Inside the Balkan city 3 hours from UK with some of the cleanest Blue Flag beaches

Residing in the UK and journeying within Europe allows you to hop on a plane for just over two hours and land somewhere entirely different, with contrasting weather, a new language, and unique culture to discover. This is precisely what led me to an impromptu summer holiday in a sunny locale where the language was almost alien to me.

Yet, it wasn't the local cuisine or peculiarities of Dubrovnik that took me by surprise, although I must admit my first encounter with Noah's Ark shell – a local type of mollusc – in my seafood pasta was quite startling. What truly amazed me was the pristine appearance and cleanliness of its old town and surrounding Blue Flag beaches, despite being heavily frequented by tourists.

Indeed, Dubrovnik often ranks among European cities with the cleanest seawater, with places like Lapad promenade and Copacabana Beach standing as testament to this.

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One of the city's major advantages is its closeness to the Balkan bucket list destinations of Kotor Bay in Montenegro, and Mostar in Bosnia.

There are only a handful of notable excursions departing from Dubrovnik, including three boat tours exploring the nearby islands, beaches, and caves.

However, day trips to Kotor Bay and Mostar are essential, as these ancient towns, besides their obvious beauty, offer insights into the region's historical context and cultural distinctiveness.

Beyond the usual seasonal activities, the food in Dubrovnik can be extraordinary — but only if you know the right places to dine.

Tourist traps can be found in every corner, and they're not always as obvious as a three-star restaurant on the promenade with picture menus and poorly translated dish descriptions.

Rather than being lured by the allure of traditional-looking eateries boasting breathtaking harbour views, I try to dine like a local — and I usually succeed.

One of the most memorable meals I enjoyed in Dubrovnik was at an unpretentious place named Restaurant Maskeron, complete with a charming little patio. Another top pick of a similar ilk was Restoran Madonna.

Interestingly, neither establishment is situated anywhere near a body of water, which is telling.

Ironically, the best meal I savoured there came from a local bakery perched atop Bellevue Beach.

There's something uniquely satisfying about tucking into fresh burek and sipping on drinkable yoghurt before a relaxing day spent seaside.