Dubrovnik City Breaks

Dubrovnik is a perfect example of how to get the best of both world's from a city break. It's a city pedestrianised with continental cafes and bars surrounded by its original city walls, but with all the added benefits of magnificent vistas, sunny beaches and a hot Summer climate. This makes Dubrovnik an ideal destination whether you want a short weekend break or a week-long family holiday.

Despite being nearly devastated during Yugoslavia's civil war in the early 90s, Dubrovnik, on Croatia's beautiful Dalmatian coast, has emerged, re-built, as a stunning holiday destination. Sometimes described as 'The Mediterranean as it once was' the seas are crystal clear and of high quality, perfect for swimming.

Weather in Croatia is a typically Mediterranean one with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The wettest months are October, November and December with June probably the best time to visit when Dubrovnik is pleasantly hot but less busy than peak July/August when the cruise crowd descend on the city.

For a night to remember head for the Stradun, as it's the most happening place for bars in the old city, everything from cocktail bars, discos and the inevitable tourist Irish pubs. Elsewhere you can find some gems, but it's generally quiet out of season. For a romantic bar overlooking the water go and find Cafe Buza. It's outside the city walls and your table is only steps from the water. (Look for the 'Cold Drinks' sign on the southern walls). There's probably no better view in the Adriatic of a sunset over the sea.

A stroll around Dubrovnik's city walls is essential. The 1.2-mile path that winds its way around the myriad fortresses provides a fabulous vantage point from which to survey the old town rooftops, old port, Adriatic Sea and the limestone crags to the north. When you've done with the outside, you can meander inside the city walls and through Dubrovnik's listed Old City. Tour its beautiful monuments such as the Rector's Palace, the Franciscan Monastery and delightful baroque churches. Don't forget to stop off at an al-fresco cafe for 'bijela kava' coffee or a well earned grappa or beer.

One of the largest and most celebrated cultural events in Croatia is based in Dubrovnik, the Libertas Summer Festival. It runs from mid-July to end of August and is a huge arts event of music, jazz, theatre and dance based in both indoor and open-air stages. It attracts an all-star line-up of international performers, but you may not find the names familiar.