The Best of Croatia & Montenegro

Town exploration

Explore coastal towns such as Kotor, Perast, Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar. Filled with history, interesting architecture, shops, restaurants, and more, each town has its own atmosphere and character. The Old Town of Kotor is quaint and lined with cobblestone streets and has a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Perast is slightly smaller to explore, but it is also the starting point to visit Our Lady of the Rocks on a nearby small island. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is famous for being a walled city and today thrives with tourism, sightseeing, delicious food, shops, and bustling markets. Split is another coastal town with a lot of interesting history derived from the Romans and Venetians. Then, take a ferry ride from Split to enjoy the beach town of Hvar, which balances a cute town with shops and restaurants, plus a full island of beautiful beaches to explore.

Relax on the beach

The crystal-clear waters will draw you in as you enjoy a day on the beach. Some beaches are sandy, while others have pebbles. Some of my favorite beaches were in Hvar, where there are also a few beach clubs to choose from to relax on a sun lounger. In a city like Dubrovnik, you’ll have to go a little bit out of the city center to find a true beach, although there are some swimming spots where you can climb down a ladder to dip in the sea.

Boat excursion

A boat excursion is one of the best ways to explore the Dalmatian Coast. There are several beautiful islands to explore, as well as unique coves. In Montenegro, we enjoyed a boat trip from Kotor Bay to see the Blue Caves and Mamula Island. In Croatia, our boat trip traveled from Dubrovnik to Korcula, with swimming stops along the way.

Tours & museums

There is so much history to take in across both countries. I would highly recommend guided tours with local experts to immerse yourself in the history and culture. Along the way, stop at several well-known museums, such as the Maritime Museum, Rector’s Palace, or Diocletian’s Palace.

Climb the Dubrovnik Walls

Originally shaped in the 13th century, these walls were built to defend the city of Dubrovnik. Today, they offer some of the best scenic views of the city and the coast. Plus, you’ve seen them featured on Game of Thrones. Be aware that they are steep, so be sure to bring water and be ready for an uphill climb.

Day trip to parks

Further from the coast, if you enjoy hiking and nature, you can day-trip to spots like Locven National Park (Montenegro), Kravice Falls (Bosnia), or Mlejet National Park (Croatia).

Wine tasting & oyster farms

In Croatia, visit the Pelješac Peninsula to taste your way through local vineyards and oyster farms. About an hour from Dubrovnik, this is a great way to enjoy fresh local ingredients.

Kotor

• Konoba Scala Santa: Quaint Montenegrin restaurant set in a picturesque square in Old Town Kotor. This was one of my favorite meals of the trip, with fresh, local ingredients.

• Galion: This is an elegant restaurant perfect for a date night, located on a stunning waterfront setting on Kotor Bay. The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was wonderful.

Porto Montenegro

• Divino: In the upscale town center of Porto Montenegro, Divino offers waterfront views and fresh seafood cuisine.

Dubrovnik

• Konoba Aquarius: Right in the heart of Old Town Dubrovnik, this restaurant is set in a garden and offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

• Restaurant 360: With one Michelin star, this is an upscale dining experience. The team helped us select a menu that catered to our preferences and the chef’s expertise.

• Dubravka 1836: Right at the entrance of Old Town, enjoy waterfront views on the outdoor terrace in a casual setting. The menu ranges from pizza to fresh fish to local dishes.

Split

• Bokeria Kitchen & Wine: A modern Dalmatian restaurant, this is a very popular spot in town. In addition to delicious food, it features modern decor right off the main piazza.

• Pizzeria Skipper: Along the harbor, this has beautiful views of Split. The menu features a range of pizza creations, as well as pasta dishes and grilled meat dishes.

Hvar

• Dva Ribara Hvar: Set right on the waterfront, this family-run restaurant spans five decades, and you can feel the authenticity in the atmosphere. The menu is filled with delicious Mediterranean specialties and fresh seafood.