Croatia's LGBTQ+ Welcome

Croatia's Coastal Jewel.

This could also serve as a splendid moniker for Seby's next drag persona.

Our initial encounter with Dubrovnik occurred in the early 2000s, predating the global phenomenon of "Game of Thrones." This historic seaside city in southern Croatia is celebrated for its picturesque medieval Old Town, imposing fortified ramparts, and breathtaking vistas overlooking the Adriatic Sea. A decade later, it transformed into an essential pilgrimage for ardent "Game of Thrones" devotees (myself included), eager to tread the very streets of King's Landing, perhaps playfully employing the "Shame Bell" app on their phones against their companions.

Fast forward another ten years! Although the fervor for "Game of Thrones" has somewhat waned, the city perseveres as a highly sought-after romantic escape, attracting a multitude of visitors annually. Its unique allure and the sheer pleasure of exploration—encompassing the ancient walled city, nearby coastal settlements, and the surrounding archipelagos—are truly exceptional. Furthermore, it serves as a convenient departure point for excursions to more distant locales, such as Kotor in Montenegro and Mostar in Bosnia.

The sole drawback? It's exceptionally crowded. To be precise, intensely packed, particularly during the height of summer when masses of tourists arrive via coaches daily, alongside numerous day-trippers disembarking from cruise vessels.

This piece is compiled from our numerous excursions in Dubrovnik over the past few decades, with our most recent experience being a stopover during the La Demence gay cruise.

1. Is Dubrovnik a Safe Haven for Gay Travelers?

It is entirely secure and perfectly acceptable. A straightforward and concise answer.

Dubrovnik attracts a vast international tourist demographic, and during every visit, we've experienced a genuine sense of welcome. The accommodations we've utilized have consistently been amenable to two men sharing a room without any reservations. Even strolling through the streets while holding hands felt entirely at ease; the city's overwhelmingly tourist-centric and cosmopolitan atmosphere means such displays attract no undue attention.

And here's a fantastic bonus: as of May 2022, Dubrovnik boasts its very own dedicated gay establishment - the venue known as Milk!

It is crucial to note that Croatia, while a member of the European Union and thus bound by stringent equality and anti-discrimination legislation, maintains a prohibition on same-sex marriages, a stance it adopted in 2013 following a public referendum. The societal fabric is characterized by religious observance and conservative values, necessitating a degree of discretion regarding public displays of affection when venturing to other regions of the country.

2. Does Dubrovnik Feature a Gay Scene?

It is imperative to establish realistic expectations from the outset. Dubrovnik's ancient walled Old Town is relatively compact. It functions more as a significant tourist attraction rather than a residential hub. Nevertheless, the city's inaugural (and thus far, sole) gay bar commenced operations in May 2022, bearing the name Milk.

Conveniently situated in the absolute core of the city, Milk welcomes patrons every evening, accompanied by a resident DJ spinning popular chart-toppers, including hits by Lady Gaga. My personal experience there was exceptionally positive &128578;

My solitary grievance regarding Milk, which extends to virtually all establishments in Croatia, is the continued allowance of smoking indoors. Consequently, post-evening outings, I must factor in an additional shower to thoroughly cleanse the lingering aroma from my hair. While I acknowledge these are "first-world problems," it presents a particular inconvenience when one has invested considerable effort in blow-drying their hair.

For the most current information on events happening at Milk, please consult the Milk Instagram profile and also their dedicated Milk website.

3. Where Should LGBTQ+ Travelers Prefer to Stay in Dubrovnik?

Ultimately, your accommodation choices will be dictated by your financial outlay. Throughout our many stays in Dubrovnik, whether traveling solo, with Seby, or accompanied by friends, every lodging option has been consistently gay-friendly and hospitable. Requesting a double bed for two male guests has never presented any complications. This city has welcomed throngs of tourists for decades, and that hospitality extends to its gay visitors.

However, Dubrovnik is not an inexpensive destination! This is precisely why I maintain that your budget will likely be the primary determinant of your lodging arrangements. For my most recent excursion in May 2025, I meticulously utilized the "Show on Map" feature on Booking.com and discovered Amorozo Apartments. The pricing was quite reasonable, and its location was ideal, nestled within the historic Old Town, merely one street away from the Milk gay bar. During my very first visit to Dubrovnik in the 2000s, as a budget-conscious solo backpacker, I resided in a guesthouse situated a fifteen-minute walk beyond the city's ancient walls.

For those seeking a sublime, luxurious boutique hotel experience, I highly recommend exploring The Byron or The Pucic Palace.

Therefore, my counsel, should your finances permit, is to secure accommodation within the ancient city walls. While hotel prices here are substantial, you will be positioned directly at the heart of all the action. Alternatively, consider lodging in an area outside the Old City—the further you venture, the more economical your stay will become.

4. Dubrovnik's Gay Beaches

Notwithstanding its relatively modest size, Dubrovnik also offers a designated gay beach. Upon reviewing Google Maps for points of interest in proximity to the Old Town, I identified several clothing-optional beaches nearby. These include Cava Beach in Babin Kuk (approximately a ten-minute Uber journey north) and FFK Rocks on Lokrum Island, which is accessible via a brief ten-minute ferry trip from the Old Harbor in the historic center.

The primary recognized gay beach in Dubrovnik is FKK Rocks; it features a specific section that is particularly favored by local gay individuals and visiting travelers. We observed that this area experiences its peak activity (and a more pronounced cruising atmosphere) during weekends, with Sundays being especially lively.

5. What Are the Premier Activities in Dubrovnik?

While Dubrovnik may be geographically compact, rest assured, it possesses an undeniable flair for captivating its visitors. On our inaugural visit, I enthusiastically persuaded Seby to accompany me at the ungodly hour of 7 am for a walk along the renowned city walls. From my perspective, this was a remarkably romantic endeavor, given my predilection for early mornings. As for Seby, after enduring initial grumbles and groans, he eventually embraced the experience—and believe me, undertaking this before the throngs of tourists descend in the late morning is a sound strategy. The panoramic vistas of the terracotta rooftops and the shimmering Adriatic Sea were ample reward for every bead of sweat.

We dedicated hours to aimlessly wandering through the Old Town, venturing into narrow alleyways, discovering charming little gelato vendors (pistachio being the undisputed finest flavor), and marveling at architectural splendors such as St. Blaise Church and the Rector's Palace.

For the most spectacular sunset views in the city, our recommendation is to ascend Mount Srđ. This typically involves a strenuous one-hour hike. Alternatively, one can opt for the cable car, but at a cost of €30 per person for a one-way journey, the invigorating cardio workout might be a more appealing option. We brought along a bottle of wine, settled onto the rocks, and witnessed the entire cityscape bathed in a warm, golden hue—an unequivocally cherished memory.

Another exquisite spot for sunset viewing involves enjoying a couple of Aperol Spritz cocktails at Buza Bar, a discreet establishment perched on the cliffs that gives the impression it could plunge into the sea at any moment. Just remember to request a lighter touch with the ice to prevent dilution of the drink's delightful flavor.

6. Dubrovnik's Gastronomic Delights

In terms of its culinary offerings, Dubrovnik truly excels.

One evening, we indulged in a shared portion of black risotto, a celebrated local delicacy prepared with cuttlefish and its ink, which imparts a striking jet-black color to the rice and an intensely savory profile. A word of caution: your teeth may temporarily resemble those of a coal miner, but the taste is unequivocally worth the aesthetic consequence. Seby attempted to engage in flirtatious banter with the waiter mid-bite, resulting in a rather comical "Bond villain" appearance.

We also savored fresh oysters sourced from the nearby town of Ston, renowned for producing some of the Adriatic's most exquisite specimens. We enjoyed them in their raw state, with a simple squeeze of lemon, while observing the sunset over the harbor.

And for a sweet conclusion? We developed a profound fondness for rozata, Dubrovnik's delightful rendition of crème brûlée. This confection features a velvety custard infused with local rose liqueur, crowned with a glossy caramel glaze.

7. Recommended Excursions from Dubrovnik

Following several days of navigating crowds and fending off selfie sticks in Dubrovnik's Old Town, we yearned for a respite. Consequently, we embarked on a few day trips to discover more tranquil locales and savor additional culinary delights. Here are a few of our favored destinations:

Cavtat

A mere thirty-minute Uber ride (or a one-hour ferry journey) from Dubrovnik, Cavtat embodies the persona of a relaxed younger sibling, valuing serenity and quietude!

We spent the day meandering along its palm-fringed promenade before settling in for a leisurely lunch at Bugenvila—an experience that stands out as one of our most memorable meals in Croatia. Imagine exquisite fine dining without any pretension, complemented by sea views and dishes so artfully presented that Seby contemplated licking the ceramic plates clean.

Korčula Island

Frequently referred to as "mini Dubrovnik" (though characterized by fewer crowds and an abundance of wine), Korčula presents itself as an idyllic destination for a day trip. We ambled through its charming old town, swam in secluded rocky coves, and sampled the local Grk wine—yes, that is indeed its actual designation. The absolute highlight for us, however, was the beach. We dedicated the entire day here with a contingent of friends as a scheduled stop during the La Demence cruise. The locale is exceptionally picturesque, strongly evoking memories of Sarandë, a city I explored during my travels in Albania.

Insider Tip: If you're planning a visit from Dubrovnik, it's advisable to secure your catamaran tickets well in advance, as the journey typically spans around two hours. And, naturally, remember to pack your swimwear. For those seeking an organized tour to visit Korčula from Dubrovnik, I had my attention drawn to this specific Korcula tour from Dubrovnik, which also included a stop in Ston for exploring the salt pans and ancient city walls.

Kotor in Montenegro

Kotor remains a relatively undiscovered treasure that has yet to gain widespread recognition. Situated in Montenegro, it offers the opportunity to visit a new country. The city is simply breathtaking. Its old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the approach to its harbor is widely regarded as one of the most stunning in the world. We can personally attest to this observation from our cruise visit.

Should you not be arriving by cruise, I strongly recommend ascending to the old fortress for truly remarkable vistas of the picturesque bay, cradled by dramatic fjord-like mountains.

Similar to our experience with Korčula, we visited Kotor on a separate occasion as part of a cruise itinerary. However, it is easily accessible for a day trip from Dubrovnik, which is situated approximately a two-hour drive away.

Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia

If you're inclined towards a more extensive journey and wish to increase your country count, consider venturing into neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar captured our hearts with its iconic bridges and an incredibly charming cobblestone old town adorned with Ottoman architectural influences. We undertook a GetYourGuide full-day excursion to Mostar from Dubrovnik, which incorporated a stop in Pocitelj to explore its impressive fortress, and a less remarkable stopover in Medjugorje for a brief, uninspiring ascent up Apparition Hill to view a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Sarajevo offers a more profound and intricate experience, deeply moving and rich with historical significance. Although perhaps not as visually appealing as Mostar, it stands as one of the most compelling cities I have ever visited. A tour encompassing Sniper Alley and the Tunnel of Hope provides a harrowing yet stark insight into the resilience and immense hardships endured during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. GetYourGuide offers a tour to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik, which also includes a stop in Mostar. However, we opted to visit Mostar together during our trip. I had previously visited Sarajevo as a solo traveler during my Balkan adventures.

Plan Your Personalized Gay Getaway to Dubrovnik &128578;

We have meticulously gathered all the essential information to assist you in planning your own Dubrovnik adventure. We also highly recommend consulting our Gay Travel Page for crucial safety guidance, as well as our travel tips for first-time visitors for more general practical advice.

How to Reach Dubrovnik

The majority of international travelers arrive at Dubrovnik Airport, conveniently located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. This airport receives flights from numerous European hubs, in addition to direct services from Istanbul and Philadelphia. Long-distance bus services connect Dubrovnik with the surrounding Croatian territories. Please be aware that Dubrovnik does not possess any train stations.

Navigating the City

Utilizing Uber is highly recommended. Bolt also operates efficiently. It's important to note that vehicular access is restricted within the Old Town; therefore, you will typically need to proceed to Pile Gate, located just outside the walls, to rendezvous with your driver. An effective public bus system, managed by Libertas, is available, with the primary stop also situated near Pile Gate. Alternatively, renting a vehicle is an option, but be forewarned that parking is both challenging to find and rather costly!

Visa Requirements

Croatia is a participant in the Schengen Area. Consequently, most visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada are not required to obtain a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Financial Considerations

The official currency in Croatia is the Euro. The exchange rate is approximately €0.88 for $1 USD and €1.19 for £1.

Language Spoken

While Croatian serves as the official language, English is widely understood and spoken in urban centers and popular tourist locales such as Dubrovnik. Nonetheless, uttering a friendly “bok” (hello) or “hvala” (thank you) can significantly enhance your interactions.

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