Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik In March
March is the beginning of spring in Dubrovnik and temperatures improve substantially, making it one of the best times to tour the city with peace and quiet and few tourists.
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations on the shores of the Adriatic Sea during the summer and therefore it is also one of the most visited places, so if you travel in the summer season you will find a large number of tourists that could affect your experience, although if you choose to travel in March you will discover good weather and fewer visitors.
Some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik in March include celebrating the peace anniversary at the War Museum, going on a hiking tour, attending the traditional Oyster Festival, experiencing Easter at the local Cathedral and taking some of the best photos of your trip at the most prominent sites with fewer people around.
1. Experience Easter in the Dubrovnik Cathedral
Experiencing Easter at the Dubrovnik Cathedral in March is a unique spiritual and cultural experience. The Cathedral, located in the heart of the old city, becomes the epicenter of Easter celebrations, attracting visitors and locals alike to commemorate this important religious holiday.
Croatia has an extensive Catholic heritage, so during Easter the Cathedral offers special masses and ceremonies including processions, songs and reflections. In addition to the religious dimension, you can also appreciate the architectural and artistic beauty of this site.
The Dubrovnik Cathedral, located in the old part of the city, houses a collection of sacred art, including paintings and sculptures, which are illuminated with special splendor during the festivities.
The area around the Cathedral is also filled with food and craft stalls, where you can sample traditional Easter dishes and buy unique souvenirs. This festive and welcoming atmosphere provides an enriching experience for visitors, as they can interact with the locals and participate in Croatian Easter traditions.
2. Celebrate the anniversary of peace in Dubrovnik War Museum
If in addition to discovering the local sights and attractions you want to get to know the cultural side of Dubrovnik, you can celebrate the peace anniversary at the War Museum, which is a way to commemorate the Dayton Accords.
This museum, located in the historic heart of the city, offers an in-depth look at the war and the struggle for peace in the Croatian regions.
This museum features exhibits that show the devastation caused by the conflict, as well as the efforts and sacrifices made to achieve peace. Through photographs, testimonies and war artifacts, the exhibits tell the story of the war and pay tribute to those who fought and lost their lives on the battlefield.
In addition, during the March peace celebrations, which coincide with the end of the war in Croatia, you can visit other nearby war sites outside of Zagreb by participating in some full-day excursions from Dubrovnik.
3. Taste local delicacies at the Traditional Oyster Festival
Tasting local delicacies at the Traditional Oyster Festival in Dubrovnik in March is a unique culinary experience not to be missed. This annual festival celebrates one of the region's most prized delicacies, fresh oysters from the Adriatic Sea. During the event, you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes prepared in different ways, from grilled oysters to raw oysters in their freshest state.
The Traditional Oyster Festival is an opportunity to savor authentic local cuisine and delight in the taste of the sea. In addition to oysters, you will also find other fresh seafood, such as mussels, shrimp and local fish, which are prepared in a variety of ways to suit all tastes.
The festival takes place in March, when the oysters are fresh because they come ashore to reproduce and are easier to catch than at other times of the year. In addition, this month offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the festival in a more relaxed atmosphere.
In this festival you can also discover the culture and tradition of the region. In addition to food, cultural activities and events are organized, such as live music and art exhibitions, which will immerse you in the festive atmosphere of the city and allow you to learn more about the history and traditions of Dubrovnik.
4. Experience Croatian Culture Week
If you want to discover the culture of Dubrovnik you can experience the Croatian Culture Week, which will allow you to participate in a vibrant celebration of Croatia's rich cultural heritage. During this week, the city is filled with events and activities highlighting Croatian music, art, cuisine and traditions, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the authenticity and cultural diversity of the region.
This event offers a wide range of events for all audiences. From traditional music concerts and art exhibitions to folk dance performances and culinary demonstrations. You will also have the opportunity to delight in the sounds of Croatian music, admire the works of local artists and enjoy family activities, making it one of the best things to do with children in Dubrovnik.
One of the best features of this event is that you will have the opportunity to interact with the local community. You will be able to meet artists, musicians, chefs and other experts in Croatian culture, who will be happy to tell their stories and pass on their passion.
5. Take a hiking excursion in the best weather
Taking a hiking tour in Dubrovnik in March will give you a unique opportunity to combine ideal weather and the desire to discover the natural beauty of the region. With pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than in the summer months, early spring is a special time for you to take a leisurely tour of the Croatian coast.
With the March weather you can enjoy the sunshine on a hiking trip, escaping the sweltering summer temperatures and the cold and rainy winter weather, while immersing yourself in nature and taking in panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea on some of Dubrovnik's best hikes.
From coastal trails overlooking the sea to hikes through hills and mountains, the city boasts numerous hiking tra ils offering a variety of landscapes and difficulty levels. You can discover nature parks, lush forests and small traditional villages.
Also, with fewer tourists, you can take some of the best photos of your trip and organize your tour at your leisure.
6. Take the best pictures of the old town with few tourists around you
One of Dubrovnik's main attractions is the Old Town, which is full of city walls, medieval buildings and stone alleys, but if you plan to visit the city in summer you may not be able to enjoy it at your leisure or the crowds may not allow you to take the best pictures, but in March, with fewer tourists, you will have more space to pose and to walk around unhurriedly.
The soft, diffused light of Croatian spring will create an ideal atmosphere, enhancing the colors and architectural details of the city. In addition, the moderate temperatures will allow you to explore the buildings for longer without the oppressive summer heat or winter rains. You can reach the historic center by public transport or even with transfers from the Dubrovnik airport, as it is one of the pearls of the site.
To take the best pictures in the old town I advise you to make the most of the early morning or late afternoon hours, when the light is softer and the number of tourists is even smaller. Explore the narrow streets, look for unique perspectives and play with shadows and contrasts to capture truly memorable images - dare to make your own memories!
7. Participate in a wine tasting during the region's grape harvest month
March marks the beginning of the grape harvest in Dubrovnik and inaugurates the wine tasting season. There you can participate in an oenological experience in the outskirts of the city, while learning about the grape harvest and the wine culture of the region and tasting some of the best Croatian wines.
Dubrovnik has a long wine tradition and during the grape harvest month the wineries open their doors to welcome visitors.
At these wine tastings you will have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines, from robust reds to refreshing whites, and discover the unique flavors that characterize the local wines, making it one of the best things to do in the city.
In addition to tasting exquisite wines, participating in a wine tasting during the harvest month gives you the opportunity to meet Croatian producers and learn about wine growing and winemaking techniques. The beauty of the region and the hilly landscapes is also a perfect complement to this wine experience.
8. No beach weather, make the most of the cultural attractions
If you plan to visit Dubrovnik in June or during the summer months you will discover a paradise of beaches and clear waters, but in March the weather does not lend itself to swimming, so it is an ideal time to make the most of the cultural attractions. You can visit numerous museums and art exhibits, as well as sites that make the city a World Heritage Site.
One of the essential visits is to the Museum of Modern Art, which houses a large collection of contemporary Croatian art. There you can admire works by prominent local and national artists and explore different artistic currents that have shaped the Croatian art scene.
Another fascinating place to visit is the Rector's Palace City Museum, which offers a detailed look at local history through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. You can learn about the Venetian influence on the city, the importance of the city walls and Dubrovnik's rich maritime culture.
If you are interested in architecture, don't miss a visit to the Sponza Palace, a magnificent Renaissance building that currently houses the State Archive. Finally, you can also opt for organized excursions to explore other cultural profiles of the city, such as those offered by the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour.
9. Discover the nearby islands with a smaller influx of tourists.
Discovering the islands near Dubrovnik with a lower tourist influx in March is a unique opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of these island destinations. Although Dubrovnik is famous for its old town and coastal beauty, the surrounding islands are also real treasures worth discovering.
One of the closest islands to Dubrovnik is Lokrum, located just a few minutes by boat from the old town. This island has beautiful botanical gardens, hiking trails and picturesque beaches. In March, when there are fewer tourists, you can enjoy the tranquility of this island territory and explore its charming corners without the crowds.
Another place to discover is Mljet, known as the green island of Croatia. This natural oasis is covered with dense forests and has two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero. In March, you can enjoy the beautiful calm of Mljet and go on nature walks without the crowds of tourists that arrive in the summer months.
In addition, the island of Korčula, known as Little Dubrovnik, is also an excellent option to discover in March. This historic island boasts a well-preserved old town, pristine beaches and vineyards. Also, on these excursions you can enjoy the best boat trips in the city.
10. Enjoy a show at the Marin Drzic Theater during the opening of the season.
Enjoying a show at the Marin Drzic Theater during the season opening in March is an unparalleled cultural experience in Dubrovnik. This historic theater, named after the famous Croatian playwright, is an iconic venue that has witnessed numerous theatrical performances over the years.
During the season opening in March, the Marin Drzic Theater comes alive with a special program that includes performances by renowned local and international artists and theater companies.
This celebration marks the beginning of a season full of art and entertainment, and is a highly anticipated event in the local theater community.
In addition to enjoying the show itself, this theater is an architectural gem worth admiring. Its design and décor reflect the Venetian Renaissance style and will transport you back in time. From its elegant facade to its impressive interior, the theater is a testament to Dubrovnik's heritage.
Temperatures in Dubrovnik in March
In March, temperatures in Dubrovnik gradually begin to rise as winter fades away and spring approaches. Although there can still be cool days, especially at the beginning of the month, the weather generally becomes milder and more pleasant as March progresses.
Average temperatures in March range from 10° to 15°, with daytime highs that can reach 18° or even higher on sunny days. However, nights can still be cool, with temperatures that can drop to around 7°, so if you plan to do overnight activities in Dubrovnik, I advise you to pack warm.
The influx of tourists in Dubrovnik in March
The tourist influx in Dubrovnik in March is significantly lower compared to the summer months, when the city is filled with visitors from all over the world. Because March is still considered part of the low season, you will find fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere in the streets and local attractions.
The reduced tourist influx in March provides the opportunity to enjoy the city's main sights without the long lines and overwhelming crowds. You will be able to explore Dubrovnik's old town, stroll along the historic city walls and visit museums and art galleries without feeling overwhelmed by the large number of tourists.
Prices in Dubrovnik in March
March is part of the low season and consequently prices in Dubrovnik tend to be lower compared to the summer months. Due to the lower influx of tourists, many establishments offer more affordable prices to attract visitors during this time of the year.
Accommodations tend to have low rates in March, so it also becomes affordable to take a family trip or get to know Dubrovnik with children. You can find deals and discounts on hotels, hostels and apartments, which will allow you to save money.
What to pack to visit Dubrovnik in March?
During the spring the temperatures improve in Dubrovnik, but the weather is still cool at night, and although the rains are rare, they are still present, so I advise you to include the following in your suitcase:
- Winter coat
- Wool T-shirt
- Comfortable shoes
- Winter pants
- Wool sweaters
- Umbrella
- Rain jacket
- Lightweight T-shirt
- Hiking shoes