10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik in June

Summer is Dubrovnik's big time and is when the city receives the most visitors, so if you're planning on touring the Dalmatian coast in June you're in for a hot summer and the start of the high season. However, while this is the start of the peak tourist season, you'll still be able to explore the beaches in less crowded conditions than in July or August and experience the most popular festivals.

Some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik in June include visiting the beautiful Sveti Jakov Beach, welcoming summer at Orlando's Column, sampling Peppino's ice cream without the long queues, experiencing the Makarska Cultural Summer, attending the Salsa Festival on Pag Island and visiting the city's beach resorts before the tourist explosion of the following months.

Sveti Jakov Beach, just a few minutes' drive from the Old Town, is one of the hidden treasures of the Dalmatian coast, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. It is also famous for its turquoise waters and golden sand and is even the ideal place for snorkelling experiences or visiting with children in Dubrovnik.

June offers an excellent option to enjoy the crystal clear waters and beautiful scenery of the beach without the large influx of tourists experienced in the months of July and August. It also offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the beaches near the old town.

In Sveti Jakov you can sunbathe, swim in the crystal clear waters and explore the surroundings of the beach, where you will find rocky cliffs and lush vegetation, two typical features of the landscape outside the city walls. You can also discover these sites from Dubrovnik's best boat trips.

Please note that Sveti Jakov beach tends to get crowded with visitors, especially during July and August. Because of this, access restrictions are sometimes imposed by the government to ensure its preservation. Therefore, visiting in June will give you the opportunity to enjoy this site at its best, without the crowds and restrictions that can occur in the following months.

If you want to do a natural activity to discover the local wildlife in Dubrovnik, you can opt to take part in a snorkelling tour, which will take you to the best snorkelling spots along the Dalmatian coast. This experience will allow you to see fish, crustaceans and molluscs, which are considered living jewels of the Adriatic Sea, up close.

Snorkelling excursions usually depart from the shore on cruise tours that include dives to discover the sea creatures. During these experiences you can also take a kayak ride, swim in the warm Adriatic waters and discover the beauty of the Dalmatian coastline offshore.

If you are planning to travel in June, you will find that this is an ideal time to go on these excursions as there are usually fewer tourists, which means that the fish colonies are easier to identify as they will be swimming close to the shore. If you plan to visit Dubrovnik in December or during the main summer months, you'll need to head further offshore to spot these species.

The INmusic Festival, which usually takes place during the third week of June, is an exciting experience for music and festival lovers. This annual event takes place on Lake Jarun in Zagreb and attracts a diverse crowd of artists and attendees from all over the world.

Although this festival does not take place on the Dalmatian coast, it is one of the main events of the season and many tourists opt to take full day trips from Dubrovnik to experience the concerts. From rock bands to electronic and pop artists, the festival offers a variety of musical genres and styles to suit all tastes.

In addition to live music, the INmusic Festival also offers a variety of activities and attractions. You can explore the different stages, take part in creative workshops, enjoy local cuisine at the food and drink stalls, and immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere.

One of the advantages of experiencing the INmusic Festival in June is the warm and sunny weather that is usually experienced in Zagreb during this time of year. This will allow you to enjoy the outdoor concerts and make the most of the festival's rest and recreation areas.

Welcoming summer at Orlando's Column is a special tradition in Dubrovnik. Every year, when the seasonal solstice arrives and the summer season officially begins, locals and visitors gather at this iconic site to celebrate and party the night away.

Orlando's Column, located in the main square of the old city, is a symbolic meeting point where people gather to share the beginning of the high season. The monument, representing the legendary knight Orlando, becomes the epicentre of the celebration, where shows, concerts and live performances take place, making it one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik during the night.

Over the course of the night the streets of the city are filled with music, dancing and merriment. Locals and tourists mingle in a festive atmosphere for the arrival of summer. Nearby restaurants and bars offer food and drink specials, and the terraces are filled with people enjoying the festive atmosphere and panoramic views of the city.

Welcoming summer at the Orlando Column is a unique and exciting experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Dubrovnik' s culture and tradition while celebrating the arrival of the hottest season of the year.

June temperatures aren't usually sweltering, but towards the end of the month some days can be very hot and dry, so if you want to escape the intense weather, swapping Game of Thrones tours, which usually involve long walks in the open air, for a visit to the Rector's Palace may be a cooler and more interesting option. There you can immerse yourself in local history and culture.

At the Rector's Palace you can explore its various rooms and courtyards, as well as antique furniture, paintings and other objects of historical value. This building also houses an extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits. You can also discover the architectural design of the façade, which bears witness to the Venetian influence the city has had.

In the area around the Rector's Palace you will find restaurants and bars that are ideal for a stop between tours, for lunch or just to relax and have a drink after the tour.

The Dalmatian coast breathes through the summer and celebrations for its beginning are very common in the region. In Makarska, a town located less than 2 hours from Dubrovnik, during the last week of June you can experience the Makarska Cultural Summer, which is an experience full of art, music and entertainment.

Makarska Cultural Summer offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. You can attend open-air concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. The programme includes a variety of genres and styles, from classical and folk music to jazz and rock, ensuring something for everyone.

In addition to artistic events, the Makarska Cultural Summer also features traditional fairs and food festivals where you can sample local delicacies and immerse yourself in Croatian culture. Makarska can be reached by medium-distance transport, by car or you can even get a transfer from Dubrovnik airport.

In Makarska, you can also learn about the culture and history of the region, as in the 18th century the city was linked to Dubrovnik by the commercial traffic of its ports, making both the productive engine of the Adriatic coast for over 100 years.

Exploring Dubrovnik's Mljet National Park during the month of June is an unbeatable experience, as this month offers the best weather to enjoy the natural environment to the fullest. The park is considered a paradise located on the island of Mljet, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik.

In June, temperatures in Dubrovnik are warm and pleasant, perfect for a hiking trip to the park. The park is characterised by lush vegetation, saltwater lakes and beautiful beaches. You can walk through dense pine forests, discover the ruins of ancient buildings and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.

One of the main attractions of the Mljet National Park is the Great Lake and the Little Lake, where you can swim in the crystal clear waters and relax on the surrounding beaches. You can also rent a bike or boat and explore the park at your own pace, discovering its remote and quiet corners.

In June, Mljet National Park is less crowded compared to the busier summer months, allowing you to enjoy a quieter experience and appreciate the natural beauty at its best.

If you are a fan of dancing in general and the salsa genre in particular, during the first week of June you can attend the Pag Island Salsa Festival, an experience that combines music, dance and fun in a paradisiacal setting. During the event, the island is transformed into the epicentre of Latin rhythms and dance steps.

Over the course of the event, the island hosts dance workshops, live shows and all-night parties. You can learn to dance salsa from professionals and perfect your moves.

In addition, transport to Pag runs all day, so you can visit the island even if you have only a short stay planned. If that is your case, here is a list of activities to discover Dubrovnik in 3 days.

During this event you can also relax on the island's beaches, enjoy delicious local cuisine and take part in water activities such as paddleboarding and windsurfing.

For one of Dubrovnik's traditional gastronomic experiences, try the ice cream at Peppino's, an artisan ice cream parlour known for its exquisite flavours and quality products.

Located in the heart of the old city, you can find a wide variety of flavours here, from classics like vanilla and chocolate to more disruptive options like pistachio and stracciatella.

If you are planning to visit Dubrovnik in June, you can try this ice cream during the summer without queuing, as Peppino's, like other ice cream parlours in the city, becomes one of the most visited places by tourists during the peak season in July and August.

In addition to its delicious ice cream, Peppino 's also offers options for those with dietary restrictions, such as sugar-free ice cream and vegan options.

Visiting Dubrovnik in June will allow you to visit its beautiful beaches in some of the best weather of the year and also before the tourist explosion. This way you can enjoy the coastal beauty without the crowds that tend to arrive in the high season.

The city has a wide variety of beaches, from quiet coves to long sandy beaches, all of which offer an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the Adriatic Sea, so visiting these places is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik in June.

In June, temperatures in Dubrovnik are already warm and pleasant, but the tourist crowds have not yet reached their peak. This means that you can find a quiet spot on the beach to swim in crystal clear waters and sunbathe without having to deal with the crowds.

In addition, when visiting Dubrovnik beaches in June, you can also find more affordable prices for beach services such as chair and umbrella rentals, as well as bars and restaurants located nearby.

Temperatures in Dubrovnik in June are warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the coastal sites. During the day, temperatures average between 23° and 28°, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without feeling stiflingly hot. In the evenings, temperatures drop slightly, creating a cool and pleasant climate for strolling the historic streets or dining al fresco.

June is also characterised by a low probability of rainfall. This provides optimal conditions for exploring the city's sights, such as the historic city walls, old town and beaches. In addition, the Adriatic Sea temperatures are also pleasant in June, reaching around 22°, inviting you to take a swim and do water sports.

June is a month when the number of tourists in Dubrovnik starts to increase, but is not yet at its peak. With the onset of summer and pleasant temperatures, many travellers choose this month to visit the city and enjoy its historic charm and beautiful beaches. Although there are more tourists than in previous months, you will still be able to get around in relative comfort and escape the large crowds.

Please note that as June progresses, the influx of tourists tends to gradually increase, especially towards the end of the month. However, you will find similar occupancy as if you visit Dubrovnik in September, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing but not for using the beaches.

Prices in June can vary depending on tourist demand, but in general, it is a month when they tend to be higher compared to the low season months. As summer approaches and tourist numbers increase, it is common for prices for accommodation, food, transport and tourist activities to be slightly higher, although they remain far below the costs of July and August.

Prices in restaurants and cafés can be higher in the busier tourist areas, such as Dubrovnik's Old Town. However, you can find cheaper options by exploring outside the tourist areas or by booking excursions and accommodation in advance.

June marks the start of summer and brings with it the hottest temperatures of the year, so I recommend packing the following:

• Swimming costume
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Light coat
• Lightweight T-shirts
• Beach shoes
• Hiking shoes
• Lightweight trousers
• Lightweight jacket