Exploring Dubrovnik is ideal in the spring and early autumn when the weather is agreeable and the crowds are less dense.
What to Do and See:
- City Walls & Forts: Start your exploration by strolling the magnificent city walls that surround Dubrovnik’s old town, recently popularized by Game of Thrones. The 2km loop provides stunning views of the terracotta rooftops and the glistening Adriatic Sea. Constructed in the 13th century and subsequently fortified, the walls served to safeguard the city against invaders.
- Stradun: Immerse yourself in the local tradition by enjoying a morning coffee along the Stradun, a 300-meter-long promenade paved with white limestone, stretching between Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. The Stradun is flanked by 17th-century Baroque stone buildings that host quaint shops and inviting open-air cafes. At the promenade’s end, Gradska Kavana offers a splendid coffee experience from its elevated terrace.
- The Sponza Palace: enduring the 1667 earthquake, was initially constructed as a customs house and now encompasses a rich cultural heritage, including the State Archives.
- Dominican Monastery: Enter the Dominican Monastery, a mid-14th-century establishment featuring a quaint museum with relics and artifacts, alongside a serene cloister.
- War Photo Limited: This gallery, curated by New Zealand photojournalist Wade Goddard, provides a powerful experience of humanity. Each photo tells a story in history.
- Lokrum Island: Take a 10-minute ferry ride to Lokrum, a lush, forested island with holm oaks, pines, and olive trees.
What to Eat:
- Seafood: Dubrovnik’s coastal location means you can savour fresh seafood. Try dishes like black risotto, grilled fish, and octopus’ salad.
- Peka: A traditional Croatian dish, peka is slow cooked under a bell-shaped lid. It combines meat (usually lamb or veal) with vegetables and aromatic herbs.
- Rozata: End your meal with a delightful dessert – rozata, a creamy caramel flan with a hint of rose liqueur.
Strolling along the city walls, enjoying a coffee in a quaint café, or delving into the historical sites, Dubrovnik offers an experience that’s truly memorable.