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Discovering Dubrovnik

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Day 2: To the coast and beyond

Dubrovnik is home to a number of prime beach spots, all located within a short distance of one another. With the heat creeping up before the noon hour hits, one of them should be your destination for the day.

Along the city's coast, sunbathing options abound. Some hotels have their own private beaches just outside the city walls, creating a large beachfront tourist hub known locally as Babin Kuk. You'll definitely want to go shirtless, but you may want to keep your shoes on; Aside from one small stretch on the city's south side, all the beaches are made of pebbles, not sand.

blasphemy at the monastery

In spite of all these options, the coolest place to bask in the Adriatic heat is not on Dubrovnik's coast. It's the island of Lokrum, just 10 minutes from the mainland by ferry. Take the short boat ride over, then set up shop virtually wherever you want on the island. Ideally, you'll find a secluded spot where you and your friends (or your lady friend) can have some peace and quiet away from the crowds. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, there's a nude beach at the eastern tip of the island — right near an old Benedictine monastery, curiously enough.

Even the non-exhibitionists will want to trek to this part of island, however, for the Benedictine monastery also houses a restaurant and caf, where you can escape the heat and try the squid and black rice. Other points of interest on the island include a botanical garden and Fort Royal, an old French fort that provides a great view of the whole of Dubrovnik across the water.

croatia's dead sea

These are all certainly cool spots, but an absolute must-see on Lokrum (aside from the nude beach) is the small lake of Mrtvo. Like the Dead Sea, this salt-filled lake is popular because of the ease in which you can float in its Adriatic Sea-fed waters.

As the sun begins to set, you'll leave the secluded beaches of Lokrum and head back to Dubrovnik. After a visit to your hotel to wash up, it will be high time for dinner. For a wealth of restaurant choices, head back to the Stari Grad's Stradun. Here you'll find dozens of places offering high-quality seafood and, as is typically Croatian, lamb and veal as well. One such example is Konoba Amoret, a restaurant where, for approximately $20, you can choose from great mussels, shrimp and a variety of grilled meats.

To top off your day of fun in the sun, visit the Troubadour Jazz Cafe. Though there is little actual jazz being played inside the pub, this spot is great for a taste of Croatia's brandies, wines and other strong drinks. There are a few other quaint pubs in the neighborhood, so feel free to bar hop a little.

Head offshore to the Elaphite islands...

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