Dubrovnik
Croatia’s stunning seaport is worthy of its world-renowned reputation.
With its enticing combination of history, culture and coastal scenery, it’s no wonder that Dubrovnik has become one of the most popular choices for European holidays in recent years.
Begin your tour of Dubrovnik with a walk along its iconic city walls. The two-kilometre (1.2-mile) stretch provides some of the best views of the Old Town, as well as stunning panoramas of the azure-tinted Adriatic Sea. The first of Dubrovnik’s city walls were constructed in the 9th century, with defences being fortified in the 14th century, and forts added to protect against Turkish attacks in the 15th century. These fortresses can be observed as you walk the walls, and your admission ticket will give you access to Fort Lovrijenac, one of the city’s most fascinating fortresses and a recognisable filming location from Game of Thrones.
Access to the city walls is granted via two historic gates, Pile and Ploce. Pile is more popular among tourists, so you can get a jump on the crowds by starting your stroll at Ploce. The walk provides little shelter and can be notoriously hot on sunny days, so prepare for scorching weather and take lots of water to avoid overpaying at opportunistic vendors.
Other historic sights to witness in Dubrovnik include Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance palace that doubles as a cultural history museum; the Franciscan Monastery, which houses the 14th-century pharmacy; and the Large Onofrio’s Fountain, which spews drinkable water from the mouths of 16 ornately carved masks.
You can take in the whole city at once from Srd, a 412-metre (1,352-foot) hill that overlooks Dubrovnik and provides unbeatable views of the Old Town, the island of Lokrum and the Elafiti Islands. The easiest and most enjoyable route to the top is via cable car head up just before sunset to see Dubrovnik at its most enchanting and magical.
Once you’re done sightseeing, why not mix things up with a spot of sea kayaking? The activity is a popular pastime in Dubrovnik, and a fun way to get active while enjoying a different perspective of the local scenery. It’s easy enough to kayak your way across to the lush island of Lokrum as part of a guided tour. The car-free isle is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing on the beach, and provides a tranquil retreat.
All that walking and paddling is hungry work. Luckily enough, Dubrovnik is filled with restaurants that serve some of the best food in Croatia. The specialities here are based on locally caught seafood, and include grilled fish and squid risotto head to Lokanda Peskarija or Restaurant Proto for some of the best.
For a drink, D’vino offers cosy vibes and an excellent selection of Croatian wine, making it a popular choice, or you can enjoy intoxicating ocean views while sipping beverages at one of two popular cliff-top bars: Buža I and Buža II.