Dubrovnik has put Croatia on the map as one of the premiere Mediterranean travel destinations. It’s a stunning city by itself, sometimes referred to as a wonder of the world and, as most realize by now, it’s been made all the more popular by the smash hit television drama Game Of Thrones.
On its own, Game Of Thrones has become an absolute sensation over the last several years – something like the TV equivalent of the Harry Potter or Lord of The Rings franchises.
The extreme version of this participation is world travel to different destinations used in the filming – one of which happens to be Dubrovnik. The city, as we’ve written, was picked as a model for the fictional capital of King’s Landing, and has been one of the main location staples of the show. While there is some CGI used to expand upon the city and make it more like part of the fantasy realm people have come to know and love, you can actually recognise aspects of King’s Landing when you visit. This is certainly one reason the city has become so trendy in recent years. The only trouble is that it’s also become more crowded.
At this point, as a matter of fact, the government is even looking to restrict tourism to some degree. But that’s no reason not to go to Croatia! Even if Dubrovnik appears to be restricted, or too crowded, there are some wonderful alternative destinations that offer much of the same charm without the hassle or bustle.
Cavtat
Southeast of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast, Cavtat is one of the most obvious alternative destinations. While it doesn’t have the same fortress-like setup as Dubrovnik, it does have a charming Old Town, and its surroundings are every bit as beautiful as those at Dubrovnik. Clear blue waters, lush trees and surrounding hills make it look like something out of a painting.
Pula
Near the Italian border, Pula is a fascinating city in its own right. It was first settled in prehistoric days, meaning there’s effectively been some kind of village or city there for the bulk of human history. It was also occupied for a time by the Romans, as evidenced by various ruins – including a coliseum near the water. It’s a gorgeous, fascinating town to visit.
Zadar
Zadar is on the Dalmatian coast, well to the northeast of Dubrovnik and somewhat unique on this list. It’s a little bit more modern looking in general, but is still right on the water with excellent beaches in the area. Zadar does have an Old Town, which is actually on its own small peninsula jutting off of the mainland, and there are Roman and Venetian ruins alike that make it a fascinating city to explore.
Rovinj
Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj enchants with its maze of cobblestone streets and vibrant buildings, blending ancient charm with modern vibrancy in one of Croatia's most captivating coastal towns. Whether captivated by its architectural beauty, delectable cuisine, or the allure of art galleries and town squares, Rovinj offers a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary culture.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
Our top picks for where to stay in Dubrovnik.