10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik in March

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations on the Adriatic coast during the summer and therefore one of the most visited places, so if you travel during the summer season you'll find a large number of tourists which could affect your experience, although if you choose to travel in March you'll find 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 photographs of your trip at the most prominent sites with fewer people around.

Experiencing Easter at Dubrovnik Cathedral in March is a unique spiritual and cultural experience. The Cathedral, located in the heart of the old city, becomes the epicentre 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 town of Dubrovnik, houses a collection of sacred art, including paintings and sculptures, which are illuminated with special splendour 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.

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 of commemorating 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 showing the devastation caused by the conflict, as well as the efforts and sacrifices made to achieve peace. Through photographs, testimonies and war artefacts, 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 Zagreb by taking part in some full-day excursions from Dubrovnik.

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 savour authentic local cuisine and delight in the taste of the sea. In addition to oysters, other fresh seafood such as mussels, prawns and local fish are prepared in a variety of ways to suit all tastes.

The festival takes place in March, when the oysters are fresh as they come ashore to breed and are easier to catch than at other times of the year. This month also offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the festival in a more relaxed atmosphere.

During this festival you can also discover the culture and tradition of the region. In addition to food, cultural activities and events, such as live music and art exhibitions, will immerse you in the festive atmosphere of the city and allow you to learn more about Dubrovnik's history and traditions.

If you want to discover Dubrovnik' s culture 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 enjoy 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 can meet artists, musicians, chefs and other experts in Croatian culture, who will be happy to tell their stories and pass on their passion.

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 explore the Croatian coast at your leisure.

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 the 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 levels of difficulty. 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 organise your tour at your leisure.

One of Dubrovnik's main attractions is the Old Town, which is lined with walls, medieval buildings and cobbled alleyways, 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 photographs, but in March, with fewer tourists, you'll have more space to pose and walk around unhurriedly.

The soft, diffused light of Croatian spring will create an ideal atmosphere, enhancing the colours 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. The historic centre can be reached by public transport or even by shuttle from Dubrovnik airport, which is one of the pearls of the place.

For the best pictures in the Old Town, I recommend making the most of the early morning or late afternoon hours when the light is softer and the crowds are even smaller. Explore the narrow streets, look for unique perspectives and play with shadows and contrasts to capture truly memorable images, and make your own memories!

March marks the beginning of the grape harvest in Dubrovnik and thus the start of the wine tasting season. Here you can take part in an oenological experience on the outskirts of the city, learn about the grape harvest and the wine culture of the region while tasting some of the best Croatian wines.

Dubrovnik has a long tradition of winemaking and during the grape harvest month the wineries open their doors to welcome visitors.

At these wine tastings you will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of wines, from robust reds to refreshing whites, and discover the unique flavours that characterise 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 landscape is also a perfect complement to this wine experience.

If you plan to visit Dubrovnik in June or during the summer months you'll discover a paradise of beaches and clear waters, but in March the weather doesn't lend itself to swimming, so it's an ideal time to make the most of the cultural attractions. You can visit numerous museums and art exhibitions, as well as sites that make the city a World Heritage Site.

A must-see is the Museum of Modern Art, which houses a large collection of contemporary Croatian art. Here you can admire works by leading local and national artists and explore different artistic currents that have shaped the Croatian art scene.

Another fascinating place to visit is the City Museum at the Rector's Palace, which offers a detailed insight into local history through interactive exhibits and historical artefacts. You can learn about the Venetian influence on the city, the importance of the city walls and Dubrovnik's rich maritime culture.

If you're interested in architecture, don't miss a visit to the Sponza Palace, a magnificent Renaissance building that now houses the State Archive. Finally, you can also opt for organised tours to explore other cultural profiles of the city, such as those offered by the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour.

Discovering the islands near Dubrovnik with fewer tourists in March is a unique opportunity to explore stunning scenery and enjoy the tranquillity of these island destinations. Although Dubrovnik is famous for its old town and coastal beauty, the surrounding islands are also treasures worth discovering.

One of the closest islands to Dubrovnik is Lokrum, located just a few minutes' boat ride from the old town. This island has beautiful botanical gardens, walking trails and picturesque beaches. In March, when the crowds are less crowded, you can enjoy the tranquillity of this island territory and explore its charming corners without the crowds.

Another place to discover is Mljet, known as Croatia's green island. This natural oasis is covered with dense forests and has two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero. In March, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty 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. You can also enjoy some of the city's best boat trips on these excursions.

A show at the Marin Drzic Theatre during the season opening in March is a unique cultural experience in Dubrovnik. This historic theatre, 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 Theatre comes alive with a special programme that includes performances by renowned local and international artists and theatre companies.

This celebration marks the beginning of a season full of art and entertainment, and is a highly anticipated event in the local theatre community.

In addition to enjoying the show itself, this theatre 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 façade to its impressive interior, the theatre is a testament to Dubrovnik's heritage.

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 reaching 18° or even higher on sunny days. However, evenings can still be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 7°C, so if you plan to do overnight activities in Dubrovnik, it is advisable to pack warm clothes.

The number of tourists in Dubrovnik in March is significantly lower compared to the summer months, when the city fills up 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 can explore Dubrovnik's Old Town, stroll along the historic city walls and visit the museums and art galleries without feeling overwhelmed by the large number of tourists.

March is part of the low season and therefore 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.

Accommodation tends to have low rates in March, so it also becomes accessible for a family trip or for getting to know Dubrovnik with children. You can find deals and discounts on hotels, hostels and flats, which will save you money.

During spring the temperatures improve in Dubrovnik, but the weather is still cool at night, and although rainfall is infrequent, it is still present, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Winter coat
• Woollen T-shirt
• Comfortable shoes
• Winter trousers
• Woollen jumpers
• Umbrella
• Rain jacket
• Lightweight T-shirt
• Hiking shoes