Dubrovnik, on the southern Dalmatian coast of Croatia, is as awe-inspiring within its walls as it is when viewed from afar. It has to be one of the most picturesque towns in Europe. Dubrovnik has had a long and turbulent history and its ancient walls, even as late as the end of the twenty-first century, have been witness to many struggles. A walk around the walls gives splendid views over glowing terracotta roof tiles and a wonderful seascape. It is a beautiful medieval city with cobbled narrow streets that open into small squares where you will inevitably find a remarkable church or striking edifices. Dubrovnik may be an old city but it is full of life with bars and cafes spilling out onto the streets and small shops on every corner.
The surrounding waters of the crystal clear Adriatic offer a variety of water sports and if you fancy a day away from the city you can take a trip to one of the many small neighbouring islands.
Dubrovnik accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes from five star luxury hotels to apartments and ‘room only’ options, thus catering for all budgets. Likewise its restaurants, brasseries and cafes satisfy most tastes. Evenings can be as peaceful and romantic as you wish, or as lively. There are venues to please everyone.
Dubrovnik is an ideal base for those wishing to combine a cultural city break with explorations of southern Dalmatia’s stunning countryside. The natural beauty of the landscape and its rich history make Dubrovnik a very popular holiday destination.
Dubrovnik is very popular with Northern Europeans looking for a city break. It certainly has much to offer those with an interest in history and architecture, and there is the added attraction of ferry trips to the pretty Dalmatian Islands.
The climate along the Adriatic coast gives long dry summers and pleasantly mild winters so Dubrovnik can be visited at any time of year. The long summer holiday season lasts from April until October. City break visitors find early and late season bookings avoid the higher temperatures of July and August.
Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and is the jewel in Croatia’s crown. Its heavily fortified walls surround a maze if narrow streets, alleyways and squares which contain some wonderful monuments to man. There are so many things to add to your sightseeing list but essentials would be the Cathedral from 1673, the Church of St. Blaise, the Onofrio Fountain dating from the early fourteen hundreds and the Rector’s Palace also designed by Onofrio, although damage of one sort or another throughout the intervening years, has left little of his original work. This is now a museum. The paving stones in the Stradun, which runs from Pila Gate to Ploce Gate, were laid in the fifteenth century and glisten in the sunshine as if wet. The Sponza Palace should be included if only to honour the memorial of those killed in the conflict between 1991 and 1995. There are of course many more interesting sights, too many to include here.
When your legs are weary from sightseeing you can wander to the harbour where the waters of the crystal clear Adriatic offer a variety of water sports from diving and snorkelling, to sailing, fishing, surfing and powered sports. If you fancy a day away from the city you can take a trip to one of the many small neighbouring islands.
Dubrovnik has a wide range of accommodation to suit most budgets and its restaurants certainly cater for most tastes. Nightlife can be as relaxing or as exhausting as you wish.
Dubrovnik is ideal for a city break as it is filled with cultural delights and warm hospitality.
Dubrovnik nightlife is whatever you chose it to be. There are wonderful restaurants overlooking the sea where you can relax over a romantic meal for two. There are also many lively bars and discos where partying continues until the early hours of the morning. It is especially lively during the summer festivals in July and August when there are concerts in the streets.
Shopping in Croatia is generally more expensive than in Britain, but the quality of goods tends to be excellent. You should be prepared to spend more on food whilst there. Dubrovnik has many small shops and supermarkets supplying holiday essentials. The market stalls are ideal for buying traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, ceramics and embroidered linens. These make very acceptable gifts and holiday mementoes. There are also many boutiques and specialist shops.
Dubrovnik has a many cafes and restaurants serving a variety of cuisine that caters for most tastes and pockets. Fish features prominently on menus and there are some excellent eateries down by the harbour, along the seafront and in the old town itself. Enjoy your evening meal while watching glorious sunsets and end the day with a relaxing travarica which is a locally produced herbal brandy. Croatian wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
