No trip to Croatia is complete without a couple of days spent exploring the wide marbled streets and vibrant community life. With small intimate restaurants serving great food and wine, with friendly locals and impressive architecture, this city's definitely for the romantics.
Set on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a 1000-year-old walled city. Entering its gates is like stepping back in time. This is a city that is almost completely untouched by the modern world, and a tour around the city walls gives you an insight into an era long gone.
The medieval walls whisper stories from the 15th and 16th centuries, when Dubrovnik was a thriving port. Along the walk, you can find clues of the city's woeful days in 1667 when a massive earthquake destroyed much of the town. But no matter which way you look, you're be mesmerized by the expansive views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
These days the city's walls keep out modern things like motorcars, but they once guarded against the enemy. Every night the guards would pull up the drawbridge and hand the key over to the rector, who was like the city mayor.
The old place had a bit of divine protection too, through Dubrovnik's patron Saint Blaise. In 972AD the saint warned that the Venetians were about to attack Dubrovnik. The guards quickly lined the walls and prepared cannons in anticipation. The Venetians took one look at the assembled army and sailed away.
Even today that memorable occasion is remembered with the many St Laise statues that are dotted all over Dubrovnik. You'll bump into them just about everywhere you walk.
Once you've seen the city from up high, it's time to get down among the hustle and bustle. No matter where you are in the city, it's practically impossible to get lost because all the charming little streets lead onto the main drag, known as the Stradun. It's full of life, with about 5000 people living on the Stradun alone, and if you're looking for a hip and happening cafe culture, you'll be satisfied here.
To soak up the jewels of the Adriatic Sea, stay at the Excelsior Hotel. It's a five-minute walk from the city gates and is right on the beach.
Seafood by the sea is a sure-fire way to spice up your holiday and the Atlas Club Nautika is a good place to start.
Hero Image The port of Dubrovnik - By Tambako the Jaguar
Croaita Travel Destination Guide
