
CROATIA
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DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is the Adriatic’s epitome of beauty. Crystal clear waters glisten under the sun; boats, one of the primary forms of transportation in the area, dot the sea in every direction; and the medieval limestone walls of the Old Town that safeguard the terra cotta–roofed buildings are impressive. The Pearl of the Adriatic has long seduced visitors, it only continues to grow in popularity. Game of Thrones fans know it as the real-life King’s Landing (yes, this is where they shot Cersei’s walk of shame), but earlier this year, it also served as a film set for Robin Hood: Origins and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, drawing even more attention to the city. Add the news of UberBoat and the country’s first underwater winery in the nearby Peljesac peninsula and it’s easy to see why the spotlight shines on Dubrovnik. The English poet, Lord Byron baptized Dubrovnik as “The pearl of the Adriatic” because of its incomparable architectural heritage. There are medieval treasures a-plenty, contemporary wine bars, panoramic restaurants, and bars with nothing but the sea beyond. The gleaming marble streets of Dubrovnik are lined with baroque buildings punctuated by beautifully sculpted Renaissance fountains and facades. UNESCO named Dubrovnik a World Heritage Site!
Breach Dubrovnik’s mighty walls
Dubrovnik is numbered among the best-preserved medieval walled cities on Earth. Croatia presents conditions ideal for those new to coastal sailing, with gentle winds and fine weather promising many pleasant hours on deck. For those with a taste for adventure, occasional mistral winds up the ante and presents more challenging conditions.
The harbor is overlooked by Dubrovnik’s ancient citadels and scattered with a number of spectacular Renaissance palaces leading on to a warren of pedestrian-only streets. Crystal-clear blue waters give way to white-sand beaches and secluded coves, while the thousands of Croatian islands offer endless opportunities for adventure. Sail north and discover Mljet National Park – home to natural harbors, stunning beaches and tidal island lakes – and the island getaways of Korčula and Lastovo. Beyond are the countless islands of the Dalmatian coast that can be explored.

Dubrovnik Old Town
The pedestrianized center is still surrounded by its 15th-century fortification walls and walking along the ramparts provides expansive views over the town. Navigating the labyrinth of the Old Town unveils many of the city’s most impressive buildings, now flanked by an array of modern shops, restaurants and hotels. Highlights include the reconstructed gothic-renaissance Rector’s Palace; the baroque-style Cathedral of the Assumption, built in the 18th-century; and the landmark Bell Tower, which looms 31 meters over Luza Square.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town Ancient City Walls are completely surrounded by enormous stone walls that date back to the 10th century. Up to 6m (19ft) thick and 2.5m (8ft) high in places, Dubrovnik’s Ancient City Walls were built to protect the city and deter would-be invaders. You can walk along the entire (2km/1.2mi) length of the ancient walls today and it is one of the best ways to appreciate the majesty of the Old Town (and get some great views over the Adriatic sea). There are 2 towers and 2 forts incorporated into the walls that were built and/or strengthened in the 15th century to bolster the city’s defenses.
St. Lawrence Fortress (Fort Lovrijenac)
Perched on a 37-meter cliff top jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, it’s easy to see how the dramatic Fort Lovrijenac earned itself the nicknamed of ‘Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar’. The mighty stone fortress is one of Dubrovnik’s most recognizable landmarks, looming over the western gate to the walled Old Town and providing a striking backdrop to the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Immortalized on-screen as part of the fictional King’s Landing in HBO’s hit fantasy drama, Game of Thrones, Fort Lovrijenac has further cemented its place at the top of tourist itineraries and few views are as breathtaking as looking out over the coastal city from the cliff top ramparts. Built-in the 11th century, the fortress was once an impenetrable stronghold, with its 12-meter thick sea walls and infamous 3,000kg bronze ‘Guster’ cannon.
Pile Gate
Pile Gate is a grand entrance into Dubrovnik’s Old Town, on its western wall. Built-in 1537 to protect the city from invaders and monitor trade, Pile Gate was originally reached via a wooden drawbridge, which was raised every evening, the gate locked and the key handed to the prince in an elaborate ceremony. Pile Gate has an outer and inner gate with statues of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint. The St. Blaise statue in the niche of the interior arch is the handiwork of 20th-century Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. You’ll also find an old door here that dates back to 1460. As you pass over the stone bridge towards the outer gate you’ll notice a green space below. This space used to be the moat, another defense mechanism to deter those who wished to infiltrate the city.
Stradun (Placa)
Stretching from Old Town’s western entrance at the Pile Gate to the harbor in the east, the Stradun (or Placa) was once a shallow sea channel that divided the small island on which Dubrovnik was built from the Republic of Ragusa on the mainland. In the 12th century, the Stradun was filled to create the main street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Buža bars
Not known for its bars, Dubrovnik happens to have two that are exceptional for their unique setting. Referred to as Buža, or ‘hole in the wall’, each is cut into the sea facing cliffs that support Dubrovnik’s City Walls, and each gazes out onto the seamless blue of the Adriatic. Buža I also offers sunbathing and access to the Adriatic via metal steps below. Buža II has a more organized feel about it, with waitstaff in branded T-shirts. Buža I can be found near the Azur restaurant, Buža II by a sign saying ‘Cold Drinks With The Most Beautiful View’.
Dubrovnik Cable Car
Dubrovnik’s distinctive orange cable cars speed 778 m (2,552.5 ft) in around three minutes to the top of Mount Srđ from the Lower Station positioned just north of the sturdy walls of the city. Today it serves up to 2.5 million visitors each year who make the journey to enjoy the peerless views across the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik, the indented coastline of Dalmatia and the island archipelagos sprinkled across the Adriatic Sea. Sitting at 405 m (1,328.75 ft) above sea level, the scenic viewpoints around the upper cable car station on Mount Srđ are popular local spots for weddings; there’s a souvenir shop selling Dalmatian olive oils and landscape paintings plus the Panorama restaurant, serving up delicious Croatian dishes along with its far-reaching views; book an early-evening table in advance to enjoy the spectacular sunset sliding into the sea.
NEARBY ISLANDS
Elafiti Islands (Elaphites)
A cluster of isles and islands found along the Dalmatian Coast, the Elafiti Islands are one of Croatia’s most popular destinations and make an easy day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. Fourteen islands make up the small archipelago, but only the largest three – Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan – are inhabited and linked by ferry and taxi-boat to the mainland, making them the focal point of island hopping tours. The trio of islands remains largely unaffected by the spoils of tourism, dotted with a mere handful of hotels and maintaining many car-free roads.
- Lokrum
Because it’s only a 20-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum is popular with locals wanting to cool off in the hot summer. Besides doing some beachcombing, it’s a great place to enjoy nature, from Mediterranean forests to a botanical garden. If vegetation doesn’t cut it with you, visit the 11th century Benedictine Monastery, with the monks warning Dubrovnik residents when danger, including storms and pirates, was eminent. Richard the Lionhearted built a church here, according to local legend.
TV trivia buffs take note: Game of Thrones was filmed here.
- Mljet
Mljet claims to be the most beautiful island in the Adriatic. Pictures of the island do little to disprove that claim. It’s the greenest of the Croatian islands. A national park makes up much of Mljet, but, outside the park, you’ll find quaint, tiny villages on this sparsely populated island. The island has two saltwater lakes that have islands. On one, you’ll find an old Benedictine monastery dedicated to St. Mary. Odysseus, a Greek king who was the hero in Homer’s Iliad reportedly lived here for seven years; today, you can enjoy a visit to his cave/grotto. Finish your day with Mljet wine, goat cheese, and olives.
- Lopud
When great beaches are important to you, Lopud can’t be beaten. It has some of the best beaches in the Dubrovnik area. Suns, with its fine white sand beaches, is considered the best beach in the Elafiti Islands. This beach can be super busy in the summer, but it’s just as beautiful in the off-season months. In its heyday, Lopud counted 30 churches, several palaces, and two monasteries as well as a vibrant shipping industry; one-fourth of Dubrovnik’s navy were Lopud ships. The island was devastated by a 17th-century earthquake and never really recovered. A walk among the ruins is a quiet time for reflection.
- Korcula
The 47-km (29-mile) long island of Korcula has an eclectic history, being founded by Trojans in the 12th century BC. Over the centuries it has been ruled by many powers, including Greek, Austrian, French, Hungarian, and Venetian. The explorer Marco Polo was born on the island. At one time it provided the wood for Venice’s walls. Some visitors prefer to the Korcula Old Town as a “Little Dubrovnik,” and say wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets is a must-do activity. Follow up with a visit to St. Mark’s Cathedral and a climb up the narrow staircase to see panoramic views from the bell tower.
- Sipan
Sipan is a popular day trip destination from Dubrovnik. You can take your car to wander Elafiti’s largest island, but the island is small enough to get around easily on a rented bike. Sipan is famous for its agricultural products, including wines, olives, and citrus fruit, so take a taste exploration after touring the island. The island has been a tourist destination since the 15th century when Dubrovnik’s best families built vacation homes and palaces here. Ruins of palaces and other old structures can be visited, but don’t plan on swimming unless you have water shoes. Beaches here are rocky.
- Kolocep
If you’re hankering to get away from the crowds, you need to add Kolocep to your bucket list. The tiny island has a population of only 300 people. The smallest of the Elafiti Islands is also the closest to Dubrovnik. The island once was important to Dubrovnik’s shipbuilding industry. The entire island is car-free, making it pleasurable to walk the island’s many paths. After your walk, relax on a sandy beach or swim to the Blue Cave.
https://www.godubrovnik.com/art-culture/girl-captured-dubrovnik-magically
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2020/06/22/the-underwater-wine-cellars-of-croatia-beneath-the-adriatic-sea/?sh=48f361513cf7