Dubrovnik was once proclaimed the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ and is now amongst Europe’s most popular and desirable travel destination. Steeped in History since its creation by the Romans in the 7th Century it is a region that’s been under the control of a variety of Europe’s most notorious Empires ever since. Dubrovnik’s long and rich history mixed with a modern and vibrant feel make it a great destination to explore all year round. Listed as a world heritage site Dubrovnik is situated in the south of Croatia and looks out onto the beautiful Adriatic sea, a location which has made it a key maritime trading port.
Dubrovnik is a mixture of marble streets lined with baroque buildings and beautiful renaissance sculptures. The monumental walls and towers which surround Dubrovnik are the most impressive example of this form of fortification found in the Adriatic region. Don’t be fooled though Dubrovnik offers much more than just a historical journey into the past, it offers visitors a network of beaches to relax on and a collection of trendy bars, cafes and restaurants to entertain visitors day and night.
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the summer season (May – October) but generally it has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot dry summers. A recent poll found that out of the 23 top luxury hotels in Croatia, 13 of these were located in Dubrovnik. The Online Hotel Company lets you compare over 133 Hotels in Dubrovnik so you can be sure to find the best hotels and the most competitive prices, with a selection of hotels for every budget.
Top things to do in Dubrovnik
Farmers Market
A great way to spend a morning in Dubrovnik is visiting the local farmers market found in Gundelic Square. When you arrive you will see a sea of red umbrellas hiding Locals gathering to sell anything from superb olive oils, home made brandies and herbal remedies!
Scale the Town Walls
This is one of Dubrovnik’s most popular tourist trips and an essential part of any visit to the region. The trip can take about an hour or so to complete – The vistas on both the seaside and the town-side are beautiful and the bird’s eye view will give you a insight into all of the key tourist attractions and appreciate fully the beauty and attraction of Dubrovnik.
Day trip to Lopud
Lopud is an island situated about 30 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik. Tickets for the boat are available to buy at the old city port and cost around (£10/ $15). The island is famous for having one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik with the Sunj beach being the pick. The beaches are fine, white sand with a backdrop of lush, green hills. Lopud also has a good selection of cafes, restaurants and hotels if you want to spend longer period on the island.
Trip on the Cable Car
If you get the chance take the Dubrovnik cable car and be amazed with the breathtaking views of the Old City and crystal clear Adriatic Sea, especially just before sunset. There is a restaurant at the top with plenty of seating to enjoy some food or cocktails whilst taking in the stunning views. The cable car is reasonably priced and the ride to the top is a fairly quick one. If you have time there is a brilliant 30 minute walk back down using the zig zag pathway. The path is a little rocky in places but the views are spectacular and worth the effort.
Dubrovnik Old Town
The Old town is a beautiful stone area within the historic city walls – listed as a world heritage site the old town is one of the most popular tourist sites in Dubrovnik. Spend hours wandering the small back streets and have a drink, a meal or a shop – The shops can be quite expensive so you may well want to just window shop. The area can get quite busy especially in peak periods so its always nice to go early in the morning or late at night when the majority of tourists have disappeared.
By Lavelle September 14, 2011 - 1:48 pm
Amazing facts! I have already been seeking something like this for quite a while now. Thank you!
By Barbara Aberton September 16, 2011 - 7:27 am
I Recommend Plat, located close to Dubrovnik, in the area called Zupa Dubrovacka. Its Hidden between the resorts of Cavtat and Mlini, Plat is a tiny oasis of peace and tranquility. It has beautiful landscapes and well worth exploring.