Gradac Park

Gradac Park is an expansive green space perched high above the Adriatic Sea, just outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Despite its location, the park feels like a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a place to escape the heat and crowds of the city, Gradac Park is a great choice.

Established in 1898, Gradac Park is one of the oldest and most famous parks in Dubrovnik. At 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres), it is one of the largest parks in the city. For over a century, the park has been a favorite spot for locals to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the views.

While known to locals and in-the-know tourists, many visitors to Dubrovnik’s Old Town miss the park. And that is unfortunate as the park is only a few minutes walk from Old Town.

The best part about Gradac Park is its location, hanging off the jagged cliffs above the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. Every spot in the park offers a spectacular view, some of the best in the city.

One of the best viewpoints is by the fountain on the park’s western edge. From here, you get a sweeping panoramic view of the terracotta rooftops of Old Town and a commanding view of Fort Lovrijenac. In the distance to the northwest is Bellevue Beach and the luxurious Rixos Premium Dubrovnik Hotel.

While the views are the highlight of any visit to the park, Gradac Park is also a great place to relax. Scattered throughout the park are mature pine trees, offering shade on hot summer days. In addition to the trees, the park features native Mediterranean flora, with a variety of colorful plants and flowers that are local to the region.

Another great thing about Gradac Park is the benches found throughout. The most popular places to sit are the benches located on the terraces, which offer a view of the sea below.

The park also features a variety of walking paths, from wide, tree-lined trails to narrow ones that run along the cliff edge. As you walk through the park, the views keep changing, but every one of them is photo-worthy.

Whether sitting on a bench or walking through the park, the contrast between the greenery and the blue ocean below is quite a sight.

Below Gradac Park is the rocky Danče Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. A narrow pathway leading down to the beach makes it easy to walk between the park and the beach. Above Danče Beach is the Church of St. Mary, a 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance Franciscan convent complex.

Filming Location of Game of Thrones

Gradac Park served as a filming location for the HBO series Game of Thrones. If you don’t want any spoilers, skip to the next section.

In Season 4, Episode 2, titled “The Lion and the Rose,” the Purple Wedding feast was filmed beneath the pine trees of Gradac Park. It is during this outdoor reception in the park that King Joffrey collapses and dies from poisoning after marrying Margaery Tyrell.

Renovation of Gradac Park

In March 2025, city officials approved a €4.4 million renovation, the first in the park’s nearly 130-year history. The full-scale renovation will enhance both the functionality and usability of the park while preserving its historic character.

The renovation includes new landscaping, restored paths, enhanced lighting, and new amenities, including a children’s playground and an outdoor amphitheater.

Work, which began in 2025, is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026. During the renovation, access to the park is closed to visitors.