Sun Gardens DubrovnikDubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik's architecture has always been admired with awe, not least by those who are inspired by the rich history it portrays. Invaders, travellers, emperors, and writers have written lyrically over the beauty of this marbled city, hidden behind medieval stone walls whose warmth in the sun belies the power they provide to all who dwell inside them. 

You may wander along the broad marble streets, explore Baroque architecture, relive a past influenced by Roman, Byzantium, and Venetian cultures, retrace Napoleon's steps while admiring the city's splendour, and experience Dubrovnik's fashionable European culture.

Wind your way through the cobblestoned side streets or walk along the main street, the Stradun, and your journey will eventually bring you to one of the Old City's many squares. A typical medieval city with large open spaces, needed for public and private business, the Old City is living proof of harmonious urban planning. 

And, even if you believe you've heard everything there is to know about Dubrovnik, here are some historical facts we're sure you didn't know:

1. Ragusa was the official name of Dubrovnik until 1808

2. The Republic of Dubrovnik was the world's first state to recognize the United States of America (in 1776)

3. The city walls of Dubrovnik have never been breached 

4. Dubrovnik is home to the world's third oldest pharmacy that is still in operation

5. The Republic of Dubrovnik formally abolished slavery 600 years ago

6. Dubrovnik has the world's first orphanage

7. Dubrovnik features a medieval sewage system that dates back to 1296 and is still in operation today

8. The Insurance Law of Dubrovnik is the oldest in Europe (validated in 1395)

9. Dubrovnik had various colonies, one of which was at a town named Gandaulim in Old Goa, India, where the Church of St. Blaise remains today

10. During the Dubrovnik Republic, when the wind jugo blew, no major political decisions could be taken

 So don't miss out on experiencing the unique atmosphere that exists behind the thick city walls of Dubrovnik Old Town. Sit for a bit, take in the scenery, buy a memento... and become immersed in the city's centuries-old history.

The Dubrovnik region is fascinating, and one which encourages you to explore. We have designed a range of private tours for you and your friends and family to enjoy with individual attention from our experienced guides. With so many things on offer, and after much consideration, here are the Sun Gardens Dubrovnik top 5 private tours:

Game of Thrones

A television series which surely needs no introduction. The hit HBO series has forever linked the Pearl of the Adriatic to a new mythical name – King’s Landing. Several series of the global blockbuster were shot on site in Dubrovnik, and tens of thousands of GoT fans flock to the city each year to visit the filming locations that were beamed around the globe.

Walk the streets of the magnificent King's Landing, the very capital of Westeros, with your private guide who will take you not only to the locations but also the inside stories of the Battle of Blackwater Bay, the attack on King Joffrey and royal family by angry citizens and the famous Queen Cersei's walk of shame.

Underwater Wine Cellar

Did you know that Croatia has an estimated 130 indigenous grape varieties? Or that one of the very best, Plavac Mali, is related to Zinfandel, and whose best vineyards are located on the Pelješac Peninsula, a short drive from Sun Gardens Dubrovnik?

And not only that, some of the wine tasting experiences are truly spectacular and unique. Allow your private guide to introduce you to the first underwater wine cellar in Croatia, with a tasting of exquisite wines to match the location. The Pelješac gourmet story is not confined to just wines, however, for the peninsula begins with the oyster capital of Croatia – Mali Ston. Choose your own oysters for lunch and learn more about the oyster and fish traditions of this gorgeous slice of Dalmatia. A unique food and wine double.

Pelješac

Or why not experience the Pelješac Peninsula in a different way with our special Pelješac tour. Less than 45-minutes from Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, visit one of Dalmatia’s most picturesque destinations. Napoleon built a road through the heart of the peninsula 200 years ago, a road which today allows you to drive through the famous Dingač vineyards, which enjoying stunning sea views both right and left.

Stop in one such vineyard for an authentic Dalmatian wine experience as a guest of Vicelić, one of the peninsula’s most renowned winemakers, and a Plavac Mali specialist. Then continue on to an altogether different part of Dalmatian life in the sleepy fishing village of Trpanj, where a traditional Dalmatian tavern is waiting to offer you the very freshest catch of the day.

Neretva Valley

While the Adriatic is understandably the best-know water attraction, it is by no means the only one. Head a little inland to the Neretva Valley and meet the Croatian California, whose abundant citrus fruits on the banks of the green Neretva River offer some of the most fertile land in the region, including a staggering 1.4 million mandarin trees.
It is also a region rich in heritage, as you will learn with a visit to the Narona archaeological museum, which is located at the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the first Roman Emperor Augustus. A voyage in a traditional Neretva riverboat, the lifeline for centuries for river communities in Neretva, ends with a lunch to remember. After tasting traditional Adriatic fish dished in Sun Gardens Dubrovnik restaurants – here you will enjoy true local Neretva specialities, including eels, frogs and river fish.

Sailing Elafiti Islands

You have spent time at the beach and swimming in the sea – now it is time to get to know it from a totally different angle! Dalmatia is known as one of the great sailing destinations of Europe, with its spectacular coastline, endless islands and pristine waters.

Go back in time on our old-timer with our experienced and fully-licensed guide, with you in charge of a totally flexible itinerary. Do take the chance to learn a little about sailing for yourself (finding which was the wind blows is not as easy as you think), and leave plenty of time to go swimming in one of the many hidden coves on this gorgeous coastline.

Dalmatian cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, so much so in fact that its Mediterranean diet was inscribed as intangible UNESCO heritage back in 2013. The basic concepts are very simple: the freshest, seasonal local ingredients, which ensure that different specialities occur at different types of the year; simple recipes; and traditional home cooking, with those simple recipes passed down from generation to generation. Add to that the fines wines of the region – the powerful red Plavac Mali wines from the Peljesac Peninsula are related to Zinfandel and, coupled with the indigenous Grk and Posip of the island of Korcula, they are among the most prized wines in all Croatia.

Given its proximity to the sea, it is perhaps no surprise that seafood dominates many menus in Dubrovnik, and the simple grilled fish, covered in local olive oil and served with simple vegetables, is a regional classic, and one of the most popular dishes for tourists. It is said in these parts that a fish swims three times in its life – firstly in the sea before it is caught, then in olive oil during preparation, and finally in excellent local wine as the meal is consumed and enjoyed.

With such an abundance of fresh fish, it is somewhat ironic perhaps that the most traditional Dubrovnik fish dish is neither fresh nor from the Adriatic. The most traditional meal of the year is on Christmas Eve – bakalar. Bakalar is dried cod from the North Sea, and its preparation takes time, involving a minimum of 24 hours soaking in water before being prepared. It is served as a stew with garlic and potatoes, and appears on almost every Dalmatian dinner table on Christmas Eve.

As the freshness of ingredients plays a major factor in authentic Dalmatian cooking, the availability of local produce has a key role to play, and if you arrive at the right time of year, Dalmatian cuisine can be even more sensational. Nowhere is this more true than in Spring, when locals will disappear into the countryside in search of one of the culinary highlights of the year – wild asparagus. Forget everything you knew about asparagus before you came on holiday to Dubrovnik, for Croatian wild asparagus is very different, much thinner, very green and with an intensity of bitterness and flavour that one rarely finds in asparagus elsewhere. From simple egg and asparagus salads to far more creative dishes, the region’s chefs offer some excellent meal variations with asparagus themes at this time of the year. Don’t miss it!

For the traditional Dalmatian vegetable, none is arguably more important than blitva, which translates as mangold, or Swiss chard. Healthy, flavoursome and available most of the year, a side dish of blitva, mixed with potatoes, garlic and olive oil is a perfect accompaniment to many a Dalmatian main course of meat or fish.

Travel slightly north of Dubrovnik to the walled town of Ston for some of the best oysters in Europe, but perhaps the most popular fish salad involves the octopus. Octopus is not something which often enters diets in the UK and elsewhere, but the number of tourists who become firm converts of octopus salad each year is staggering. Simple pieces of cooked octopus, served cold, in a salad of olives, tomato, onion, parsley and the ubiquitous olive oil – delicious. And if you are going to try a risotto on holiday, don’t miss the famous black risotto, which gets its distinctive taste from the ink of the cuttlefish.

Meat lovers will also be in heaven. From the classic mixed grill dishes to veal, lamb and chicken served ‘under the bell’ (slow cooked with potatoes and vegetables, known as peka), and the slow-cooked Pasticada with gnocchi is also a firm favourite. Here the meat is slowly cooked for hours in a thick sauce until it is very tender, and it is served with the sauce featuring the juices of the meat, which is mopped up by home-made gnocchi.

You might notice a number of orange trees around the city. The oranges that grow have a very bitter taste, but they are part of the Dubrovnik tradition, and they are celebrated each day at an event called Bitter Orange Day, which is part of the festivities of St Blaise, the patron saint of the city, in the first week of February. The oranges have been put to a variety of uses – extracts are used in fragrances, their juice are made into drinks, and perhaps most famously, bitter orange jams and marmalades make excellent Dubrovnik souvenirs.

Dubrovnik is a gourmet paradise, a combination of extremely healthy good, excellent traditional recipes and a passion for the freshest local produce. A true voyage of discovery awaits. Dobar Tek!

As you approach the Bay of Mali Ston it’s hard not to be struck by the vast blanket of sparkling sea, lapping against the dramatic rise and fall of the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the northwest of the inlet. This represents the only coastline for Bosnia and a world famous and celebrated area for mariculture in Croatia. The bay is a nationally protected area where aquaculture is prolific thanks to the virgin cleanliness and abundance of the sea. This is the only successful breeding ground in the world for the European flat oyster ‘Ostrea edulis’ with its unique, full bodied aroma and clean sea flavour. ‘Ostrea edulis’ and ‘Mytilus galloprovinicialis’ are the only species of mussel cultivated in this area.

The cultivation begins with the collection of wild spat, after which the young oysters are cemented and hung on ropes in a fashion unique to this part of the world. Mussels are reared mainly using floating or fixed parks, using classic nylon or wire "sockets." Oysters are fullest and most delicious in March, when St Joseph’ s Day is celebrated both in Dubrovnik and here in the town of Ston and its sister village of Mali Ston.

The South Dalmatian coast has an ancient history of mariculture. Traces of primitive oyster farming, using petrified oak branches with attached oyster shells, were first noted by Roman chroniclers. Records from the 17th century provide details on the collection and sale of oysters amongst traders and fishermen; sending this most delicate cargo across Europe and supplying not only the locals with sustenance but adorning the plates of monarchs. Documents from the late 18th century describe the procedure for granting oyster rearing concessions and fixed an idea of prices which still exist to this day. Development of modem mariculture began at the end of the 19th century with the establishment of oyster cultivation companies. Perhaps the high-point of this era was the 1936 World Exposition in London: ‘The Grand Prix and Gold Medal’ for oysters from Mali Ston Bay were awarded to a Dubrovnik-based company for "Bistrinacultivation and sale of oysters and other shellfish."

Most of the private companies disappeared during the ravages of the Second World War. However, in Mali Ston, this ancient tradition has prevailed and the glistening beds of oysters remain, waiting to tempt the traveller. It’s worth keeping a look out for the well known seafood restaurant Bota Sare in the small village of Mali Ston. The generous terrace wraps around the tiny harbour; alongside the achingly fresh seafood and friendly service, there is a beautiful view of the ramparts which enclose this community of less than 200 within their protective stone embrace. A visit to this idyllic bay is a reminder of another era, perhaps a little quieter than our own, charming the taste buds and the heart.

Croatia is a country whose culture thrives on multigenerational existence – just go for a coffee on any Dalmatian square on a Sunday morning after Mass to observe the joyful coexistence of families of different generations intermingling in the same space. With such an ingrained multigenerational setting, it is perhaps not surprising that more extended families are choosing to travel together for the shared experience holiday.

The benefits of multigenerational travel are obvious – kids able to bond with their grandparents, while the older generation also assume babysitting duties to enable exhausted parents to enjoy a little romantic downtime without the pressure of constant parenting. The relaxed Dalmatian lifestyle is the perfect backdrop to this relaxed family approach, and the facilities of resorts such as Sun Gardens Dubrovnik also ease the process of enjoying a successful multigenerational holiday.

Family flexibility is reflected in a number of ways. Find the appropriate family accommodation with a choice of the One, Two, and Three-bedroom residences, where cooking facilities are available should you choose to take advantage of the excellent local markets after sampling the excellent choice of resort restaurants.

Swimming is obviously a key element of any family holiday in Dubrovnik, and the choice of swimming pools available. Two are family-friendly and perfect for grandparent supervision, while the other is adults-only, a nice escape for parents looking for a little detox time alone. So too with the leisure activities, from the award-winning Spa to the multifunctional Sports Club and kids centre, which offer a range of activities to all generations.

The multigenerational way of life in southern Dalmatia is reflected in its tourism offer, and the region has long been known as a safe family destinations, where generations mix easily. Simple experiences such as shopping at a local market, sampling local produce, or coffee and ice cream at a waterfront cafe and are things enjoyed by all ages, and they help to strengthen the family holiday experience. So too many of the activities – walking tours of historic towns such as towns like Dubrovnik, combined with a cable car ride and tour of its famous walls; visits to natural beauties such as Lokrum, Mljet National Park and Trsteno arboretum.

And, of course, the most popular activity of all, popular with every visitor to Dubrovnik, no matter the age – the beach, the sun and swimming in the glistening Adriatic, an idyllic way to spend a day with extended family.

Travelling with family can be a stressful experience, but with the culture, mentality and multigenerational way of life in Dubrovnik, there are few destinations which offer a better overall experience.

Welcome to Dubrovnik, which guarantees fun, fun, fun for the little ones!

Fun starts at home, of course, and Sun Gardens Dubrovnik family resort is a children's paradise. Apart from the usual swimming options at the beach and in our pools, the action-packed programmes at the Marco Polo Kids Club and fabulous Sports Academy are sure to stimulate, as well as burn off a few calories.

Begin by wandering around the historic streets on the old town, whose buildings are steeped in history and legends to inspire young minds. Visit the market and learn more about the local fresh produce, a totally different experience from the supermarket back home.

No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without a tour of the majestic old walls. Let the kids roam free ahead (but not too far), as they explore and discover the nooks and crannies of Dubrovnik's top tourist attraction, while also marvelling at the views of the Adriatic below.

And talking of views, what can beat a ride in the cable car to Mount Srd (you can also hike or drive) from where the very best views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic and its islands can be enjoyed. Stop for a drink and take in the view.

Here you can also visit the excellent Croatian War of Independence museum, which superbly documents the city's recently turbulent past. While most of the exhibitions are suitable for children, one suggestion is to have one parent go on ahead to decide what is suitable.

Dubrovnik itself is a fascinating old town to explore through young eyes. If Kings Landing in Game of Thrones can excite the imagination of adult fans, just imagine how much kids will enjoy discovering the hidden streets and squares of this magical city.

Time to descend and head to the beach for some serious swimming and chilling. Banje beach is close to the old town, of course, but why not head off – as the locals so – to Lokrum Island and find a less crowded swimming opportunity. There are plenty of boats for further Elaphite hopping.

Looking to get a little more active? There are some fantastic sea-kayaking tours available, where you can kayak close to the walls and around the nearby islands. Take the sunset tour, a truly unforgettable family experience.

Kids activities are not confined to Dubrovnik if you are staying at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik. There are several great trips a short distance away. Among the best is Trsteno, a magnificent arboretum, the biggest in Croatia and another treasure trove of magic to explore. Or drive a little further to Ston and visit the largest salt pans in the region. The kids may not be partial to the famous oysters of Mali Ston, but they will certainly enjoy the boat ride to the floating oyster bar and learn the whole process of oyster cultivation.

Dubrovnik, a historic city of culture and heritage for adults, a city of inspiration and adventure for children. When is your family planning to visit?

Few would argue that the island of Mljet is one of the most beautiful in the world. Those who have been dream of returning and those who have heard about the island make it a must to visit. Although just a short ferry ride away from Dubrovnik it feels like you are miles away, centuries away, time has stopped on this magical island. Mother nature surpassed itself when she created Mljet, its thick green forests, turquoise blue seas and rich wildlife make this island a “must see” whilst in the region.

The island stretches out like the back of a green whale dipping out of the blue Adriatic. Long and thin, Mljet is around 37 kilometres long and has an average width of only 3 kilometres. On the northwest end of the island there is a national park which includes two salt water lakes. The larger lake contains a little isle with a 12th century monastery St. Mary; in fact this is an island on an island. Catch the charming boat out to the island and prepare to be amazed. The thick forests on Mljet gently descend all the way to the surface of the lakes, thus creating an image of unspoiled nature, pine trees lean over the lake edge.

This harmony between abundant nature and rich heritage produces a feeling of tranquillity that brings visitors back. Walking and biking trails weave in and out of the forest and follow the lakes shoreline, a bike ride not to forget. Mountain trails lead to stunning sightseeing points that overlook the surrounding islands. The therapeutic benefits of peaceful relaxation are ensured by kilometres of shoreline along the lakes and the sea front around the island. It is the place where people keep coming back to stay for as long as their otherwise busy lives will allow them.

Mljet might begin with the national park but it certainly doesn’t end there. A road runs through the centre of the island, one of the few roads on this Mediterranean island, and you’ll pass breathtaking panoramas, sheer cliff drops and picture postcard hamlets. A real Robinson Crusoe experience! The ancient Greek poet Homer wrote about this island in Odyssey, as the hero Odyssey sailed in this region. According to legend Odyssey spent seven years on the island on his way home from the Trojan Wars. And the Odyssey Cave, on the north side of Mljet, is well worth discovering. It is seldom seen by tourists, the people of Mljet seem to want to keep this island secret to themselves and who can blame them. And who can blame Odyssey for staying on Mljet for so long.