Picture this: it’s the height of summer in Dubrovnik. The golden sun glints off terracotta rooftops, live music echoes through stone courtyards, and white yachts float on the turquoise Adriatic. The streets are thronging with people, a diverse crowd of culture vultures, adrenaline junkies, and sun seekers who have traveled far and wide to experience Dubrovnik in July.
This month may be the peak season of tourism in Croatia, but it’s no less unmissable. With the blissful weather, festivals, and diverse activities, Dubrovnik in July makes for an idyllic summer vacation. At Rewind Dubrovnik, we are awed each year as the city transforms with the season, presenting the perfect time for our Private Dubrovnik Boat Tours.
We’ve created this guide to some of the most unforgettable things to do in Dubrovnik this July, from its hallmark summer festival to thrilling watersports and charming hole-in-the-walls with the best sunset views.
Get Swept Up in the Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Every July, the city transforms into an open-air stage for the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Running from July 10 to August 25, this renowned event turns historic sites like Lovrijenac Fortress and the Rector’s Palace into dramatic backdrops for world-class performances, spanning theater, music, dance, and opera.
You can expect everything from Shakespeare to symphonic concerts and avant-garde dance. Make sure to book your tickets early and catch at least one performance in a courtyard or fortress. The setting is half the experience!
For some more tips on visiting Dubrovnik in the peak season, read our blog on How to Prepare for Summer in Croatia.
Dive Into Dubrovnik’s Watersports Scene
If you prefer your outdoor adventures with a splash, you’re in luck. July’s warm, calm seas are perfect for watersports, and the options in Dubrovnik are anything but boring!
One of the most unique and exciting watersports in the city is sea kayaking. Not only will you get to paddle on crystal clear waters, you’ll get to sail past hidden caves and stone forts. Take your kayak around the island of Lokrum, make a stop at the beach, or jump straight from your kayak for a spot of snorkeling.
Looking to get your heart rate up? Then jet skiing and parasailing will give you a dose of adrenaline, along with stunning views of the coastline! If you want to go beneath the surface, Dubrovnik is a scuba diver’s paradise. Shipwrecks, underwater caves, vibrant reefs, and diverse marine life all await, made all the better by the crystal clear conditions.
Hop Between Idyllic Dubrovnik Islands
Dubrovnik is your gateway to some of the Adriatic’s most beautiful islands, including Lokrum, Mljet, and the Elaphiti Islands.
Lokrum Island is just a 10-minute boat ride away and offers shaded walking trails, an 11th-century monastery, a saltwater lake (the “Dead Sea”), and even free-roaming peacocks. It’s also here that Game of Thrones fans can sit on an incredible replica of the Iron Throne!
For a day of laid-back beach hopping, the Elaphiti Islands are the place to be. Consisting of a trio of islands, Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, you can spend your days here suntanning, snorkeling, and dining on delicious food. To enjoy these islands in utmost luxury, you can join our Full-Day Elaphiti Islands Tour where you travel on a private boat!
Near to the Elaphiti Islands is the extraordinary Mljet, an island steeped in Greek myths and natural beauty. It’s said that this was the location where the Greek hero Odysseus was shipwrecked and held by Calypso. Whether or not this is true, there is no doubt that visiting Mljet is an unmissable summer activity. If you’re interested in journeying to this mythical island, check out our Legendary Mljet Boat Tour!
Discover the Magic of Dubrovnik’s Blue Cave
While the Blue Cave is located on the Elaphiti Islands, it deserves a mention of its own. Located on the island Koločep, it’s one of the most mesmerizing natural sights near Dubrovnik. Sunlight filters through the water and reflects off white sand on the cave floor, casting an otherworldly blue glow on the cave walls. Grab your snorkel gear and discover a variety of marine life while swimming in the heavenly hues.
We visit the Blue Cave as part of all of our Elaphiti Islands tours, including our
Elaphiti Islands Half-Day Tour and our Dubrovnik: Private 2-Hour Swim, Snorkel & Cave Tour. As part of the journey, we also visit the beguiling Green Caves, offering you an immersive experience like no other!
For more inspiration on what other kinds of tours you can take from the city, read our guide to The 5 Best Boat Trips from Dubrovnik.
Have Sundowners at Buža Bar
You haven’t truly experienced Dubrovnik in July until you’ve had sundowners while perched on the edge of a cliff. And the best place to do this is Buža Bar. Hidden in the outer city walls, where you literally enter through a hole in the wall, this bar is situated on a set of rocky terraces on the cliffside. With its unparalleled view of the sunset, this is the perfect place to wind down with a cocktail. And with steps going into the water, you can even enjoy some swimming in between drinks!
Enjoy a Private Dubrovnik Boat Tour
There’s no better way to beat the summer crowds or heat than on a private boat tour. Escape the bustling city streets and set off into the Adriatic for a day of sun and sea. Our Private Dubrovnik Boat Tours allow you to do everything from wine tasting to snorkeling, offering a unique Dubrovnik experience in the summer. If you have any questions about our trips, feel free to contact us. We can’t wait to see you in July!
