Dubrovnik is a beguiling and bewitching city in Croatia with endless things to do and see. Lovingly referred to as The Pearl of the Adriatic, the Croatian city is renowned all over the world for its enthralling Old Town.
Leaving behind its past filled with scars from battles, Dubrovnik is currently a thriving city by the sea that charms its visitors with its Adriatic beauty and captivates with indulgent culture and rich history. Dubrovnik will surely tug at the heartstrings of any traveler.
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A Quick Glimpse of Dubrovnik’s History
Despite being the most upmarket destination in Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s past is a truly remarkable one.
Prehistoric settlements can still be seen all over the city. However, recorded history started with the Slavs’ invasion during the 7th century before it became the Republic of Ragusa.
Not long after, the city experienced a quick expansion and development to become the affluent capital of Ragusa. The walls of the Old Town were constructed during the 13th century.
The city of Dubrovnik was also part of the world’s biggest merchant naval fleets that made the city wealthy and abounds with the love of art and sophistication.
In 1667, an earthquake destroyed a large part of the city and killed most of its residents even if the walls remained. It left the city defenseless when Napoleon arrived in 1808, marking the final days of the Republic of Ragusa.
When Napoleon fell in 1815, the Austro-Hungarian Empire took over Dubrovnik until after the First World War when the city became a part of Yugoslavia or Croatia. The Serbs’ destructive shelling during 1991 and 1992 in a siege that went on for seven months brought the Old Town into ruins. Thankfully, restoration was done right away to make it into the marvel that visitors can enjoy to this day.
Best Activities to Try
Dubrovnik never runs out of activities for tourists and locals alike. Here are some of the best things to do during your stay:
Indulge in Gastronomic Delights
You’re lucky if you’re visiting Dubrovnik because of the wide selection of local delights waiting for you to try. These include locally grown figs, black risotto, candied orange peel, and Croatian pizza, just to mention a few. If you’re a wine connoisseur, the fragrant reds of Croatia are also a certified must-try.
Go Kayaking around the Told Town
Another exciting thing to do in Dubrovnik is to go and explore the many hidden beach coves and caves. Don’t forget to bring a snorkel to enjoy the clear waters to the fullest. You can hire or rent kayaks from different parts all over the city, with prices varying depending on the season.
Enjoy a Day Trip to Lokrum Island
The nature reserve of Lokrum Island is located 600m from the coastline of Dubrovnik. The forest pools and unhurried beauty never fail to attract both tourists and locals. This tiny islet abounds with notable flora and fauna which includes Cypress and olive trees that offer peaceful and shaded respite from the bustling city.
The island also serves as a home to a Benedictine monastery and botanical gardens. You can reach the island via a short 10-minute ferry or kayak. You can also find several small cafes offering basic refreshments although it’s better to bring your refreshments and water.
Take a Dip in the Refreshing Adriatic Waters
Croatians love to bathe and swim, whether in rocky platforms or shingle and sand. If you like to experience the best kind of swimming, don’t forget to check out Dubrovnik’s top beaches.
Ride a Cable Car for the Sunset View in Mount Srd
Zip up to the peak of Mount Srd where you can bask in the stunning views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and beyond. During a cloudless day, you might even be able to catch a view of up to 37 miles. This is also the best spot in the whole of Dubrovnik to watch the most glorious views of the sunset. You can buy tickets at the cable car station directly. The opening hours may change every month.
Head Over to Elaphiti Islands
Also known as Elafiti Islands, the Elaphiti Islands are made up of 13 islands located northwest of Dubrovnik such as Kolocep, Sipan, Lopud, and several uninhabited islands. The aristocrats of Dubrovnik once favored these lush islands because of their secluded feel and idyllic nature.
To this day, the islands remain unspoiled and dotted with coastal towns and tiny villages with a more relaxed way of life. These islands will only give you a taste of the many islands of Croatia.
Kolocep is the island closest to Dubrovnik. The tranquil island is the epitome of natural beauty with its very few beaches and landscapes covered with forests.
Lopud is a traffic-free island well-loved for its serenity. It serves as home to one of the few sandy beaches of Croatia, Sunj Beach. Sunj is a bay of gentle waters and white sand that spans 1.2km. You can also find several restaurants and cafes here.
Sipan is the biggest of all the Elaphiti Islands and is also the only one with cars. This is home to the charming villages of Sudurad and Sipanska Luka and lush valleys.
You can easily visit all these three islands during a day trip from the city either by hopping on any of the frequent ferries or with a tour. The ferries take between 40 and 50 minutes that will take you to a beautifully scenic ride.
Explore the Old Town
There is no doubt that the biggest draw of Dubrovnik is none other than the evocative Old Town. It is very iconic that it caught the attention of numerous film sets such as the Game of Thrones and Star Wars Episode VII as well as some A-listers like Bob Geldof, Sir Robert Moor, Roman Abramovich, and Beyonce, just to mention a few.
Dubrovnik is truly a beauty to behold so be sure to explore it to the fullest on your next trip!
