Sparkling aquamarine sea combined with a sandy-colored UNESCO medieval town that looks stunning once you land eyes on it? That is Dubrovnik, as well as the reason why this Croatian city is well-loved. Dubrovnik used to be a hidden destinations only a few European travelers know, but that was in 2022. Nowadays, Dubrovnik attracts more tourists thanks to its depiction in the Game of Thrones series. With that being said, traveling to Dubrovnik especially in high season can be overwhelming. If you are looking for other beautiful places like Dubrovnik (whether you’ve visited or you’re tired of the crowds), here is our community’s list of best alternatives to Dubrovnik.
Why are we searching for places like Dubrovnik?
Dubrovink is iconic for its massive medieval walls, terracotta rooftops, and shimmering Adriatic waters. We are searching for “The Dubrovnik Vibe” elsewhere to find:
- Coastal town with gorgeous beaches and sea: To make that dream Euro summer trip come true, for sure. Getting vitamin sea is always the right thing to do!
- Old but gold monuments or towns: Dubrovnik is famous as a well-preserved 13th-century town. Its alternatives should have similar ‘old-but-gold’ attractions, such as old towns or ancient ruins.
- Authentic culture and local life: Dubrovnik keeps Croatian’s hospitality and friendliness, but there are more tourist shops than authentic family-run shops or restaurants. Alternatives to Dubrovnik should have the tranquil and authentic local vibe.
11 Best Alternatives to Dubrovnik for 2026 – Summary
- Zadar, Croatia
- Murter, Croatia
- Trogir, Croatia
- Kotor, Montenegro
- Valetta, Malta
- Himare, Albania
- Piran, Slovenia
- Coimbra, Portugal
- Girona, Spain
- Monemvasia, Greece
- Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovnia
1. Zadar, Croatia
Sitting on the Dalmatian Coast and actually not too far from Dubrovnik, Zadar offers a refreshing scene. It has an old quarter comprising Roman ruins and Venetian gates, which will remind you of Dubrovnik’s walled town. If you walk for 10 minutes from the old town, you can find the famous Kolovare Beach. TripLeader Ashish, a German-based traveler who usually spends his summer in Southern Europe, noted that the beach can be very hot and crowded in high season. But, you can find a calm and shaded area just above the beach to flee away from the crowd and enjoy a picnic while looking at the sparkling sea. Moreover, Ashish recommended to head to the northern area instead of Kolovare for a calmer and crowd-free swim.
Why it is a great alternative to Dubrovnik: Zadar is slightly emptier than Dubrovnik while having similar gorgeous beaches and iconic old towns
2. Murter, Croatia
TripLeader Marc-Anton has spent time sailing across the Adriatic Sea and therefore recommended the island of Murter to us. It is the biggest island in the Croatia’s Sibenik archipelago and still out off tourists’ radar. At a glance, Murter’s small town looks like Dubrovnik with its sand-colored stone houses and compact setting. The beaches? Incredibly beautiful! You can enjoy an empty shore and swim in the sea like it belongs to you. Marc-Anton concludes that Murter is a hidden gem that you should add to your sailing trip itinerary, as well as one of the most underrated alternatives to Dubrovnik.
3. Trogir, Croatia
We learned about Trogir from TripLeader Kiarash, who has sailed as a hobby for over three years. Trogir looks like Dubrovnik’s long-lost sister. They share centuries-old buildings, sand-colored towers, and a massive cathedral, as well as a UNESCO status. You can spend hours wandering through its labyrinthine marble streets, which feel like a more intimate, manageable version of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Because the entire historic center is pedestrian-only, it preserves a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for golden hour photography.
4. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is perhaps the most “Dubrovnik-esque” on this list. Tucked into a dramatic bay (often mistaken for a fjord), its fortified Old Town is a UNESCO masterpiece. The hike up to St. John’s Fortress provides a view that rivals anything in Croatia.
5. Valletta, Malta
For those who love massive fortifications and baroque architecture, Valletta is a dream. As a walled city built by the Knights of St. John, it packs 450 years of history into a walkable, sun-drenched peninsula.
6. Himarë, Albania
The Albanian Riviera is the breakout star of 2026. Himarë offers turquoise waters and a laid-back Mediterranean pace. It’s significantly more affordable than Croatia and features the stunning Himarë Castle overlooking the Ionian Sea.
7. Piran, Slovenia
Piran is a Venetian Gothic gem sitting on a narrow pier. With its tight-knit squares and salt pans, it feels like a peaceful, miniature version of the bustling Adriatic hubs. It is entirely car-free, keeping the vibe serene.
8. Coimbra, Portugal
While not on the Adriatic, Coimbra captures that “historic city on a hill” magic. As the former capital of Portugal, it’s home to a medieval old town and one of the world’s oldest universities, complete with a stunning 18th-century library.
9. Girona, Spain
Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize Girona as “Braavos.” Located just north of Barcelona, it features a stunning cathedral, a perfectly preserved Jewish Quarter, and ancient defensive walls (the Passeig de la Muralla) that you can walk for panoramic city views.
10. Monemvasia, Greece
Monemvasia is a stunning medieval fortress town in Laconia, Greece, located on a small, car-free island connected to the Peloponnese mainland by a 200m causeway. Founded in the 6th century, it is known as the “Gibraltar of the East” and features, according to YouTube, a well-preserved,, YouTube labyrinthine town, Byzantine churches, and a dramatic, rocky citadel offering panoramic sea views.
11. Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Just 30km inland from Dubrovnik, Trebinje offers a Mediterranean climate and Ottoman architecture at a fraction of the cost. Its Old Town (Kastel) and the Arslanagić Bridge make it a sophisticated, “secret” alternative.
Ready to Explore the Adriatic Differently?
The best way to experience these hidden gems is with a group of like-minded adventurers who know the “secret” spots. Stop following the cruise ship crowds and start making real memories.
Join a small-group trip on JoinMyTrip today and find your next co-traveler for an unforgettable Mediterranean escape!