TillbrookTravel

Reason 1 – Less Tourists

Let’s face it, while no one wants to admit it (least of all, tourists ourselves!) tourists are often a negative when travelling. While the majority of tourists are respectful, calm and simply enjoying their breaks, it cannot be denied that streets full of the sauntering masses can be off-putting and sometimes even overwhelming.

While the tourist numbers in Dubrovnik reach their peak in May through to August, in October you’re going to see smaller crowds. This doesn’t mean the city is empty and tourism opportunities dwindle – far from it! Tours, trips and attractions are (nearly) all still open with their usual hours for most of the month, and there are plenty of tourists to keep the city bustling – you just might actually find a spot on the beach and in that restaurant gem!

Reason 2 – Wonderful Weather

Look, if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it is the importance of brilliant weather when we’re on holiday. The last thing you want to do is abandon the rain of England, only to get soaked and soggy abroad. But, while no one has the power to predict the weather (and what a power that would be!), you can be fairly confident in Dubrovnik having some Autumn sun for you!

The average temperature in October is certainly milder than in the Summer months (duh…) but ranging from 14-22 degrees, it’s still warm enough for shorts and sunshine! And, if you’re brave, for a swim! When we went, the popular Lokrum dead sea had just two swimmers – us! Given that in the Summer you’d be fighting for a spot in the water, it’s worth braving the inclement weather for these unique spots of sunshine!

Reason 3 – Food Freedom

If you’re anything like me, you plan a majority of your trip around food. Dubrovnik is a foodie’s paradise, with affordable and delicious food in every inch of the city! Dubrovnik is full of amazing and tiny restaurants, which boast a small number of tables in favour of quality food – and these fill up fast in peak season!

In October, you have so much more choice – although we reserved our ‘must do’ places, there was really no need, and some of the best places we simply wandered into!

Some restaurants we cannot recommend enough are:
Restoran Marco Polo (A lovely little alleyway restaurant with delicious choices and sumptuous steak)
Panorama Restaurant and Bar (On the top of the mountain, this is a really fancy restaurant with views of the bay to die for!)
Dubravka 1836 (Next to Fort Lovrijenac, the food was gorgeous and you could pretend you were in Game of Thrones!)

Reason 4 – Museums are a must!

Ok, so the museums exist outside of October, but in peak season they are full to the brim with tourists and it can sometimes be hard to see the exhibits!

One of our most fun days was a ‘no plans’ day because we stumbled upon some incredibly unique experiences – from the Rector’s Palace to the Love Stories Museum, you’re sure to find something interesting, and you can take your time in the off-season (plus, if you get unlucky and experience a rainy day, these museums will fill any grey afternoon!)

Reason 5 – Better for your Budget

Dubrovnik as a city is actually great value for money – ok, the food isn’t cheap as some other places in Croatia (or in Europe) but the hotels and transport are excellent value (particularly if you, like me, live near London and so are used to ‘London Tax’ on everything you buy!)

This is even more true in off-peak months like October – while the average cost per night is about £85-£150 in Summer, you could be looking at about £45-£70 in October (and even less in the Winter Months).

While obviously your hotel budget is up to you, it is worth keeping in mind that you could save up to half price by going off-season! This is particularly true if you’re not bound to the School Holidays like I am – even more bargains await you if you can travel outside these times…

So there you have it – if Dubrovnik’s on your list for 2024, take a look at October – a cheaper, quieter and possibly nicer time to see an amazing city!