The Experience
Softly glowing from behind its celebrated stonewalls, the lights in Old Town Dubrovnik pour out over the Adriatic coast. The seasoned streets are full of medieval charm, and on a rare night, undisturbed by any other tourists, I was one of small group of travelers who had the privilege of the place all to ourselves.
I came to Dubrovnik by sailboat – the third stop along our Dalmatian coast cruise. Completely unaware of its enchanting power, intensely rich history and lively culture, I was taken happily by surprise. After docking amongst the other beautifully crafted European boats in the harbor, we trailed down the marble streets of Dubrovnik one at a time. Running our fingers over the carvings along these ancient buildings, we hurriedly soaked up the excitement of our charmed opportunity. The walls and buildings of Dubrovnik gleamed softly under the moonlight, and in that moment I could see why Lord Byron called this place 'the pearl of the Adriatic'.
Dubrovnik is located at the very tip of Croatia's coast on the Adriatic Sea, and the remarkably well preserved Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the highlights of visiting Old Town Dubrovnik is walking the perimeter of the walls and sea towers that encircle it. The walls are several meters thick and served as fortifications as far back as the 14th and 15th centuries. The 2km walk offers stunning panoramic views and several quaint cafés along the way to help you enjoy the vistas a little longer.
After a full day exploring the winding city streets, enjoy dinner at a pizzeria by the sea and stroll down to Placa Stradun, in Old Town Dubrovnik. Placa is the main street and home to a thriving culture from years ago that remains untouched today. Embellished in magnificent stone detail, Placa Stradun is the perfect place for an early evening stroll. Saunter through Old Town Dubrovnik and savor its charming bars and restaurants, often with live music playing, and visitors wandering in and out at their leisure. With fresh caipirinhas in hand, we danced the night away with locals, until night gave way to morning. Sailing away just after sunrise, we were off to our next destination, but my heart and head were still in Dubrovnik, captivated and full of love for this wonderful place.
I came to Dubrovnik by sailboat – the third stop along our Dalmatian coast cruise. Completely unaware of its enchanting power, intensely rich history and lively culture, I was taken happily by surprise. After docking amongst the other beautifully crafted European boats in the harbor, we trailed down the marble streets of Dubrovnik one at a time. Running our fingers over the carvings along these ancient buildings, we hurriedly soaked up the excitement of our charmed opportunity. The walls and buildings of Dubrovnik gleamed softly under the moonlight, and in that moment I could see why Lord Byron called this place 'the pearl of the Adriatic'.
Dubrovnik is located at the very tip of Croatia's coast on the Adriatic Sea, and the remarkably well preserved Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the highlights of visiting Old Town Dubrovnik is walking the perimeter of the walls and sea towers that encircle it. The walls are several meters thick and served as fortifications as far back as the 14th and 15th centuries. The 2km walk offers stunning panoramic views and several quaint cafés along the way to help you enjoy the vistas a little longer.
After a full day exploring the winding city streets, enjoy dinner at a pizzeria by the sea and stroll down to Placa Stradun, in Old Town Dubrovnik. Placa is the main street and home to a thriving culture from years ago that remains untouched today. Embellished in magnificent stone detail, Placa Stradun is the perfect place for an early evening stroll. Saunter through Old Town Dubrovnik and savor its charming bars and restaurants, often with live music playing, and visitors wandering in and out at their leisure. With fresh caipirinhas in hand, we danced the night away with locals, until night gave way to morning. Sailing away just after sunrise, we were off to our next destination, but my heart and head were still in Dubrovnik, captivated and full of love for this wonderful place.
When to Go to Dubrovnik
Croatia is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Visit the coast anytime from May-October and you will enjoy great weather, but expect more tourists in the peak months of July and August, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance.
Odds n' Ends
Croatia's official currency is the Kuna but many establishments will accept payment in Euros. Although it is relatively easy to exchange money in larger cities and places popular with tourists, it is a good idea to have Kunas on hand if you are heading to more remote areas.
The Dalmatian coast is best seen by boat due to its many islands. Tour companies offer week long cruises for all budgets which allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery all day, and spend each night exploring a different port. Alternately, you can choose to stay in one of the larger coastal cities like Split and take local ferries to the islands.
When you visit Dubrovnik make sure to stop at Buža for a drink. This café is literally a hole in the wall carved right into the cliffs, and there is no better place to watch the sunset.
Enrich your time in Dubrovnik by learning more about Croatia's tumultuous past at War Photo Limited, a modern gallery which aims to educate the public about conflict through photography. The harsh images will provide a striking contrast to the beauty of the Old Town bringing new depth to your visit. 6 Antuninska, Old Town. Closed Mondays.
The Old Pharmacy in Dubrovnik has been running since 1317 and offers a wealth of natural potions and beauty creams made from ancient recipes. Located inside the Franciscan Monastery in the Old Town, it is the third oldest pharmacy in Europe and the only one still open for business today.
The Dalmatian coast is best seen by boat due to its many islands. Tour companies offer week long cruises for all budgets which allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery all day, and spend each night exploring a different port. Alternately, you can choose to stay in one of the larger coastal cities like Split and take local ferries to the islands.
When you visit Dubrovnik make sure to stop at Buža for a drink. This café is literally a hole in the wall carved right into the cliffs, and there is no better place to watch the sunset.
Enrich your time in Dubrovnik by learning more about Croatia's tumultuous past at War Photo Limited, a modern gallery which aims to educate the public about conflict through photography. The harsh images will provide a striking contrast to the beauty of the Old Town bringing new depth to your visit. 6 Antuninska, Old Town. Closed Mondays.
The Old Pharmacy in Dubrovnik has been running since 1317 and offers a wealth of natural potions and beauty creams made from ancient recipes. Located inside the Franciscan Monastery in the Old Town, it is the third oldest pharmacy in Europe and the only one still open for business today.
Want a Guide?
- Sail Croatia - Croatian Sailing Holidays and Cruises
- Spend 7 days with Sail Croatia island hopping around the most spectacular coastline in Europe discovering tiny islands and secluded coves hidden in the sparkling blue of the Adriatic...
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Welcome to Dubrovnik. Edi's Sea View Rooms are located directly on the Pile Beach (Old Town), 50 meters near the historic part of Dubrovnik city ... 0 miles away
$644 HRK+
Guesthouse Peter, for the last 25 years we are providing the best accommodation in Dubrovnik.There are few different rooms types, some with private and some ... 0 miles away
$579 HRK+
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Enjoy the drive around the Kotor Bay with its numerous small settlements; make a stop in the Medieval Kotor to soak in the typical Mediterranean ...0.05 miles away via Dubrovnik.
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The town is exceptional for its dwellings and monuments, assembled harmoniously over the centuries thanks to the favorable geographical conditions and the sound economic climate. ...0.05 miles away via Dubrovnik.
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
This tour will reveal the finest sites of the old walled City as well as give an opportunity to view it from above at the ...
Starting from $41.70 per person.
Starting from $41.70 per person.
Books and DVDs
- Top 10 Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast
- Whether you visit for the sun, the sailing, the scenery, or some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere, the Dalmatian coast is quite simply...
- The Rough Guide to Croatia
- The easiest way to get to Croatia is by air, though fares from outside Europe can be expensive; a cheaper option may be to pick...
- Lonely Planet - Croatia
Elsewhere on the Web
- Old City of Dubrovnik - UNESCO.org
- The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards.
- Croatian National Tourist Board
Media References
- Dubrovnik - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- fter more than a half-century in obscurity, the walled city of Dubrovnik is making up for lost time, quickly transforming the Croatian coast from a ragged backwater into a fashionable seaside resort.
- Destination of the Year: Adventure Guide: Croatia - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- With some 1,200 islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is best seen by boat. And though most visitors will probably choose to avoid a five-week, 400-mile (644-kilometer) expedition like ours, it's very possible to catch the highlights in a few days.
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