10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik in September

Discover the city of Ragusa in September, a unique chapter where the Adriatic jewel awakens with mild weather, tourist bargains and a great mix of events. From watching gladiator battles to the avant-garde screenings of the Trash Film Festival, the city breathes culture.

Enjoy the harmonious End of Summer International Music Festival; follow the Westeros trail and don't forget a swimming costume for a dip in the uncrowded beaches. Admire the majesty of the Trsteno Arboretum in all its splendour, history and film sets. After a busy August, the best things to do in Dubrovnik in September are all about enjoying the city and the surrounding area to your heart's content. What can you do? Let's see.

Cruise around the island of Mljet in September, the perfect time to explore this green paradise in Croatia. Mljet National Park, considered the protected jewel of southern Dalmatia, awaits you with its lush Mediterranean landscapes, the best climate, tranquillity and great deals.

Board a cruise ship that will take you along the Adriatic to discover this famous natural lung, noted for its pine forests, pristine lakes, and charming places such as the legendary Ulysses' Cave or the monastery at Veliko Jezero Lake.

These excursions to Mljet National Park often include stops at other sites as well, including the town of Lopud in the Elafiti Archipelago and the picturesque island of Kolocep with its crowning glory, the Blue Cave. Immerse yourself in nature, enjoy refreshing swims and walks with the first offers of the low season, while the mild summer-autumn temperatures favour sporting activities.

Discover Dubrovnik's vibrant cultural scene in September during the End of Summer International Music Festival. To round off the high season, the city comes alive with a concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra.

The event came about as a necessity for this capital of music, theatre and literature to complement the city's own Summer Festival performances, and the community has certainly embraced it, making it a classic of recent decades.

This festival has become deeply rooted in the city's musical tradition, earning the loyalty of locals and visitors alike. Concerts take place in the imposing Dubrovnik Museum, in the aula magna of the Rector's Palace or in its atrium. Often, the cooler weather and absence of crowds makes this activity the highlight of guided tours of Dubrovnik's Old Town during this month. What do you do during the day?

September is the ideal time to explore the Old Town and visit landmarks such as the Assumption Cathedral, Luza Square or the Franciscan Monastery and end at the Rector's Palace. Join the celebration and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of this Adriatic gem.

Embark on one of the best excursions from Dubrovnik by visiting Split, the town of medieval towers and Roman ruins that retains its Latin roots intact despite Slavic rule.

In Split you can see the remnants of the imposing retreat of the world's first abdicated emperor, albeit with an assured retreat to the pristine waters of the Dalmatian coast. Today, opulence is a thing of the past. The space has been transformed into houses, residential courtyards, shops, underground warehouses and cultural spaces. It is well worth losing yourself in this old town of Split, far removed from any imperial pomp.

Another reason to visit this area in early September is that it celebrates the end of the Days of Diocletian. During these days it is quite common to encounter "Roman soldiers" at iconic places in the city such as the Temple of Jupiter, the Peristyle or the tower of St. Domnius Cathedral. Some of them play Roman guards and others the fierce warriors of the Gladiator games.

Besides appreciating the architecture, in the surroundings of the Roman imperial palace that was occupied by the plebs, you can also try different types of traditional food tastings that maintain the delicious gastronomy of yesteryear, combined with avant-garde touches.

Explore Lokrum Island as you take in the panoramic views of Croatia' s iconic fortified jewel before arriving on this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island paradise.

See breathtaking cliffs overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic as you sail to Lokrum Island. Upon arrival, after a welcome from the island's free-roaming peacocks, it's time to relive King's Landing- time to explore treasured filming locations from the Game of Thrones series, including the seat of the Iron Throne. You can also visit the island's popular nudist beach.

Dive into the Dead Sea and save your energy to continue to the mythical site of the tour: Betina Cave and its hidden beach beneath a natural cave that can only be reached by sea. You can also reach the island by boat or the seasonal favourite, a kayak tour with snorkelling, one of the best activities in Dubrovnik. The sights are incredible, Villa Sheherezade and the historic Lazarets are part of the sights. And if you've chosen a tour, a guide or monitor will take you to discover the gardens, caves and ancient Benedictine monasteries without missing a single landmark.

Immerse yourself in the cinematic irreverence of the Trash Film Festival during your visit to Dubrovnik in September. This international festival highlights low-budget films, moving away from convention to showcase productions with emerging casts.

The event features films focused on entertainment in 4 well-defined genres, namely martial arts, science fiction, action and horror. This is the space where filmmakers' imaginations take flight and are projected in front of thousands of people; here, exaggeration is welcome. This event brings together professionals and amateurs alike and takes place in Varaždin, the land of the Baroque that has been christened Little Vienna.

With strategic stops for tourists and locals in mind, the maximum duration of the films is 60 minutes, intensifying this disruptive Croatian experience. Need more reasons to visit Varaždin in September? Varaždin Baroque Evenings, the country's most famous baroque music festival takes place in the same month. If you're in Dubrovnik for at least 3 days, consider including a stop in Varaždin in your itinerary and enjoy its cultural scene.

Visit the Trsteno Arboretum in September, when this historic botanical garden is at its best. Why visit this Renaissance oasis? It is the oldest garden on the Dalmatian Coast.

It was commissioned by a wealthy family, who in 1492 brought exotic plants and trees from all over the known world with their merchant fleet. The futuristic vision of these gardens was eco-sustainable, before the term even emerged. Walking through this garden you will find yourself surrounded by an extensive collection of Asian plane trees over 500 years old, surrounded by the facility's own aqueduct.

Explore Trsteno's two zones: the arboretum set in 18,000 m2 of land, and the surrounding forest for a total of 255,000 m2. Making your way through these gardens you will also see its 18th century Baroque fountain depicting Neptune and the nymphs, a jewel among the buildings and sculptures that dot the park.

Nationalised in 1945, after surviving wars and fires, the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts ensures that the Arboretum is maintained today. Spend a peaceful afternoon exploring this natural and architectural treasure that is part of the best Game of Thrones tours of Dubrovnik.

Interesting details

• Address: Potok 20, Trsteno. Approximately 20 km west of Dubrovnik.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 19:00 hrs.
• Price: free admission

Did you know...

In the third and fourth seasons of Game of Thrones, the Arboretum of Trsteno was the filming set for the palace gardens of the Red Keep.

Let's be honest, after a decade of the Game of Thrones phenomenon, the city of Dubrovnik has once again positioned itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists. In September, with the weather so pleasant and the streets returning to everyday Croatian life, following the path of Westeros is more than interesting, it's a must on your trip.

This medieval city, a World Heritage Site, is home to at least eight outstanding Game of Thrones locations plus the coveted Iron Throne on the island of Lokrum:

• St. Lawrence Fortress or Pile Gate.
• Zrnovnica on Perun Hill.
• Stari Grad in the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
• Lovrijenac Fortress, better known as the 'Red Fortress'.
• The arboretum and gardens of Trsteno.
• Minceta Tower.
• The Dominican Monastery or the 'House of the Eternals'.
• The Rectors' Palace.

With a Game of Thrones tour of Dubrovnik you will visit these and other highlights of Dubrovnik Old Town.

Take a dip in the waters of the Adriatic, choose from **Dubrovnik'**s many beaches in September, when the weather is still warm and the crowds have thinned out.

Relax on charming pebble beaches such as Banje, just steps from the Ploce Gate, or Veliki Zal, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Discover Zlatni Rat on the island of Brac, a triangle of white pebbles recommended among the best beaches in the Balkans.

Explore the small pebble beach overlooking the Lovrijenac fortress, Danče, just a short walk from Dubrovnik's Old Town. Fancy visiting beaches further afield? Join one of the best Dubrovnik boat tours and relax on Sunj beach after exploring Croatia' s three iconic caves with a blue cave tour - get ready for a peaceful and rejuvenating swim!

The Spectacvla Antiqva, takes place in the Roman Arena in Pula this month. The match is a classic that deserves to be enjoyed in this, the sixth largest arena in the world, thanks to its capacity of 23,000 people.

During the time of the Roman Empire, gladiators used to be prisoners of war, criminals or other people trained to fight and entertain the public with their exploits. Those times are long gone, but the fighting style is still alive and well, in fact, the audience will see gladiators with their typical Ancient Roman costumes, hairstyles, weapons and other elements. Time Out describes them as "modern gladiators"

The Spectacvla Antiqva event takes place once a week from June to September, except during the Pula Film Festival. You can buy souvenirs, replicas of ancient Roman pottery and mosaics. If you are in Dubrovnik for at least 7 days during these dates, an excursion to Pula would be a good plan. You can also visit the Temple of Augustus, the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, the Arch of the Sergii, the Gate of Hercules and many other points of interest.

Interesting details

• Address: Pula Amphitheatre, Flavijevska ul. bb, Pula.
• Price: from 10 €.

Experience the magic of Dubrovnik sunsets from the heights by zip line or cable car. With the Adriatic Sea on one side and hills on the other, climb to the fort at the top for a panoramic view of Dubrovnik. From the cable car, appreciate every detail of the landscape with the serenity of the moment.

If you opt for the sunset zip line experience, you'll feel the adrenaline rush as you glide at full speed with the city at your feet. At sunset, the multicolour of the changing seasons shines through, the red rooftops glowing in the soft light, creating an even more beautiful sight. I suggest you go just before sunset, enjoy the spectacle, and take the cable car down for dinner and an extended evening experience in the old town.

Dubrovnik in September has a mild climate, ideal for exploring the surrounding area. With highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C, you'll enjoy pleasantly warm and mild weather. Nights are cool, with lows of 13°C, giving you the opportunity to stroll under a starry sky. Unlike summer, humidity decreases, providing a more comfortable environment for your adventures.

This transitional month between summer and autumn allows you to experience the city without the cruise ship crowds, while the sea water maintains its inviting temperature for one last dip. However, the recommendation is to monitor the weather on the official website to be on the safe side.