The pretty coastal city in Europe where you can kayak to hidden beaches has cheap easyJet flights

THE sun began to set beyond the horizon and soon I was immersed in its warm glow as I floated in the sea on my kayak, the orange light reflecting around me.

It was shortly after 7pm in late summer and, with the temperature a lovely 26C, I felt in no rush to finish our coastal tour of Croatian city Dubrovnik.

As well as exploring the ocean, the three-hour experience took us past the walls of the Old Town, made famous around the world by Game of Thrones — it doubled as fictional city King’s Landing in the TV series.

Time flew by as our expert guide, local man Mario Skramoncin, ran us through the history of his beautiful city.

While we gently glided across the waves, Mario to point out key landmarks before we paddled up to a secluded beach.

This was quite easily the most beautiful way to experience sunset, especially for couples seeking a spot of romance.

It felt we had the place all to ourselves, in our small group.

Later, once we had arrived back at shore, the fantastic crew at X-Adventure Sea Kayaking poured us a glass of local white wine to toast the experience.

You’ll find lots of locally made wines on offer in Dubrovnik, in restaurants and bars and at the Valamar Lacroma Hotel — my base during my holiday.

This plush four-star gem is set in an idyllic corner of Dubrovnik — and what’s all the more appealing about it is that guests are free to visit three nearby sister hotels to use their facilities.

Those staying with children can also get free entry to Maro World, Croatia’s biggest indoor play centre, which caters to kids up to age 12.

Even adults love the venue — I witnessed many getting stuck into the massive range of latest PlayStation games, or competing with each other on Nintendo Switch consoles.

Valamar’s splendid beach and pools provide a calming sanctuary where you can lie back and enjoy the sun, while rooms are modern, comfortable and affordable, from £100 per night.

There’s also an on-site spa and gym for those trying to keep on top of their wellness.

And with two restaurants and several bars in this hotel alone, it meant I didn’t need to venture out every evening in search of a tasty bit to eat, or evening entertainment.

If you do decide to grab dinner outside the hotel, though, nothing beats a meal at Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik.

This experience offers visitors unbeatable panoramic views across the city’s skyline — but not at a rooftop restaurant in a skyscraper building.

Instead, diners are invited to strap themselves into a sturdy seat around a long table, before being lifted into the sky by a crane-like structure — giving whole new meaning to the words high table.

Panoramic views

A three-course meal was then whipped up for us, while my fellow diners and I were suspended 50 metres above the city.

If the magnificent sunset during the kayak tour doesn’t impress you enough, this sure will.

And it was made all the more magical by the excellent selection of wine and euphoric music.

At £185 per person, it’s certainly a bucket-list experience — and you’re sure to leave with some exceptional photos.

If being suspended mid-air makes your stomach turn, you can instead enjoy high dining at the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, atop the city’s Srd hill — now closed but reopening in March.

It offers one of the best vantage spots in Dubrovnik — and on a clear day it is reckoned you can see for 37 miles.

Just make sure to book your table ahead of your visit because the place can get very busy.

You’ll have to shell out for the cable car to take you to the top of the hill — tickets cost £22 for adults and just over a fiver for children.

But the journey is an experience in itself and has thrilled and delighted many a visitor to the city since it was built in 1969.

It really was an epic end to our Croatian adventure.

Oh, and it took us less than three hours to get home to the UK by plane. What could be better for a city mini-break?