Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik In June
June marks the beginning of summer in Dubrovnik and also of the high season on the Dalmatian coast. Tourism increases, but the influx is still moderate, making it an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and festivals.
Summer is the main protagonist of Dubrovnik and is when the city receives more visitors, so if you plan to visit the Dalmatian coast in June you can find a hot weather and the beginning of the high season. However, although it is the beginning of the biggest influx of tourists, you will still be able to walk the beaches with less crowds 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 the Orlando Column, tasting Peppino's ice cream without waiting in long lines, experiencing the Makarska Cultural Summer, attending the Salsa Festival on the island of Pag and visiting the city's spas before the tourist explosion of the following months.
1. Visit Sveti Jakov Beach, Dubrovnik's best kept secret
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 snorkeling 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. In addition, there you can find a more relaxed atmosphere than on 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. In addition, you can also discover these sites from the best boat trips in Dubrovnik.
Please note that Sveti Jakov beach tends to get crowded with visitors, especially during the months of 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.
2. Discover Dubrovnik's rich marine life on a snorkeling experience.
If you want to do a natural activity to discover the local fauna in Dubrovnik, you can choose to participate in a snorkeling tour, which will take you to the best spots on the Dalmatian coast for snorkeling. This experience will allow you to see up close fish, crustaceans and mollusks, which are considered living jewels of the Adriatic Sea.
Snorkeling 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 coast offshore.
If you plan to travel in June, you will find that it is an ideal time to do these excursions since, in general, there are fewer tourists, which means that the fish colonies can be identified more easily, since they will be swimming in places close to the shore. If you plan to visit Dubrovnik in December or during the main summer months, you will have to go further from the shore to discover these species.
3. Enjoy the INmusic Festival, one of the most famous events of the Croatian summer
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.
While 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 excursions 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, participate 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.
4. Welcome summer at the Orlando Column, the epicenter of the city
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 epicenter 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.
In the course of the night the streets of the city are filled with music, dancing and joy. 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.
5. Take shelter from the heat on a tour of the Rector's Palace.
In June temperatures are not 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 outdoors, for a visit to the Rector's Palace may prove to 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 a large collection of artifacts 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 near 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.
6. Experience the beginning of Makarska's Summer of Culture
The Dalmatian coast breathes through summer and so celebrations for its beginning are very common in the region. In Makarska, a town located less than 2 hours from Dubrovnik, you can experience during the last week of June the 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, theater performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. The program 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 transfers from Dubrovnik airport.
In Makarska, you can also learn about the culture and history of the region, since in the 18th century this city was linked to Dubrovnik by the commercial traffic of its ports, both becoming the productive engine of the Adriatic coast for more than 100 years.
7. Explore Mljet National Park
Exploring Mljet National Park in Dubrovnik during the month of June is an unparalleled experience, as this month offers the best weather to enjoy its natural environment to the fullest. This 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 excursion to this site. This park is characterized 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 Small Lake, where you can swim in the crystal clear waters and relax on the surrounding beaches. In addition, you can rent a bicycle or boat and tour the park at your own pace, discovering its remote and quiet corners.
In June, Mljet National Park is less crowded compared to the peak summer months, allowing you to enjoy a quieter experience and appreciate the natural beauty at its best.
8. Attend the Pag Island Salsa Festival
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, in an experience that combines music, dance and fun in a paradisiacal setting. During the event, the island is transformed into the epicenter 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, transportation to Pag runs all day, so you can visit the island even if you are planning a short stay. 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 beaches of the island, enjoy delicious dishes of the local cuisine and participate in water activities such as paddleboarding or windsurfing.
9. Delight yourself with Peppino's ice cream without waiting in long queues
If you want to live one of Dubrovnik's traditional gastronomic experiences you can try Peppino's ice cream, which is an artisan ice cream parlor known for its exquisite flavors and the quality of its products.
Located in the heart of the old city, in this place you can find a wide variety of flavors, from classics such as vanilla and chocolate, to more disruptive options such as pistachio and stracciatella.
If you plan to visit Dubrovnik in June you can try this ice cream during the summer without waiting in long lines, since Peppino 's, like other ice cream parlors in the city, becomes one of the most visited places by tourists during the peak of the high season, which are 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.
10. Visit Dubrovnik's beaches before the tourist explosion.
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 usually arrive in the high season.
The city has a wide variety of beaches, from quiet coves to long sandy beaches, and all of them 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 influx has not yet reached its 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 on beach services, such as chair and umbrella rentals, as well as bars and restaurants located nearby.
Temperatures in Dubrovnik in June
Temperatures in Dubrovnik in June are warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the coastal sites. During the day, average temperatures range from 23° to 28°, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without feeling sweltering heat. In the evenings, temperatures drop slightly, creating a cool and pleasant climate for strolling through historic streets or dining outdoors.
June is also characterized 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°, which will invite you to take a swim and do water sports.
The influx of tourists in Dubrovnik in June
June is a month when the number of tourists in Dubrovnik starts to increase, but it is not yet at its peak. With the onset of summer and pleasant temperatures, many travelers choose this month to visit the city and enjoy its historical 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.
Note that as June progresses, the influx of tourists tends to gradually increase, especially towards the end of the month. In any case, you will find similar occupancy to if you visit Dubrovnik in September, when the weather is ideal for touring the city but not for using the beaches.
Prices in Dubrovnik in June
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 off-season months. As summer approaches and the tourist influx increases, it is common for prices for accommodation, food, transportation and tourist activities to be slightly higher, although they remain far away from the costs of July and August.
Prices in restaurants and cafes can be higher in the busier tourist areas, such as Dubrovnik's Old Town. However, you can find cheaper options if you explore outside the tourist areas or if you book excursions and accommodations in advance.
What to pack to visit Dubrovnik in June?
June marks the beginning of summer and brings with it the hottest temperatures of the year, so in your suitcase I recommend you include the following:
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Light coat
- Light t-shirts
- Beach shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight pants
- Light jacket