Experiences
Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik: Croatia's most famous nature and city in one trip
Turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls, and an old town ringed by walls on the sea. How to see Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik, and where to stay in the national park and by the water.
The wooden boardwalk runs straight across the water, and the lake is so clear you can see fish and tree trunks on the bottom. Waterfalls pour from the rim of the next lake all around you. A few days later you are standing on a city wall above the Adriatic, looking over red roofs.
Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik are the two best-known places in Croatia, and both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are a fair distance apart but easy to combine on a road trip. Here is how.
The links to the hotels and experiences are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Plitvice Lakes
The national park is a chain of terraced lakes linked by waterfalls and streams. You walk on boardwalks and paths, and cross the largest lake on an electric boat.
Tickets: buy in advance in high season. Visitor numbers are capped.
Time: the shortest loops take a couple of hours, the longest a full day.
Tip: arrive at opening time. The boardwalks get crowded by midday.
Book the experience: See tours to Plitvice Lakes
The best things to do in Dubrovnik
Book the experience: See tours and activities in Dubrovnik
The city walls
The walls run all the way round the old town, and the walk along the top takes one to two hours. Go early or late, when it is cooler and quieter.
The cable car to Mount Srđ
The cable car climbs the hill behind the city, with views over the old town, the sea and the islands. Best towards sunset.
Lokrum and the islands
The boat to Lokrum takes a quarter of an hour. The island has walking paths, swimming off the rocks and peacocks. Boats also run to the Elaphiti Islands.
Kayaking under the walls
Paddling trips follow the city walls and head out towards Lokrum, stopping to swim in small coves.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik and at Plitvice
In Dubrovnik, the hotels east of the old town give you views and swimming. At Plitvice it is best to stay in or right next to the park.
Hotel Excelsior
Views of the old town.
Hotel Excelsior
The Excelsior sits just east of the old town, looking across to the walls and the sea. The old town is a few minutes' walk away, and there is swimming right below.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Excelsior
Villa Dubrovnik
Villa Dubrovnik is on the cliff east of the city, with terraces stepping down to the sea and views of the old town and Lokrum. Peaceful, with its own bathing area.
Book your stay: See rooms at Villa Dubrovnik
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Above a small beach.
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
The Bellevue stands on the cliff west of the old town, above a small beach. A good choice if you want to swim and watch the sun set over the sea.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Hotel Jezero
Inside the national park.
Hotel Jezero
Hotel Jezero is inside the national park, a short walk from the entrance. You can be on the boardwalks before the day trippers arrive.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Jezero
When is the best time to go?
May, June and September: the waterfalls are full, and Dubrovnik is warm without being packed.
July and August: the hottest and busiest, both in the park and the city.
Autumn: beautiful colours at Plitvice, and the sea is still warm in Dubrovnik.
Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik FAQ
Can I do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Plitvice?
It is a long way. Plitvice is closer to Zagreb and Zadar, so it is better to stay near the park.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, in high season buy Plitvice tickets in advance.
How long does the city walls walk take?
Allow one to two hours.
Where should I stay in Dubrovnik?
Close to the old town, ideally to the east of it, for views and an easy walk.
Can you swim in the Plitvice Lakes?
No, swimming is not allowed in the lakes.