Dubrovnik is a sea-facing city located in the southern part of Croatia. Famed for its picturesque rooftops and contribution to hosting scenes for Game of Thrones, this little city has lots to offer. Yes, you will find an influx of visitors from those taking a short stop on their cruise trip in the main city. Time your stay carefully to avoid the crowds and have a hassle-free experience. It is convenient to explore neighbouring islands Lokrum and more thanks to the port and regular sailings available, and other parts of Croatia, such as Split, can be reached by bus. You can also head to Montenegro should you decide to base a stay in the city, as it’s a 3.5-hour drive away, a 2-3 hour journey if you go by bus.
A walk around The Walls of Dubrovnik in the Old Town is an absolute must. The defensive stone walls are unapologetically bold and brave. There are several gates that you can enter to start your route. People have asked if you could attend with a pushchair, and though it is possible, we wouldn’t advise it. Bring a baby carrier and avoid bashing your buggy as you countlessly go up and down and walk along narrow strips and on the cobbled floor. Instead, focus calmly on the most unstoppable views of the Adriatic Sea. Ensure your camera and phone are fully charged, as this is where the magic happens. Fort Lovrijenac, or St. Lawrence Fortress, can be seen from the walls and stands at 121 ft. The Prevlaka Fortress, Walls of Ston and Imperial Fortress surround the walls – military architecture with an exemplary presence even today and a reminder of its previous purpose to protect the city.
The view from the shopping street Stradun is encapsulating, with people scaling up and down the street, the Onofrio Fountain, and sun-drenched terracotta rooftops framing everything. Cool off at Rector’s Palace in the centre and muse at the Gothic-Renaissance structure in full glory. Alternatively, this also makes a great spot for ‘people watching,’ so perch yourself on the choir-style decorative stone benches and bask in the ambience. Suppose you’re looking for something outside the norm for lunch or dinner. In that case, Azur restaurant is an Asian-fusion establishment serving delicious dishes that represent Chef Vedran’s “fun dining” concept. Try the vegetarian meatballs with rice or the breaded chicken sliders; they don’t disappoint!
For pretty sun-downers, we recommend heading to a private cove on the tip of the Babin Kuk peninsula and letting your hair down at Coral Beach Club. We timed it for an aperitif and relaxed along the coast just before an impressive sunset. The atmosphere is chilled, the service is fast, and the location is beyond easy for the eye. A seat here reminds you why you probably picked Dubrovnik as your holiday destination. Another option is neighbouring Copacabana, which is equally hip but with a different view. We dined on a ‘burratina caprese’ with tomato, strawberries, basil and almonds, along with ‘mare monti’ pasta dish that included shrimp and shavings of Istrian truffles.
If you want to leave the city, visit the picturesque small town of Cavtat, southeast of Dubrovnik. It’s a great option for a day trip; the journey is an experience. Upon arrival at the UNESCO-listed town, the harbour enthuses with a jaw-dropping promenade set among hillside views and shops dotted along the Adriatic coast. Do head to the Our Lady of The Snow monastery, St Nicholas’s Church and Bukovac’s house. Or take a stroll around the coast and dip as and when you fancy.
