Top Ten Tourism- Dubrovnik

There is nothing not to love about the incredible city of Dubrovnik! Nestled under the perfectly positioned Srđ mountain and spilling out onto the Adriatic Sea, the city is composed of the old historical walled city and the outer areas running north and south along the magnificent coast. With a hugely rich and enthralling history, dating back to the 7th century, the cultural significance of this spectacular port city is prevalent everywhere you explore. With historical influences from Ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice; and it’s modern day position at the heart of the Balkans, Dubrovnik’s cultural blend not only stands out in the cities architecture, but also its cuisine. This unique positioning means that Dubrovnik has a massive range of activities and experiences to sample, making it a splendid city destination for those looking for a blend of culture and adventure.

With plenty of activities in the heart of the city, and around the local area, there is so much to experience. This makes Dubrovnik perfect for a short break, or as part of a longer getaway to surrounding areas of Croatia and other countries in the region. Here are our Top Ten recommendations for your trip:

1) Loose yourself wondering the streets of the old town

When you visit an area of a city called ‘The Old Town’, you know you will get the opportunity to sample a taste of the culture, architecture and sights of yesteryears. Dubrovnik old town is perhaps the world’s best example of such an experience and gives visitors a chance to experience Renaissance life with all of the contemporary comforts. As you venture up the main street of Stradun, ensure you turn off this ‘beaten track’ and explore the narrow alleys to the north and south, admiring the beautiful designs and dressings of streets with local flowers and ornaments. Covering less than 1 squared km, the old town gives visitors easy accesses to all of the beautiful sites that make the walled area so special. As you stroll east on the main street, you’ll spot the majestic 31m high Clock Tower, with its bell tower illuminated in the evenings. Dating back to the 15th century, this landmark identifies the beginning of Luza Square, where there is plenty to see, including the majestic renaissance era Sponza Palace – one of the few remaining examples of such architecture to survive a catastrophic 1667 earthquake. In the square, the grand Church of St. Blaise, guarded by the stone medieval knight on Orlando’s Column, demonstrates the pride of this area in their past victories and era-spanning independence that helps make Dubrovnik so unique (more on this later). South of the square, marvel at the Baroque Dubrovnik Cathedral, and take the opportunity to venture inside to experience a wide variety of art, relics, and even the gold-plated bones of St. Blaise himself! Wander a little further from the square and you will end up in the quaint port of Dubrovnik, where you can enjoy the views of the gently rocking boats against the backdrop of the gorgeous orange rooves city. Enjoy the splendor of Fort St. Ivana (St. John’s Fortress), magnificently protruding from the city walls to guard from the sea, now fitted with a small museum and aquarium. The western area of the walled old town houses the spectacular Franciscan Monastery, which you can find out more about below.

2) Peer out over the city and the Adriatic from the magnificent city walls

Once required as critical fortification of the city, defending against the many historical sieges from both land and sea, the magnificent city walls of old Dubrovnik remain intact for visitors to enjoy. Running for almost 2km, and reaching heights of 25m above the glistening Adriatic, the walls grant a stunning perspective of the city and surroundings, offering a step back in time with some parts of the remaining wall dating back to the 12th century. Ascending the walls from the western side of the old town, your journey begins with a stunning view of Lovrijenac Fort, perched dramatically upon cragged rocks protruding from the blue waters of the bay (also known as Game of Thrones’ Blackwater Bay – more on this later). Peering down into the town’s winding streets below give a fantastic perspective of the elaborate Onofrio’s Fountain, an iconic landmark of the city carved in 1438. Following the walls around the full circumference of the old town offers the most fantastic panoramic views of the orange rooved buildings below, conjuring up romantic images of life in bygone eras. Exploring the old town at ground level, it is easy to forget the cities proximity to the expansive Adriatic Sea, but scaling the walls offers a unique perspective, allowing you to consider the cities true vulnerability as waves continuously crash against the limestone below. Completing the walls will take approximately 90 minutes, so make sure you wear comfortable footwear and start as early as possible to get a more private experience and beat the crowds.

3) Step back in time in the enchanting Franciscan Monastery

Nestled at the farthest-most western edge of old town’s main street (Stradun) sits the rather unassuming Franciscan Church and Monastery, incorporated with its very own bell tower. This historic complex may seem modest from its unobtrusive exterior, but inside offers a breathtaking visit to one of the most spectacular Romanesque cloisters, surrounding a fantastically well-kept courtyard. This oasis of tranquility transports your mind to simpler times, gazing through the elegant bi-pillared columns to the green courtyard beyond. Enjoying the peace and beauty of the surroundings is the ultimate city escapism, away from the crowded main street, even briefly allowing you to assume regal persona (or that of Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones). The monastery is also home to one of the world’s oldest operating pharmacies, dating back to 1317, which sits alongside a 17th century library, equipped with a corresponding museum. There are not many places in the world where you can almost taste historical significance, but this fantastic monastery fills your senses with reminders of Dubrovnik’s unique era-spanning past.

4) Go dragon spotting on a Game of Thrones tour

Since the launch of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ series in 2011, one of the most successful TV shows of all time, Dubrovnik has seen its popularity soar as visitors travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of their favourite mythical destinations and scenes. Known in the show as ‘King’s Landing’, the capital city of ‘Westeros’, occupied for most of the series by the Lannister family, Dubrovnik gives fans the opportunity to step into some of the most iconic scenes, a large proportion of which were filmed inside the city walls. Acknowledging the sharp increase in Game of Thrones tourism, the locals have created a wide variety of guided tours to bring you to many of the most recognisable spots, like Lovrijenac Fort, which doubles as the ‘Red Keep’ and the west pier, also known as ‘Blackwater Bay’. Of course, you can also visit these sites in your own time, stumbling across discernable areas such as Pile Harbour, Pile Gate (where season 2’s rioting broke out) and Minceta Tower (Qarth’s ‘The House of Undying’). Exploring the Jesuit staircase by St. Ignatius Church will conjure up memories of Cersei Lannister’s naked walk of ‘shame’, also extending to St. Dominic Street. You can even take a moment to celebrate at Gradac Park, the home of the ‘Purple Wedding’ and setting of a certain unlikable character’s dramatic demise!

5) Travel by cable car for mesmorising panoramic views

Positioned at the base of the humble Srđ mountain, the location of Dubrovnik not only affords natural land protection from sieging forces, but also an astonishing panoramic view over the city and out to the glistening Lapad Bay beyond. Access to the panoramic observation point is available by road, however the most memorable way to ascend the 412m mountain is by cable car, which operates from a station on the outside northern edge of the old town and runs throughout the whole day in the summer months. From the peak, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the city below, dwarfed by the majesty of the surrounding mountains which roll to the Adriatic’s edge. Facing south-westerly, this is also one of the most mesmorising places to watch the sunset in all of Croatia, observing the light slowly fade on the horizon, plunging the surrounding islands into hazy shadows. The viewpoint also houses a chic restaurant and bar, offering quality local cuisine and a wide selection of beverages to sip on while enjoying the majestic panoramic view – booking ahead is highly recommended.

6) Take in the majesty of the bay area by kayak

One of the most spectacular ways to marvel at the majesty of Dubrovnik’s old town from outside the city’s historic walls is by joining a kayak tour, departing from several central ports. Not only does such a tour offer a truly unique sea-level perspective of the city, it is also one of the most memorable ways to learn the history of the area, with a fantastic local guide walking through the 1,400-year story from the city’s establishment as ‘Ragusa’ in the 7th century to modern day UNESCO wonder. Paddling out to the Adriatic from the shelter of the bay offers a chance to escape the crowds and the intense heat of the city in the summer, as you enjoy the feeling of the light sea spray and cooling breeze. After skirting the city walls, the tour heads towards the island of Lokrum, the closest island in the bay, marveling at the rugged coastline while hearing about the legend of the island’s ‘curse’! Heading back to mainland allows a brief stop at an exclusive beach, only accessible from the sea, set in a vast natural cave. Here you can swim, snorkel and even scale one edge of the cave to plunge 10m into the deeper waters below (OK the conditions with your local guide first!). Not only does this activity give you an exceptional experience, but there are also few better ways to build up an appetite for your evening meal than this!

7) Explore a nearby island on an excellent boat trip

The northwestern bay of Dubrovnik is home to the stunning archipelago of Elaphiti islands, spanning 3 main islands, Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep, and small number of others. Covering the grand total of 30 square km and with only 850 inhabitants, the islands are mostly set up to welcome the busy tourism trade, popularised due to the area’s pristine evergreen scenery and more exclusive beaches. The close proximity to the mainland (Kolocep is just 5km from Dubrovnik) means that a day trip to the islands is more than possible, and serviced by many ferries and tour operators, however you also have the option of staying overnight in one of the quaint island hotels. Each island has their own unique style, both in the area surrounding the port, and in the island’s interior. Sipan has perhaps the most pretty towns of the islands, known as the Prince of the Elaphites, Kolocep has seven pre-Romanesque churches, which date back to the times of the Croatian kings in the 9th century and Lopud is known for its picturesque sandy beaches, the best of which is located at the south of the island, accessible via a chauffeured golf buggy through the luscious forest from the port

8) Sample the unique and delicious local cuisine

Positioned within 40km of 3 countries (Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro), on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and with a coloured history of empiric influences, Dubrovnik’s cuisine is hugely varied, creating a flawless blend of bygone and modern eras. Simple local ingredients are masterly combined into utterly delicious, healthy and filling dishes, drawing flavours and inspiration from many sources. One of the must try dishes is the world famous ‘black risotto’, which is infused with velvety squid ink and often topped with fresh local cuttlefish or shellfish, fresh from the Adriatic. Another excellent local dish is the brilliantly named ‘Dirty Macaroni’ (or Šporki Makaruli), which pairs fresh, homemade pasta with a delicious Bolognese like tomato and meat sauce, giving a dish which truly lives up to its title (make sure you ask for extra napkins!). As a southern European coastal nation, Dubrovnik of course also has a fantastic range of local olives and wines. For those preferring red wine, Plavac Mali Dingač is a deliciously rich locally bottled option, and for those looking to pair a white with the delicious local fish and shellfish options, look no further than Pošip, a mild but floral and fruity taste. Dubrovnik is also full of micro-brewed beer options – make sure to check out the bars in the walls of the old town, where you can sample these varieties while gazing over the glistening Adriatic, toasting with a shot of rakija (Croatian brandy) as the sun sets.

9) Enjoy a swim at the quaint beach areas

Although Dubrovnik is not famed as a traditional European beach destination, it does have a small number of hidden gems, perfect for those looking to cool off on roasting hot days in the city. The main beach areas are located to the north of the old town, popular with tourists, especially due to their proximity with the tour boats port. The main public beach is named Banje beach, which although it does get busy on nice days, offers a good place for a quick dip in the Adriatic. Its more exclusive neighbour, familiarly named ‘Copacabana Beach’ in testimony to perhaps the world’s most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro, offers a slightly quieter alternative, with a stylish beach bar, fitted with comfortable and moderately priced beach beds. If you are looking for something a little more secluded and ‘off the beaten track’, there are plenty of small cozy coves along the coastline north of the old town. Perhaps the most convenient and sheltered option is the hidden Danče Beach, a stone’s throw from the majestic Lovrijenac Fort. Set on the edge of a small but sheltered cove, this rocky beach feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the old town just a few hundred metres away, with access to take a quick dip in the pristine waters of the Adriatic.

10) Explore even more of the beautiful Adriatic coast

Positioned almost perfectly in the middle of the western coast of the Balkan Peninsula, Dubrovnik is also considered a perfect jumping off point to explore some of the most spectacular surrounding areas to the north and south. Heading north towards the top end of Croatia brings spectacular views of sheer mountains dramatically sweeping to the edge of the Adriatic Sea, explorable via hire car, bus or even via charter yacht. If exploring by road, you’ll learn that technically Dubrovnik is not actually part of its own country, separated from mainland Croatia by 20km of Bosnia and Herzegovina coastline. We’ll let each of you decide whether the 10-minute drive from border crossing to border crossing counts as having visited the country (truthfully there is not much Bosnian culture visible from the car window on the M2!). Further north, the coastal road passes through the beautiful cities of Makarska and Split (both also very popular destinations in their own right, and worthy of their own top ten lists!) and extends to the very top of the country into neighboring Slovenia and beyond to Italy’s Venetian region. Heading south from Dubrovnik also won’t take long to cross a border (this time not just for 20km) into the lesser travelled Montenegro and beyond to Albania, both with some spectacular must visit spots (many of which are offered as day trips from Dubrovnik, including breathtaking Kotor and Budva).