlights and even some of the highly recommended places we ate in disappointed and were overpriced. We did enjoy this place though - https://rudjer.restaurant/menu - if visiting book the walled courtyard as the restaurant is split over a few dining areas, and the courtyard had live music and a nice ambiance. Food, wine and service were the best we enjoyed in Dubrovnik.
We did a sea kayaking tour via Adventure Dalmatia that I'd recommend - leaves close to the City gates and was well run with friendly professional guides and suitable for most levels of experience/fitness I'd say. A nice way to see things away from the crowds. Booked through the GetYourGuide app.
Took a boat trip to Lokrum Island from Old Town, no need to book, just buy a ticket at the dock and jump on as the boats go back and forth all day. Nice wooded walks on the Island, places to swim, a few places to eat and drink, and again great views if you are prepared to hike to the top of the hill.
We didn't find many food highlights and even some of the highly recommended places we ate in disappointed and were overpriced. We did enjoy this place though - https://rudjer.restaurant/menu - if visiting book the walled courtyard as the restaurant is split over a few dining areas, and the courtyard had live music and a nice ambiance. Food, wine and service were the best we enjoyed in Dubrovnik.
Thanks again, I want to try and get out of my comfort zone a bit so the kayaking tour might be just the ticket if the family are keen, good insight on the island boats too, I hadn't realised they didn't need an advance booking so that's one less thing for me to stress about 
Appreciate all the help here, I feel a bit more chill about things already.
Appreciate all the help here, I feel a bit more chill about things already.
Mostar is quite a trek away at 2.5 hours. We just hopped over the border to Trebinje which was lovely and a lot (as in properly felt foreign) less touristy.
We also visited the Trsteno arboretum which was also lovely.
And hired a boat from new Dubrovnik port to visit some of the islands further north.
We also visited the Trsteno arboretum which was also lovely.
And hired a boat from new Dubrovnik port to visit some of the islands further north.
Dubrovnik old town , which is such an experience, we stayed inside the walls first time we went , loved it but so very busy this time of year .can recommend the Arsenal restaurant. and the Dubravka at the pile gate.check them out online . Some of the smaller places to eat on the stradun we enjoyed.
Edited by Edanrage on Tuesday 4th August 16:47
it's a long time ago now possibly 2003. We rented an apartment in Cavtat (Tsavtat?)and an old Kangoo from the agent for IIRC £15 per day. Drove to Mostar one day and down to Kotor and Budvar another.
I'm guessing it may be a lot more developed than it was . The drive to and from Mostar was a bit eerie in places as there were still a lot of the scars of a war.
BUT I would do it all again.
I'm guessing it may be a lot more developed than it was . The drive to and from Mostar was a bit eerie in places as there were still a lot of the scars of a war.
BUT I would do it all again.
We’re here right now. We hired a car from Nova, brand new Renault Captur which has been great, all the car hire places are in the same place at the airport.
Dubrovnik is hot, drink a lot of water! (the fountain in the old town is superb and free). We did the walls at 9am and it was fine. I’m not good with heights but I managed with some supportive comments from the kids. It’s not cheap though. If you have the option on days you want to come then look online at which days are quieter with cruise ships. It was much nicer today than yesterday due to less boats in.
Walls and museums - we found it more cost effective to buy the kids a walls ticket (buy at the gate) and then you can buy a ten museum pass for 10 euros. We did a couple, Rectors palace and the natural history for the nature mad son, it was quirky and fun, quiet and air conned! We had the full walls pass as it makes very little difference to the price.
As we are in an apartment we just got lunch in town, but there is a superb Italian sandwich place next to Taj Mahal, high tables - we split one between two and that was plenty! Dinner is pricey, much more than Bosnia and Montenegro.
We had been in Montenegro before, just watch the border crossing, one day last week was 9 hours although we got through it in 1. We’d done Kotor then went to the hills in Durmitor, then from durmitor via Trebijne in Bosnia. Border crossings there were quick and Trebijne old town is lovely. They take euros, not much on cards. And pretty Serbian, so expect to see the odd Putin T-shirt…
Hope that helps!
Dubrovnik is hot, drink a lot of water! (the fountain in the old town is superb and free). We did the walls at 9am and it was fine. I’m not good with heights but I managed with some supportive comments from the kids. It’s not cheap though. If you have the option on days you want to come then look online at which days are quieter with cruise ships. It was much nicer today than yesterday due to less boats in.
Walls and museums - we found it more cost effective to buy the kids a walls ticket (buy at the gate) and then you can buy a ten museum pass for 10 euros. We did a couple, Rectors palace and the natural history for the nature mad son, it was quirky and fun, quiet and air conned! We had the full walls pass as it makes very little difference to the price.
As we are in an apartment we just got lunch in town, but there is a superb Italian sandwich place next to Taj Mahal, high tables - we split one between two and that was plenty! Dinner is pricey, much more than Bosnia and Montenegro.
We had been in Montenegro before, just watch the border crossing, one day last week was 9 hours although we got through it in 1. We’d done Kotor then went to the hills in Durmitor, then from durmitor via Trebijne in Bosnia. Border crossings there were quick and Trebijne old town is lovely. They take euros, not much on cards. And pretty Serbian, so expect to see the odd Putin T-shirt…
Hope that helps!
Dropped the hire car off this morning. 15 minutes in and out. All the hire places here now seem to want you to clean the car before returning, there is a self car wash on route to the airport which I threw a few euros at but they wanted it vacuumed as well. Would recommend Nova, and use reduce your excess for cheap full cover.
One thing to definitely take is sea shoes. The sea is beautifully clear and warm, but there are a lot of sea urchins about and most of the beaches are smooth pebbles. Kotor also suffers from cruise ships and it’s much smaller so feels much busier when they’re in, we used this site to check:
https://www.cruisemapper.com/
One thing to definitely take is sea shoes. The sea is beautifully clear and warm, but there are a lot of sea urchins about and most of the beaches are smooth pebbles. Kotor also suffers from cruise ships and it’s much smaller so feels much busier when they’re in, we used this site to check:
https://www.cruisemapper.com/
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