We met Zrinka Jelavic a decade ago on our first trip to Dubrovnik, when she organized an unforgettable visit around her hometown. Into Old Town, up a mountaintop, across the sea to a dreamy seafood lunch — every spot was a winner, a reflection of her taste, style, and contagious love for her homeland. In the years since, she’s been our go-to whenever we (or our friends) were planning trips to Croatia. She now shares that expertise with clients through her travel planning company Tailored Croatia, crafting personal experiences throughout Croatia and the Adriatic region, always focusing on local immersion, hidden gems, and high-touch service. Here, Zrinka shares what she loves about her hometown.
Some places you visit, check off your list, and move on. And then there’s Dubrovnik — the kind of place that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left. Maybe it’s the way the terracotta rooftops glow at golden hour, or how the Adriatic sparkles impossibly blue. Or maybe it’s because this town — my hometown — has a way of drawing you in, whispering its secrets, and making sure you never quite get over it.
Dubrovnik isn’t just a postcard-perfect city; it’s a living, breathing storybook. I grew up weaving through these marble streets, running my fingers along the stone walls, feeling the weight of history beneath my feet. Strolling atop the medieval city walls is a rite of passage here, a chance to soak up centuries of tales while the sea breeze tugs at your hair. Fun fact: These walls, built between the 12th and 17th centuries, have never been breached. A fortress in every sense of the word.
And then there’s the Old Town — the soul of Dubrovnik. Even after all these years, I still catch myself marveling at its beauty. Baroque facades, hidden courtyards, charming piazzas where life unfolds at a deliciously slow pace. Mornings are best spent lingering over coffee at Gradska Kavana, watching the city wake up. Evenings? That’s when the real magic happens — when the streets glow under lantern light, and there’s nowhere to be except exactly where you are.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize these streets as King’s Landing. The Jesuit Stairs? That’s where that infamous Walk of Shame happened. But beyond the show, there’s a deeper story. Take a tour with a true Dubrovčanin, and you’ll hear the tales only locals know — the ones woven into the stone itself.
And oh, the beaches. Dubrovnik’s coastline is a dreamscape of hidden coves, sapphire waters, and rocky cliffs made for diving. My childhood summers were spent leaping into the sea at Buža Bar and escaping to Lokrum Island, where wild peacocks roam and the saltwater lake, Mrtvo More, feels like a natural infinity pool. Banje Beach is the classic go-to, but for something more secluded, Sveti Jakov is where you’ll find me.
For a day of island-hopping, I head to the Elaphiti Islands — Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan — each offers its own slice of paradise. Lopud, in particular, is home to Šunj Beach, a sandy oasis (a rarity in Croatia!) where the shallow waters stretch out endlessly, making it perfect for lazy swims and sunbathing.
For a dose of history, step inside the Rector’s Palace, where the echoes of Dubrovnik’s time as an independent republic still linger. Or visit the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, dating back to 1317. Every corner of this city holds a story, waiting to be uncovered.
But the real Dubrovnik? It’s in the details. It’s in the gelato you lick as you wander aimlessly. It’s in the crisp local wine sipped at a cliffside bar. It’s in the echoes of klapa singers harmonizing in a centuries-old alley. It’s in the way the city wraps around you like an old friend, familiar yet full of surprises.
And if you want to see Dubrovnik from a different perspective, take the cable car up to Mount Srđ. From here, the entire city stretches out before you, framed by the vastness of the Adriatic. Sunset from this vantage point is pure magic — a moment that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
If you’re wondering where to go next, wonder no more. Dubrovnik isn’t just a destination — it’s a love affair waiting to happen. Come see for yourself. I’ll be here, waiting, with a glass of malvasija in hand.
Contact Tailored Croatiafor your next trip to Croatia, and tell Zrinka you read her love letter on Fathom.