Nestled on Croatia’s enchanting Dalmatian coast, the Lapad Peninsula in Dubrovnik offers an idyllic blend of coastal beauty, local culture, and historical charm. From pristine beaches to scenic walking trails and delightful local dining, Lapad promises a memorable holiday. Located just 4km from the Old Town, it offers the perfect base for enjoying the best of Dubrovnik, without the crowds!
This travel guide to Dubrovnik will help you maximize your 4-day stay in Lapad Peninsula, including must-see spots and best things to do in Dubrovnik for the best trip.
*contains affiliate links
Contents: click to jump to a section
How to get to Dubrovnik
Direct flights from the UK to Dubrovnik take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with airlines like EasyJet, Buzz, BA, and Ryan Air providing regular connections.
Once you arrive at Dubrovnik Airport, the Lapad Peninsula is just 14 miles away. You can easily reach your accommodation by bus or taxi, making it an ideal destination for a short getaway.
Where is the Lapad Peninsula, Dubrovnik?
The Lapad Peninsula sits along the stunning Adriatic Sea, on the western side of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Located about 4 km (2.5 miles) from Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town, Lapad offers easy access to the city’s main attractions via car, bus, or taxi.
Lapad is a charming, residential area that serves as a perfect base for those who want to stay near Dubrovnik, whilst avoiding the bustling crowds of the Old Town.
The peninsula boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and local amenities, as well as a scenic coastline featuring pebble beaches, picturesque promenades, and breathtaking sea views. With its relaxed ambiance and beautiful surroundings, Lapad is ideal for families and travellers seeking a mix of relaxation and easy access to Dubrovnik’s cultural highlights.
Where to stay on the Lapad Peninsula, Dubrovnik
The Lapad Peninsula offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious waterfront resorts to small boutique hotels and self-catering apartments, making it easy to find something to suit all budgets.
There are two main areas to stay, in the Lapad Bay area or Babin Kuk. The Lapad Bay is close to the main beaches, shops, and restaurants, whilst Babin Kuk is more about better beaches, nature, and resort hotels.
We have stayed twice in Babin Kuk on the western side of the peninsula. During our first visit we were at the Royal Hotel Neptun, a beachfront 4-star hotel and the next time we were at the Hotel Royal Princess, a more luxurious 5-star hotel with an indoor pool and spa.
For more budget-friendly accommodation, you could try the Apartments Silva or Hotel Splendid, which both have good reviews.
When's the best time to visit Dubrovnik?
The best time to visit Dubrovnik for sight-seeing is in the shoulder months (Spring/Autumn) when there are less crowds.
In the summer it is hot and sunny, the sea is warmer and many festivals and events take place. However, you can expect large crowds in the Old Town and more expensive flights and accommodation.
We have visited twice in October, when we were able to get a good deal on our accommodation. The average temperatures were 16–22°C and it was warm enough for sight-seeing, lounging by a pool, and swimming in the sea. However, the evenings were cooler and some of the restaurants in Lapad were starting to shut for the season.
If you want to explore Dubrovnik’s history and attractions without the crowds from the cruise ships, winter is a good time to visit.
What is there to do in 4 days in Dubrovnik?
Here’s our suggestions of the best things to do to make the most of your visit to the Lapad Peninsula.
Take a tour of the Old Town
When visiting Dubrovnik, a visit to the stunning Old Town should be at the top of your list.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia.
Start your tour at Pile Gate, a grand 16th-century stone archway and drawbridge that serves as the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This iconic landmark is a must-see for history enthusiasts and fans of “Game of Thrones” alike, as it was a key filming location for scenes like Joffrey’s riot.
As soon as you’re inside the walls, you’ll see the Large Onofrio’s Fountain, a historic drinking fountain and popular gathering spot. Built in the 15th century, this enormous fountain has 16 water taps which shoot water from carved stone faces.
If you’re an avid fan, you could do a Game of Thrones walking tour to see all the top filming sites in Dubrovnik.
If you going to be in Dubrovnik during the peak summer months, it is advisable to visit the Old Town early morning or late afternoon. This way you will avoid the thousands of visitors from the cruise ships.
Stroll through Stradun
Stradun is the main thoroughfare within the walled city of Dubrovnik, joining Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. It is a vibrant, 300-metre long pedestrian zone, flanked on each side by elegant Baroque buildings.
The cobbled streets are lined on each side with artisan shops, cute cafés, and restaurants. It leads from Pile Gate down to Graz Harbour.
Visit Luža Square
At the far end of Stradun, you’ll come to Luža Square, the main hub in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
In the centre of Luža Square, you’ll be greeted by Orlando’s Column, an iconic statue symbolising Dubrovnik’s independence. Erected in 1418, it features the medieval knight, Orlando, who helped defend the city from invaders in the middle ages.
You should also keep a look out for Small Onforio’s Fountain.
Relax by the Old Town Port
You can wander along the old breakwater and watch the fishing boats in the old port. Porat is also a good stop for an ice cream
Walk Dubrovnik's City Walls
One of the top things to do in Dubrovnik is to walk along its iconic city walls. You’ll really get a different perspective of the city from these impressive 13th century medieval fortifications.
Dubrovnik’s city walls stretch 1,970 meters (about 1.2 miles) and encircle the entire Old Town, offering breathtaking scenery at every corner. You’ll get great views over red-tiled roofs of the old town, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby historic landmarks like Fort Lovrijenac and Fort Bokar.
The walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on crowd levels and the number of photo stops you make! With a one-way route, there’s no risk of getting lost, but if you want more information, you could consider a guided tour.
The main entrance to the walls is located at Pile Gate, but there are also two additional entrances at Ploče Gate and St. John’s Fort. Tickets must be purchased before you go up. For the latest information on ticket prices and opening hours, check the official Dubrovnik City Walls website.
It’s recommended to climb Dubrovnik’s city walls early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. It can get extremely busy, especially when the cruise ships come in.
Ride the cable car to Srd Hill
For the best views over Dubrovnik, take a trip in the cable car up Srd Hill. The cable car whisks you up to a height of 405 meters above sea level, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views over the Old Town and surrounding coastline.
You can stop for a drink, go on a ride with the Buggy Safari Tour, or hike to Fort Strincjera. The entrance to the cable car station is just a 5-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Go sea-kayaking to Lokrum Island
For adventure seekers, one of the most thrilling ways to experience Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline is with a sea kayaking tour.
Starting from the Old Town Harbour, you’ll paddle through the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea towards Lokrum Island, before heading to Betina Cave Beach.
Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea
One of the top reasons to stay on the Lapad Peninsula is its beautiful beaches. Although the beaches are mostly pebbly, the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea make for a refreshing swim and provide some of the best coastal views in Dubrovnik.
Many hotels in Lapad offer direct access to the sea, so guests can go for a quick swim when they want.
Alternatively, a short walk will take you to Lapad Bay, a public beach with deckchairs, sun umbrellas, showers and changing rooms. It is a lively beach with several cafés and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a day by the sea.
If money’s no object, you could head to the exclusive Copa Cabana Beach.
Top tip: As the beaches are pebbly, it’s a good idea to pack some water shoes.
Follow the Lapad Peninsula coastal trail
One of the greatest advantages of staying on the Lapad Peninsula is the chance to enjoy Dubrovnik’s stunning natural beauty while escaping the busy crowds of the Old Town.
From Babin Kuk, there are several scenic coastal walks, perfect for morning or evening strolls. A favourite walk of ours was along the southern promenade, Šetalište Nika i Meda Pucića, which follows the Lapad coastline from Hotel Neptun to the restaurants and cafés in Lapad.
Heading in the other direction along the peninsula, another lovely walk follows the coast to the Yacht Club Orsan, where you can chill with a drink and watch the cruise ships come in.
The currency of Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK).
Why Lapad Peninsula was the perfect base for our Dubrovnik Adventure
We loved our 4 days in Dubrovnik so much that we returned the following year! Staying on the Lapad Peninsula proved to be an ideal base, not only for exploring Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town but also for enjoying the stunning coastline and natural beauty of the area. With its variety of scenic walking trails, beautiful beaches, and wide range of hotels, Lapad is a perfect place to stay if you want both relaxation and easy access to Dubrovnik’s main attractions.
Visiting in late October was a fantastic choice and a far cheaper option than the summer. The weather was pleasantly warm, just right for coastal walks, sightseeing, and even a dip in the pool or sea (for the brave!). By visiting in October and staying just outside the busy Old Town, we could fully enjoy the top sights of Dubrovnik without the summer crowds, allowing us to experience the best of this beautiful city at a relaxed pace.
Croatia is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, offering beautiful coastal cities, rich history, and plenty of outdoor adventures. After our wonderful experience in Dubrovnik, we were excited to discover the best things to do in Split and explore more of Croatia’s diverse attractions.
Pin for Later: 4 days on the Lapad Peninsula, Dubrovnik
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)
All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
3 comments