The Mediterranean is filled with some of the sunniest, dreamiest hotspots on Earth, but few are as fascinating and instantly unforgettable as Dubrovnik.
If you’ve never been to the Croatian hub, you’ve probably been put off by the constant news coverage of the insane flocks of tourists flying to the city every month or the ever-rising prices.
However, as someone who’s had the chance to experience the incredible City Walls, cobblestone streets, and Dubrovnik Cathedral firsthand, I must say that it’s still a must-see.
And with Croatia smashing yet another tourism record, why not stop and re-discover its crown jewel in all its glory, this time away from the insatiable summer crowds?
Round-Trip Flights Starting At Just $479
I know that Dubrovnik isn’t quite the comfortably cheap destination it once was, thanks to its meteoric rise in popularity, but that doesn’t mean a trip to the Croatian gem should cost you an arm and a leg, either.
While prices have certainly gone up, those who plan their trip here with a little bit of extra effort can still stay well within budget—for example, scheduling your flights in October can save you hundreds of dollars.
That’s because this is when airfare reaches its annual low, with round trips starting at just $479 according to Skyscanner.
That’s almost half the price of what travelers have paid for the same exact economy tickets in August, and remember – they’ve had to deal with fewer seat options, bigger crowds, and far, far longer lines, too.
Hotels Are Reasonably Cheap, Too
If you’ve visited Dubrovnik a couple of years back and stayed someplace that charged less than $50 a night, just know that’s not the reality anymore, at least when it comes to places that are actually decent.
That said, most hotels and Airbnbs in the city are still pretty cheap by U.S. standards; think something around $70-$110 a night.
And now that summer is officially over and most tourists have flown back home, accommodations are offering their rooms at some heavily discounted rates.
I’ve usually found that City Hotel Dubrovnik offers the best value for money this time of year, though if you manage to get an under-$100-a-night deal from Hotel Lapad, you should probably go for that instead.
The Perfect Fall Weather And Crowd-Free Attractions? Sign Me Up!
You’ll notice that most of the people complaining about their experience in Dubrovnik have gone there in the summer.
While the soft-sand beaches are hard to resist, that’s actually far from the best time to experience the city, its landmarks, and its incredible culture.
That’s why you want to go in October instead.
Not only are prices notably lower, but you’ll also get to take advantage of the dreamy 64°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C) weather and crowdless attractions, attractions that’ll leave even the most seasoned travelers at a loss for words.
You’ll be able to walk through the narrow walkways atop the City Walls without having to make your way through hundreds of people in the sweltering heat, take in the Lovrijenac Fortress in all its glory, explore the iconic Dubrovnik Cathedral in peace, and take a cable car ride to Mount Srđ without having to wait for what seems like an eternity in line – that’s a perfect fall getaway if I’ve ever seen one.
What To Do In Dubrovnik In October?
I’ve heard some people say that coming all the way to Croatia without taking a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea is a big no-no, and while I don’t necessarily agree with that, I still want to note that there are many days throughout October when the weather is still more than warm enough for a day at the beach, so check the forecasts and don’t write the experience off quite yet.
But there’s so much more to do and see in Dubrovnik beyond its beaches anyway!
You’ll get to spend your days exploring the landmark-filled Old Town, going island hopping in the stunning Elaphiti Islands, indulging in the local cuisine through the annual Good Food Festival, and last but certainly not least, going on a long-awaited Game of Thrones tour (this one’s by far my favorite).
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