The Old Town of Dubrovnik like something out of a fairy tale, with it’s medieval walls encircling the city and it’s drawbridges flanked by 18-ft gates guarding the main entrances. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. From the crenulated ramparts and watchtowers, there are some perfect vistas of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Because the Old Town is free of traffic, the main streets, squares and alleyways are perfect for admiring the purity of its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
Most of the inhabitants of Dubrovnik live outside of the walls of the Old Town. Within the confines of the city walls, the winding alleys are filled with tiny shops, cafes and restaurants that spill out onto the street at every corner. Though the serious damage from the Serbia-Croatian War has been completely repaired, residents are still able to point out the bullet damage that has been retained as a reminder of the past.
A Feast for the Senses
- Sights—Panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic while walking the city walls; a ride on the cable car up to Srd Mountain; past images of the city at the Cloister of the Franciscan Monastery; stark images of recent history at the Homeland War Museum; Europe’s second-oldest Synagogue in the Old Town.
- Tastes—Dalmatian cuisine at Nautika; “black risotto” at Locanda Peskarija; perfect Croatian food at 360 Dubrovnik; local seafood at Proto
- Sounds—DJs spinning at Klub Lazareti; jazz at the Troubadour Jazz Cafe; live music at Restaurant Klarisa; the Concerts by Candlelight in St. Saviour Church.
- Activities—The beaches are beautiful: the shoreline ranges from pebbles to white sand at Banja, just east of Old Town, and the clear water can be balmy even early in the year. Don’t miss a walk on the city’s old walls in the early evening, when subtle light falls on the city’s rooftops and the Adriatic shimmers. In the morning, ride up the cable car to the peak of Mount Srd for breathtaking views over the city and the sea.
Best side trip from Dubrovnik
The Elaphite Islands to the north of Dubrovnik can be by private boat charter or by ferry from the Gruz port. The ride takes 25 minutes to Kolocep, the nearest island. Lopud is an additional 30 minute trip. It is a half-hour walk across Lopud to reach Sunj Beach, one of the loveliest beaches along the Adriatic. Sipan island two hours by ferry from Gruz and the furthest from Dubrovnik, but for activity seekers, it offers the best hiking. It is also home to Roman ruins, summer residences and 13th-century churches.
Hotels we recommend
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