Dubrovnik for a family holiday?

[Hghlandlooo]

if we were to stay in a hotel near Dubrovnik what else is there to do other than go into the old town. Going with a 12 and 16 year old. We like a 5 star hotel and usually hire a car and like to rent a boat to explore. Ds16 has a learning disability so want a nice hotel as a base and a bit going on for families. Any advice

Do you all like kayaking?

Visit Cavtat a beautiful town accessible by boat. Lovely restaurants in the harbour.

The islands are great for a visit, especially if you have a boat and can take yourself. It's a really beautiful area and city, though very hilly!

We stayed at the Sun Gardens, perfect base for exploring and really nice set up. They have the hotel as well as apartments there. Loads of different day trips to the Island etc the snorkelling around there is wonderful

You might be better doing two or three days in Dubrovnik and spending the rest in Cavtat or elsewhere in Croatia. Dubrovnik can get very hot and busy particularly late morning when its rammed with cruise ship day trippers. I visited mid late April with my daughter for three days and with early starts Dubrovnik was perfect.

I’d perhaps combine with a few days on an island - we combined with Hvar for example. Accessible on the fast cat ferry. As others say it’s very warm and busy in prime tourist period. Lovely though!

Sun Gardens is a good shout for a family friendly 5* although it’s a bit on its own. But could be good with a car.

I wouldn’t want more than 1 day in Dubrovnik personally - or ideally, one morning and one evening as the days are rammed with cruise passengers.

Cavtat is quite nice. The islands are lovely. We did a nice trip which combined Dubrovnik, Kolocep island (lovely boutique hotel but quiet), 3 nights on a boat, then Cavtat.

I see a few of you have recommended Cavtat. Is it easy enough to get to Dubrovnik and other places from there? I think someone mentioned a boat transfer! Looks very nice, although I have heard that Croatia is becoming very expensive these days. Still, there are few places left that are not going to cost when abroad either I suppose!

Dubrovnik itself is beyond ridiculously expensive.

The rest of Croatia is definitely not cheap (and a lot pricier than Greece for example) but nowhere near Dubrovnik prices.

Cavtat, yes you can get a boat to Dubrovnik,
or it’s not too far for a taxi if you prefer.

Rixos Dubrovnik is a beautiful hotel

It’s absolutely beautiful, so much more than old town. It’s like a city break and beach break al in one. The sea is amazing to swim in and some very nice 5 star hotels . I’d go back in a heart beat

Cavtat is amazing. Preferred it to Dubrovnik which was horrendously busy, even in September and overpriced.

Hi thanks for the info so far on Cavtat. Can anyone recommend a nice hotel for a couple of older codgers? We don't like staying too far away from the action so prefer something in the town/on the harbour, marina etc. No great needs apart from a balcony and a brekkie. No pool needed either.

I know I can check myself and will have a look later, but just on the off chance that anyone found a nice little gem there, I thought I ask!

@damelza Cavtat is tiny, you can walk round it so no matter where you stay you are not far from the “action”. There are no proper beaches I recall, more platforms.

It’s gorgeous though, lovely harbour & restaurants. Easy to get elsewhere and Dubrovnik.

We stayed in an apartment but Hotel Cavtat looked gorgeous when we stopped for a drink.

Sheraton

This hotel was lovely and there was a ferry into the old town from just outside.

We stayed in Hotel Cavtat. It was one of the loveliest hotels I have ever stayed in. Food was delicious. Indoor and outdoor pools. Beautiful piano bars. Rooms have fabulous views. Very short stroll to harbour.