Overlooking the calm blue Adriatic sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia, as per Lord Byron, Dubrovnik is the “pearl of the Adriatic”.
June to August are the European summer school holidays and it is peak season. If you are prepared to travel during April and May (Spring season), it will be less crowded. The evenings could be quite cold. Usually, the weather is still nice and warm in September and it is also less crowded.
Construction of the basilica in Roman Baroque architecture started in 1673. The building project finished in 1713.
The once Renaissance styled city was rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake in predominantly baroque style.
After severe bombing from October 1991 to June 1992 by the Yugoslav forces the UNESCO site city was once again reconstructed. The Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, St Blaise’s Church, Franciscan Monastery and Onofrio fountain were most hit. When you head over to Ivo Grbić Art you will see first-hand the most outstanding photographs of the effect of the bombing. Also, at the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence, you’ll find plenty of historic information about these years of turmoil.
Today, Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean flanked with crystal clear blue sea around it.
To begin with, a walk of the city walls is the ultimate introduction to Dubrovnik. The walls are about 1,940 meters in length, surrounding most of Dubrovnik punctuated with turrets, towers, and gates. Generally, it will take you approximately two hours excluding the stops along the way for photo opportunities of the ocean view, Old Town, Minceta Tower, and so on.
Wear comfortable shoes and a hat and don’t neglect to put on sunscreen lotion as protection against the UV-rays.
For local produce, crafts and candies head on to the pulsing Grad Market.
Wander along Stradun which is Dubrovnik’s main street and a thoroughfare through the Old Town where Star Wars Episode IX was filmed.
The Old Town has plenty of narrow streets with a wide range of shops and little restaurants.
Also, walk up the stairs because most of them are leading to the most picturesque residential areas.
Clara Stones is located at Nalješkovićeva ul. 3. At this unique jewelry shop, you may get a short presentation of the area’s red Adriatic coral. Also the area’s signature-treasure. What’s more, it is an ideal place to shop for something memorable in years to come.
Photo credits: Clara Stones
The rugged Danče or scenic Šulić are favorite beaches amongst the locals. Also, Buža – a popular diving spot.
As with so many sweet spots in Dubrovnik, the ancient Fort Lovrijenac is the film location for Game of Thrones. Similarly, scenes were filmed at St. Dominika Street (location of Cersei’s walk of shame), Littlefinger’s brothel at the Ethnographic Museum, Minceta Tower (the House of the Undying), Walk of Shame stairs beneath the Jesuit Church, and Pile Bay (Blackwater Bay where Jon Snow bid his historic farewell to the Starks). The orange terracotta tiled roofs were used for shots of King’s Landing.
By the way, when you’re at Minceta Tower tour the excavated 16th-century canon foundry (now a museum), discovered under Minčeta Tower in Gornji Ugao (Upper Tower).
For a great view of the Old Town’s terracotta roofs (King’s Landing) 413 meters below, join a guided tour to the very top of Srdj Mountain.
You will be rewarded with panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. For instance, Elafiti.
Also, you get to see the Museum of the Croatian War for Independence housed in a 19th-century military fort.
By the way, wear comfortable hiking shoes because the 9 km trail is quite rocky at places.
By the way, wear comfortable hiking shoes because the 9 km trail is quite rocky at places.
Get a bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik and take the cable car at sunset for a spectacular view. Check the timetable and prices ahead of time.
Whatever the temperature, bear in mind it will be about two degrees cooler at the top, so dress accordingly.
For the more adventurous the cable car excursion can be combined with hiking, or go on a safari!
As a rule, when you travel out of peak season, find out ahead of time whether the restaurants are open.
Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV), sometimes referred to as Čilipi Airport, is about 30 minutes from town.
Alternatively, from Split and many of the islands, you can catch a ferry into Gruž Harbour. Also the location of Dubrovnik’s main bus station.
My personal recommendation is the Palace Hotel because of its splendid setting. The great food and excellent service matched up to my expectations. On days when the weather is not so good, the setting and facilities make up for it. I loved our private balcony. It’s worth it.
Alternatively, use the map below to find a place to stay.
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