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Dubrovnik
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Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most picturesque and romantic cities. At its heart is the star attraction: the Unesco-protected, medieval old town. A delightful combination of churches, marble streets and terracotta tiled roofs set against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, it’s easy to see why Byron named this part of the Dalmatian Coast ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. It’s relatively small and does get very busy in summer – particularly up on the famous city walls, but there’s also a seriously good vibe at this time with plenty of outdoor concerts and opportunities to venture out on the water.
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Live like a local
Must-do
Walk around the city walls for the most incredible views over Dubrovnik’s old town. Go early when there are fewer people and before it gets too hot, as it can easily take a couple of hours depending on how many photo stops you make. Down in the town, amble along the pedestrianised Stradun and stop by historical points of interest including Onofrio’s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, the City Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Assumption. Also, pop into the Franciscan Monastery to see the beautiful 14th-century cloisters and historical apothecary before taking a stroll by the old port to admire the imposing St John’s Fortress.
Find out moreCulture
There are some fine museums of cultural significance in Dubrovnik. One of the most popular is based at the Rector’s Palace – the former home of the rector of Ragusa (once the name of the city) – home to rooms decorated with period-style paintings and furnishings. If you like a more immersive cultural experience, the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival, in July and August, is the time to go for a full and varied programme of music, theatre and dance performances as well as films. Many of these events are held outdoors in atmospheric venues including the Lovrijenac Fort.
Find out moreAdventurous spirit
Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore. Paddle alongside the city walls and onwards to secluded Betina Cave Beach, where you can take a well-earned rest or go snorkelling. If that sounds like too much effort, take a private boat excursion and island-hop around the Elaphite Islands. Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan are regarded as the three most stunning and between them offer opportunities for walks through pine forests and exploring traditional villages. Dubrovnik also makes a good start or end to a luxury yachting itinerary along the Dalmatian Coast, where you should make a stop at the fashionable island of Hvar.
Find out moreWith the kids
Take the short cable-car ride to the top of Mount Srd for incredible views over the city, sea and islands. Teenagers with a thirst for modern history may like to pop into the Museum of Croatian War of Independence at the top. Despite being simple, the exhibits dating from the Nineties war are informative and thought-provoking. For a fun family day, visit Lokrum island. The boat trip here takes just 15 minutes but the scene is worlds away from the city, so bring a picnic, admire the peacocks strutting about and find the island’s ‘dead sea’ lake where you can float.
Find out moreRetail therapy
Dubrovnik is hardly a shopping metropolis; you won’t find malls or streets filled with luxury shops. However, there is a smattering of international designer labels, with the likes of the Maria concept store, which sells brands including Givenchy, Marc Jacobs and Yves Saint Laurent. For something different, seek out the boutiques dedicated to up-and-coming Croatian fashion designers. Visit one of the traditional jewellers and pick up some exquisite gold filigree earrings or the decorative buttons that make classy souvenirs – the goldsmith industry here dates from the 13th century. And for men there are neckties that originated in Croatia in the 1600s.
Find out moreFood and drink
Croatian cuisine is similar to Mediterranean in style: it’s heavily influenced by its neighbours, Italy and Greece. The fish is excellent and so fresh that it needs little more than a simple seasoning and grilling. Sea bass and sea bream are particularly tasty. In October, Dubrovnik hosts a four-day Good Food Festival. It’s a great time to enjoy the city’s bustling restaurants and bars, which host a variety of wine and craft beer-tasting events, cooking workshops, special dinners and, on the last day of the festival, the ‘Dubrovnik Table’ in the Stradun, which showcases local hotel specialities.
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