10 Reasons to Visit Dubrovnik in Spring

1. It is gorgeous – and warm! The climate in southern Dalmatia is a lot more temperate than further up the coast and a LOT more than places like the UK and Scandinavia in Spring. A short flight will transform those winter blues into the first glimpses of summer.

2. The choice of flights is good. Dubrovnik used to be easily accessible in the summer only, but there has been a big push in recent years to combat this seasonality. From March to November, the city is now served by an increasing number of destinations, and the prices often offer great value. Check them out.

3. Off-season values – stone, stone, stone. Apart from being busier with tourists, Dubrovnik in summer is filled with cafes and restaurants, offering fantastic choice. Come in Spring, however, and enjoy a different experience, with the city stripped back to its original stone before many restaurants open for the season. A wonderful authentic experience.

4. Nature, nature, nature. The old town of Dubrovnik is enchanting, but so too is the considerable natural beauty around it. Choose from the tranquillity of Lokrum island, the magnificent arboretum at Trsteno and the National Park of Mljet, a mystical island, half of which comprises the national park.

5. Food! The healthy Mediterranean Diet is based on fresh, seasonal produce, and the menu in Spring differs considerably from other times of the year. Among the many treasures not to miss is the wild asparagus season. And if you are an oyster fan, the Mali Ston Oyster Festival is a must.

6. Relax and rejuvenate. The slower pace of life in Spring is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing spa and wellness break. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik offers an array of spa and wellness options, including a private trainer in the resort with morning runs or strolls, while soothing massages are just one of the many spa benefits.

7. Explore the vineyards. Croatia has 130 indigenous grape varieties, including the original Zinfandel, and the Dubrovnik region is home to some of the best, including the powerful Plavac Mali reds of the Pelješac Peninsula, and the Grk and Pošip whites of the island of Korčula. Vineyard visits in Spring bring out a little more of Dubrovnik's magical flavours.

8. Sightseeing at leisure. The majestic old walls, the cable car to Mount Srđ, the imperious Stradun, and the warren of back streets, the old town of Dubrovnik is a wonderful experience to take at leisure, with an organised walking tour or without. Just inhale its fascinating centuries of history at a pace that suits you.

9. The people. Tourism involves a lot of contact with people. As the season progresses, things get busier, and there is often less time for locals to engage with their visitors. Spring is the exact opposite, and a great time to come and engage with local people to learn about their lives, when they will have more time after a relaxing winter and before the main season takes off.

10. The Adriatic. Can there be a better reason to come to Dubrovnik at any time of year? One of the cleanest seas on the planet, it is also one of the most beautiful views in Europe, especially from historic Dubrovnik, or with a cocktail or leisurely breakfast at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik. Swimming season will have begun for some in Spring, but its beauty can be admired from the shore by all.