10 things to do on a yacht charter during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival

1. Ride the cable car to Mount Srd

Mont Srd rises to a height of 412m above Dubrovnik and offers panoramic views over the red-roofed buildings of the city below and the bright blue Mediterranean sea beyond.

The quickest and easiest way to reach the top is by hopping aboard one of the bright orange cable cars, which run until midnight in the summer months.

Once at the summit, you can enjoy views as far as 60km on a clear day. Sit back and enjoy lunch or a glass of wine at Panorama Restaurant.

• Panorama

  Bar

2. Take a walk along the city walls

Take a break from the performances to walk the famous city walls. First built to protect Dubrovnik from attack more than a thousand years ago, the mighty city walls are among the most impressive medieval fortifications to be seen anywhere in Europe.

The walls, which encompass forts added in the 15th century, surround the old town and provide spectacular vantage points overlooking Dubrovnik's landmarks as well as out towards the Adriatic Sea.

Walking along the walls is a good way to get your bearings, enjoy some fine views, and escape the crowds that throng the streets of the Old Town in summer.

3. Spend the day at the beach

The beach is mainly pebble, with some concrete platform areas. Out at sea, the water is shallow, making it a good choice if you are chartering with young children. 

Water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking are available, and if you need to unwind, you can enjoy a post-swim massage on the beach before returning to your yacht.

• Copacabana Beach

  Beach Club

4. Explore the local dining scene

With the city in high spirits during the Summer Festival, guests may choose to stay onshore for their evening meal.

Dubrovnik offers no shortage of restaurants to satisfy the palate of every discerning diner. A particularly popular stop-off during the Summer Festival is Nautika, with its unbeatable waterfront location and firm focus on fusing fine dining with contemporary cuisine. 

Another favorite among yacht-goers is 360 Restaurant, a Michelin-starred restaurant that takes full advantage of the catch-fresh seafood from the Adriatic. The menu is offset by a lovely venue overlooking the water and locally-sourced wine that has scooped up multiple awards.

• Nautika

  Restaurant

5. Enjoy an aperitif at Sunset Lounge

6. Discover the natural beauty of Mljet National Park

According to local tradition, the verdant Dalmatian island of Mljet, lying to the west of Dubrovnik, was once home to the nymph Calypso, who lured the Greek adventurer Odysseus into staying here for seven years. It's a remarkably beautiful place, and the western tip of the island is a protected national park.

Also known as the 'Green Island' Mljet is heavily forested and surrounded by crystal clear water, ideal for swimming. The park is also noted for its two salt lakes, secluded beaches and shady woodland paths, while also worth a look is the tiny island of St Mary, home to a Benedictine monastery and church.

• St. Mary's Island

  Landmark

7. Step back in time at the Rector's Palace

Dating to the 15th century, this grand Renaissance palace was built  as the residence and administrative offices of the Rector, an elected official who ruled the Republic of Ragusa, which was based in Dubrovnik before being abolished by Napoleon in 1808.

Today the palace houses a museum, with rooms adorned with period furniture, paintings and other historic artefacts, while the imposing atrium is often used as a venue for concerts during the Summer Festival.

Outside the palace stands the statue of the 16th century poet Marin Drzic, known as Dubrovnik's Shakespeare. Visitors rub his nose for good luck.

• The Rector's Palace

  Landmark

8. Raise a glass of Croatian wine

Try D'vino wine bar in the old town, where you can discover more about Croatia's wine-producing regions through private tasting sessions. It also offers guided tours of some of the family-run vineyards near Dubrovnik.

After your tour, be sure to bring a few bottles back to the yacht. Your yacht's chef will know which cuisine pairs best with each unique grape variety. 

9. Go shopping in the Old Town market

10. Enjoy the tranquility of Lopud Island

If you want to escape the crowds of Dubrovnik for the day, jump on your yacht and head to Lopud Island, which is just a short cruise west of Dubrovnik. Here you will find one of the best beaches in the area, Sunj Beach, a long stretch of fine white sand backed by wild green vegetation.

While you are here, visit the former Franciscan monastery, which is now an art gallery and the ruins of the 17th century fortress.