2 Best Nightlife in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

Walking through an 800-year-old wall to find a secret swimming spot across the sea from a cursed island sounds like a fairy tale, but in Dubrovnik such places actually exist—and there are two of them. One of the Buža (hole-in-the-wall) bars is marked by a wooden sign pointing toward "cold drinks." The other has no signage at all; you just walk through a doorway in the city walls. With tables arranged on a series of terraces built into the rocks and jazzy soundtracks to go along with stunning vistas, both bars make a great place to stop for a drink or a swim; you can jump right off the rocks in front of the bar. Beware that both spots can get very busy in the summer; mornings are the best time to visit.

When the Hotel More was being built, a piece of machinery fell through the ground; it was only then that an 8,000-year-old cave was discovered underneath. It has been carefully converted into a three-story bar, with twinkling lights and stalactites, making it an unforgettable setting for a coffee or cocktail. Outside, just a short walk along the peaceful promenade from the beach in Lapad, the multilevel terrace with easy access to the sea is the perfect spot for a swim.