Overview
Set amidst peaceful gardens on Dubrovnik’s Babin Kuk peninsula, Valamar Tirena Hotel offers a relaxed, resort-style base that works particularly well for families wanting everyday ease without sacrificing location. Tucked among pine trees yet surprisingly well connected, there are several beaches nearby and Dubrovnik Old Town is just a short bus or taxi ride away, making swimming and sightseeing seamless
At the centre of the hotel are two pools: a large freshwater lagoon-style pool surrounded by loungers, and a separate baby pool with water toys, sprinklers and a small slide (you’ll find additional waterslides for bigger kids in the nearby family zone). And come rain or shine, swimming is on the agenda, as guests can also access the indoor pool at neighbouring Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel
Dining is equally easy-going, with ‘Mediterraneo’ serving a generous show-cooking buffet for breakfast and dinner, alongside the more casual Oliva Grill by the pool. The Splash swim-up bar keeps drinks within arm’s reach, while ‘dine around’ options at nearby Momenti (Lacroma) and La Mar (Valamar President) offer lots of variety. And while there’s no traditional room service, the “Collect & Dine-in” option allows you to pick up food to enjoy in your room (if everyone is on their last legs after a long day exploring)
For kids, we can firmly say, the entertainment excels. Maro World spans 1,800 m² and includes soft play, a Game Lounge (PS5 and Nintendo Switch), family play zones, a small theatre and cinema, plus outdoor trampoline and adventure spaces. The Maro Clubs (Mini & Maxi) offer supervised drop-off childcare from 9:00 to 21:00 for ages 3 to 12, while many of the wider areas are designed for relaxed, stay-and-play family time. Babysitting is also available for younger children or outside these hours, at an additional cost & with advance booking
Evenings continue the same balance, with live music alongside family-friendly shows, cinema screenings and mini discos. While the atmosphere is firmly family-focused, adults can retreat to the adults-only spa at neighbouring Valamar Lacroma, with saunas, relaxation areas and a more grown-up feel
Mama
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Flight
It’s around a 2 hour and 30 minute flight from London airports to Dubrovnik Airport
Transfer
The transfer time to Valamar Tirena Hotel is super short, meaning the
holiday starts almost as soon as you land! It is approximately a 25 to 35 minute drive – the hotel can help you arrange private transfers (recommended if you require car seats, which do need to be pre-booked). Or if you’re travelling with slightly older children, it’s easy enough to jump in a taxi. These typically cost between £35-£45 each way
Best time to visit
Valamar Tirena Hotel is open seasonally, typically from the beginning of April through until the end of October. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for from your holiday. In April and May you’ll find fewer crowds, though the sea and (unheated) outdoor pools will be a little chilly – though it is worth bearing in mind, you’re also able to use the indoor pool at neighbouring Lacroma Hotel so swimming is still on the agenda. June and September are what we’d call the ‘sweet spots’ – when the sun will gently warm your shoulders whilst splashing in the pool, and you can sightsee without sweltering. As you’d expect, peak summer months promise your quintessential beachy break – with the added benefits of huge ‘Maro World’ (which could keep them entertained for a month), not forgetting Dubrovnik’s famous ancient sights
April: Average highs of 18°
May: Average highs of 23°
June: Average highs of 27°
July: Average highs of 30°
August: Average highs of 30°
September: Average highs of 26°
October: Average highs of 22°
Favourite room
For families of three: Take a look at the ‘Room for 2+1’ options – the ‘Superior’ ones are a little larger than the standard rooms, plus you can upgrade to ‘Seaside’ options
For families of four or five: The ‘Room for 4+1’ is formed of two bedrooms (joined via connecting doors), each with their own bathroom. These bedrooms can be set up either as a double or twin, and then one will also offer a sofabed for family member number five (if required – or if travelling with an infant, this will be replaced for a cot for a small surcharge)
What we love? Interconnecting configurations are guaranteed upon booking (which is surprisingly rare in the hotel world!)
Nearby
In prime position on the leafy Babin Kuk peninsula, Valamar Tirena sits in one of Dubrovnik’s most family-friendly pockets, where you’re spoilt for choice between calm, swimmable bays and Old Town sights (it’s a beautiful blueprint for how to do city breaks with kids, in a way that everyone enjoys!). It forms part of a wider Valamar cluster in the gorgeously green area, sitting alongside Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel and Valamar President, so you benefit from a relaxed, resort-style setting with extra restaurants and pools to explore, plus pram-friendly pathways linking everything together
Nearby Lapad Bay, a 25 minute walk away, promises cafés, restaurants and a promenade for post-dinner strolls along the waterfront, while Dubrovnik Old Town is around 15 minutes by bus or taxi. We meant it when we said this is a best-of-both-worlds base!
Price
From £140 per night in low season and £440 per night in high season for a family of three
From £275 per night in low season and £690 per night in high season for a family of four or five
Worth waking the baby for
01
Copacabana Beach
A very family-friendly beach with shallow & calm clear water, making it the perfect paddling spot (though pack water shoes, as it’s little pebbles as opposed to sand). Sunbeds, shaded areas, casual beach bars and easy access to toilets & snacks make it a deliciously fuss-free seaside spot
02
Dubrovnik Cable Car
A ‘minimum effort, maximum reward’ ride up Mount Srđ, which blesses guests with sweeping views over the Old Town and islands beyond – plus the novelty is always a hit with tiny travellers. It can get pretty busy, especially around sunset, so consider booking tickets in advance
03
Lokrum Island
Just a short ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Lokrum feels like a mini adventure the moment you step aboard. Picture shady pine forests and roaming peacocks, a saltwater “Dead Sea” lagoon for calm swimming, Benedictine monastery, and plenty of open
space for picnics and pottering
