4 Days of Bliss in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of Adriatic”, beckons everyone who loves history, glamour and glory, to come and revel in its presence. When there is a promise of a stupendous waterfront, rich locale, intriguing historical streets, local shops, konobas tempting with their magical ambience and delicious food as well as the local beer and wine, the calling is hard to ignore.

At First Glance

If you like reminders of antiquity, you will fall in love with this UNESCO World Heritage site at first glance, that is to say, if you are not already. Considering the turbulent past and many attempts by neighbouring nations to claim it has left some scars on the city architecture – some places undergoing restoration as a result of the war in the 1990s with the Yugoslavian Army.

However, this seaside Old Town encircled by surprisingly well preserved ancient walls, Dubrovnik is simply mesmerising.

This city may be small, but you'll find plenty of Baroque churches, late medieval monasteries and Renaissance palaces to admire. Dubrovnik dates from the 7th century and rose to power in the 13th century as an important seafaring town. But if you truly want to appreciate the magic of this Medieval city, avoid the cruise season and plan to visit before May or after September.

 

Reaching Dubrovnik

It's easiest by Air. Either you arrive from any European airport directly or via Zagreb. Domestic flights are cheaper.

If you decide to take the bus from Zagreb, it could take over 12 hours to reach Dubrovnik. But getting from Zagreb to Dubrovnik by private car directly takes about 8-9 hours, as the distance is approximately 600 kilometres. However, it best to break the journey with a stay in the coastal town is between or islands close to the coastline.

For the children of the sea, a fast catamaran option to Dubrovnik from Split is the best option. It takes under 5 hours each way and stops on the islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet en route.

 

Things to See and Do

Stradun is the city’s main street with a 31-metre high bell tower lined with restaurants. The street is flanked by two spring water fountains, called Onofrio's fountain (large & little). This is a good spot to enjoy some al fresco dining on the sea's fresh catch and watch people walking about as the day goes by leisurely. 

If you want to surf through the local market, head towards Gundulic Square on Stradun, which has a daily market selling fresh organic produce, figs, cheese. You will find embroidered linen and lace and products derived from locally grown lavender: bottles of oil, attractively wrapped soaps and pretty linen lavender bags and much more. If you are looking for a more authentic local affair with shopping, visit Gruž Harbour. 

The best way to take in the city is to meander through small side streets and watch the thoroughfare lounging on a bench at the marina and sauntering along the harbour admiring old beautiful buildings and the ancient drawbridge called Pile Gate. The limestone walls are one of the city’s highlights, where you’ll find people walking the city walls and climbing the dramatic steps and historical turrets from medieval fortifications. On one side, you will see the Adriatic and on the left are the glimpses of daily life in the Old Town.

Just beyond the Ploce Gate is Dubrovnik’s main beach, Banje. If you are in Old Town, a short drive away is Gruž, Lapad and Babin Kuk, having a full range of facilities for families. Tread among the rocks and pebbly beaches of Lapad and Babin Kuk for a dip in the sea.

Another excursion is to hop on the boat from Old Town’s harbour. In 15 minutes, you will arrive at a tiny island of Lokrum, which manages to pack in a monastery, botanical gardens, saltwater lake, and rocky beaches.

When you’ve had enough of history, then head towards the Old Port of Dubrovnik early morning; it is a start point for visiting neighbouring islands. The Elaphite Islands and Mljet are to the northwest, meander through the forest trails and botanical gardens of National Park in Mljet. Perfect for those who like to spend time diving, swimming and hiking far from the crowds.

And beyond those are the fertile vineyards of Pelješac peninsula, home to bijou harbour villages and plenty of wineries to keep your taste buds tantalised. 

Separated by a narrow channel from Pelješac is the island of Korcula – that claims it is the birthplace of Marco Polo. You can visit his house, which is now a museum. Korcula is three hours by bus and ferry, and you can stay overnight in one of the accommodations available there. Korcula Island is a smaller and quainter version of Dubrovnik, famous for its festivals.

Beyond Old Town, a boat ride away is the village of Cavat in the Konavle region, South of Dubrovnik and before Montenegro. You can enjoy the region for its vineyards and numerous bicycle trails through hills and valleys.

Dubrovnik is a timeless city and at nights, watch as the city comes to life as music drifting from classical concerts being held in historic buildings. Do not miss the many outdoor restaurants, feast on plates of fresh seafood before you call it in.

 

Tips for Exploring Dubrovnik

The Old Town is a pedestrian zone which means you can only walk through it. So make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.

Hit the Old Town museums, particularly the Museum of the Homeland War, to learn about its maritime history and more about its recent past.

You can visit Dubrovnik any time of the year, and the labyrinth of cobbled streets and the baroque architecture will welcome you with open arms. Indulge in a bit of nostalgia by admiring the Fort of St Lawrence, Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and imagining the old town in bygone days.

Dubrovnik is located in the southernmost part of the brightest Croatian region: the Dalmatia–Dubrovnik area. Take the cable car up the top of Mount Srd and take the most beautiful photos of Croatia's best-known panoramas and the whole of the Mediterranean area. You can stop for the view also while coming from the direction of Dubrovnik airport. 

If you like watersports, Dubrovnik has a wide variety of water-sport hot spots and activities ranging from water-skiing, banana rides, kayaking, white water rafting, scuba diving and flyboarding. A major draw is for catamaran sailing and big game fishing around Dubrovnik's coast and islands.

Dubrovnik has all sorts of restaurants to suit any palate, from quick, cheap and tasty to premium gourmet ones. Alfresco dining draws the major crowd for its relaxed sense of informality, even during colder months when heaters are taken outside. Italian cuisine is well known here. Many of the restaurants are family-owned, so the recipes may differ from restaurant to restaurant. Don’t miss out on some of Dubrovnik’s signature dishes. Although there aren’t many vegetarian restaurants, you’ll find restaurants with vegetarian selections.

Here are 22 Best Croatian Dishes You Must Try

 

And now the important thing for the fans of….

Game of Thrones & King's Landing - the filming locations in Dubrovnik

Rarely, a certain kind of show or movie comes along that grabs the world's attention and keeps them captivated. Game of Thrones is one of those shows; considered one of the greatest fantasy show of all time. For those who have seen the series and are ardent fans, a visit to Dubrovnik will be like déjà vu – to experience these locations – to soak in the gorgeous settings while feeling like being a part of it,

Such is the grandeur of Dubrovnik that filming in the Old Town needed no special actions for scenery or special effects to play the port city of King’s Landing, a stronghold of the Lannister family. This is the list of the locations used for filming.

 

Dubrovnik Old Town, ‘the pearl of the Adriatic,’ overlooking the enormous Dalmatian coast, has been a perfect place for the drama to unfold.

Walls Of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls that stretch completely around the old town, at the maximum height it about 25 metres (82 ft)

St Dominika Street: Dubrovnik’s walled old city is a labyrinth of lanes flanked by stone houses

Pile Gate is the main entrance to Old Town.

Bokar Fortress built in 1461 by Italian architect & sculpture Michelozzo di Bartolomeo to defend Pile Gate, the western entrance to Dubrovnik.

Trsteno Arboretum: 20 minutes from Dubrovnik, this 15th-century beautiful palace garden has been home to some of the world’s ancient species of trees.

Minceta Tower: This tower's named after the Mencetic family, who owned the ground upon which the tower was built and is the highest point of the walls, which offers an unforgettable view of the old town of Dubrovnik.

Island of Lokrum: Six hundred metres off Croatia’s mainland, this attractive place dates back to 1023.

Fort Lovrijenac: Built to resist the Venetian rule and located at the western side of the Old Town today, it is famous for the plays it hosts.

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