The world is gradually returning back to normal, and despite the still unstable situation with the pandemic, most people are really yearning for some decent holidays! Now it's time to get your life a bit organised and treat yourself to a nice relaxing trip after a long stressfull year full of restrictions. However, there is still a lot of care to be taken, so if you are more into some outdoor activities Dubrovnik is just the right destination for you: it's definitely not the place where you simply stay in your hotel the entire time, eating on plentifull buffets and hanging out near the pool with hundreds of other guests. It's a place where the last thing you would want to do is to lock yourself in your accommodation (even the most luxurious one): Dubrovnik and around is all about going out and exploring on your own, spending as much time outdoors as possible.
The Old town, the heart of the city, is the logical spot to start exploring Dubrovnik. It is indeed quite compact and though the old core does get really packed with tourists, most likely, in 2021 Dubrovnik still won't be able to host as many massive cruise ships as during the busiest seasons before the pandemic, so it will definitely make your maneuvering in the narrow cobbled streets much easier and safer. The city walls is an attraction that you really cannot miss, obviously worth doing in the morning in order to get the real feel of this magical place.
Cafes and eateries are available on every corner, most of them serve food and drinks on open terraces, with tables placed farther apart from each other, and therefore allowing customers to have more private space and social distance from each other. It is also expected that you will find disinfectant gel in the vicinity of entrance. Take away coffee is totally available in most cafes, so you can just grab your coffee and simply continue exploring the town sipping your favourite drink.
The coastline in Dubrovnik is extremely diverse offering plenty of beaches: if you would like to avoid big busy spots, the whole riviera has got plenty of attractive remote beaches and lagoons, ideal for travellers looking for truly private spots. Try to move away from the Old city and head towards the Lapad area: it offers not only a great variety of swimming spots but some nice shady walking paths as well.
In terms of keeping it private, Dubrovnik can boast some really lovely islands which can be easily reached by ferry or by renting a speedboat. For example the Elaphiti arhipelago, very well known for great sandy beaches and lush Mediterranean vegetation. The island of Mljet is the perfect place for all nature lovers, plus its stunning National park is big enough to accommodate an impressive number of visitors without feeling cramped.
One of the oldest Renaissance gardens in the region, located just some 20 km northwest of Dubrovnik in a small village of Trsteno, is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Old city, not losing its magical vibe though. You will always feel comfortable here surrounded by exotic trees and aromatic flowers. This charming arboretum in Trsteno is calm and easy to explore, with some breathtaking views of the Adriatic sea as a nice bonus.
For those of you who prefer complete social isolation and harmony with nature, the idyllic Konavle region is just the right place to go. This bucolic paradise stretches all the way to the Montenegrin border, offering you some real rural experience. Escape daily routine and enjoy the magic of nature in one of local villas surrounded by colourful fruit trees and vineyards.
Dubrovnik is getting ready for the season 2021, and as tourism reopens, establishments are preparing for the pandemic situation and how to deal with it. In conclusion local people are really working hard to provide the best and safest time for all Dubrovnik visitors.