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Dubrovnik, Croatia

AUTHOR: ARTSYCHOWROAMER

Bringing you just a peek into destinations that should be on your bucket list. Not an in depth guide, just some luscious pics, tips and hacks to highlight why I love this place and you might too!

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Dubrovnik is known as the pearl of the Adriatic with its European charm and pedestrian only Old Town. With a population in the city area of around 45,000, it is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. The southernmost city in Croatia, it is located on the Adriatic Sea.

The history of the city dates back to the 7th century and it was almost completely destroyed by a major earthquake in 1667. It has been under the protection of France, Italy and the Illyerian governments and for most of the 19th and 20th centuries was a part of the Austrian Empire of Austria, Hungary and Yugoslavia.

With the disintegration of Yugoslavia in 1991, it was invaded by the Yugoslav Peoples Army and sustained substantial damage to the historic city with seven months of shelling and bombing. In 1997 it was named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO giving it the money to rebuild and make it the remarkable destination of today.

Landmarks include the Dubrovnik Cathedral, Rectors Palace, The Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cable Car, Old Town and the Franciscan Monastery just to name a few.

Boasting an endless list of possibilities for things to do, places to see and great food to eat, this small charming city was declared “heaven on earth” by visiting writer, George Bernard Shaw. Are you ready for a quick Snap Shot?

Go

Considered a port city most of the wealth and beauty that was built in Dubrovnik came from maritime trade. It is a big destination for the cruise industry and the ships have had to be more strictly controlled and spread out through the week in order to keep the crowds down in Old Town.

The above map gives you a good idea of the general layout and the most desirable places to visit during your stay.

When

Dubrovnik is categorized as a borderline humid subtropical and Meditteranean climate. This makes June through August the hottest months and September to November the best months to visit. Be aware November can bring a lot of rain as well so plan accordingly.

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When Game of Thrones was scouting for filming locations it was determined that Dubrovnik would make the perfect place for Kings Landing, home to the famous incestuous twins Jamie and Cersei Lannister.

There is an actual walking tour you can take to show you all the locations used within the city while they filmed Season 8 in particular. Catch a glimpse of what you might see on the video below!

See

The first thing you are going to want to do is catch some great pics of the city walls that define and surround Old Town. The walls were built during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries as Turkish invasion became more of a threat. The view of the city is best on approach from the sea or by air where the distinctive red tile roofs are more apparent.

There are street vendors and musicians providing a lively atmosphere and experience. This area is a favorite to both stay and live with it’s small town feeling, vibrancy and European architecture that remind me of spots in Prague.

The video above will give you a good idea of how a walkabout in Old Town might look and feel. There are cute restaurants up and down the small alleys that open into the large square known as Stradun and don’t miss Luza Square and Onofrio’s Fountain which was built in 1438 to provide fresh spring water.

During the season this area can be an incredibly crowded place to visit making the cooler months a better choice if you would like to avoid that problem. While some restaurants and shops do close out of season many say they still prefer that to avoid the heavy tourism. I visited near the end of November which was still sweater weather and it was quiet and easy to get around.

Next up on your list of must do’s is the Sponza Palace; one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Dubrovnik having been built in the16th century. While it was nearly completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1667 enough remained to be able to restore it to it’s original design. It presently houses the National Archives.

Luza Square sits in front of the building and is used for the opening ceremonies of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival every year. Over 70 different venues offer performances in music, theatre, opera and dance from July 10th through August 25th.

Eat

My first choice for fine dining in Dubrovnik has got to be the family of restaurants under the Nautika brand. Nautika Restaurant lies at the edge of the sea at Pile, the western entrance to the old city. As if the views weren’t to die for enough, the food will leave you wanting more as well. Chef Mario Bunda is working with his team providing the finest in Mediterranean dining and the freshest seafood with only the best local sourcing.

Recognized in 2008 as one of the most romantic spots to dine they also were honored to host Saint John Paul II when he visited. Wine Spectator continually names them to the top of the list for their wine selections.

The menu mainly centers around seafood but if that’s not your thing they do offer dishes with pasta, veal, beef and lamb. You can begin with some lovely cold appetizers like a trio of seafood delicacies in tuna, sea urchin and lobster or a beef carpaccio.

Hot appetizers include a choice of soups and dishes like shrimp on polenta, foie gras or truffle tagliatelle. Main dishes include three choices from the sea and three choices from the land. Presentation is absolutely first rate on the colorful composed plates as you can see below.

Want a scaled down version for breakfast, lunch or dinner? Try Dubravka Restaurant and Cafe which offers classic breakfast offerings, pizzas, seafood and meat dishes in a more casual setting that still has wonderful views of the Adriatic or Gradska Gravana Arsenal close to Luza Square for great casual dining as well.

You can take the Dubrovnik Cable Car up Srd hill to do a little shopping for souvenirs and stop for a break at Nautika’s Panorama Restaurant. Now your views are high up and even more stunning. The menu offers an extensive list of hot beverages, cocktails and beer and snacks to go with them.

Chef is offering up Mediterranean street food at a wonderful little casual restaurant called Moskar in the center of the old city. A small number of seats inside and out make it a cozy choice. Local wines are highlighted and delivered on boards offering the best fresh selections of meat, cheeses, breads, olive oils, dips and sauces.

Think Ploughman’s Platter kind of eating but with fresh veggies like tomatoes and peppers and beautiful selections of fruits and olives. Try the pasticada which is a slow braised beef dish or the mussels in tomato and white wine. This is the perfect choice for a quick lunch or light dinner.

You know how I like a little out of the way spot with good contemporary design and Pantarul has it all. Begun by Ana-Marija Bujic, a food blogger and author of two cook books, this family owned business is offering a fresh modern approach to Croatian food with an emphasis on farm to table and local wines.

They make their own pastas and breads and offer a five course seafood or meat tasting menu. Try the slow braised ox cheeks or pan-seared foie gras on this menu-you won’t be disappointed with the food of Chef Jadran Tutavac.

Stay

I know it is going to seem like I am giving all my recommendations from an old city point of view but it really is my favorite place to be in Dubrovnik and it is such easy access for walking to shops, restaurants and bars that it stands to reason a favorite place to stay would be the Hotel Stari Grad located in Old Town.

The branding on their website is a little different (click black & white photos to get a sense of color) but it really is a lovely hotel with fresh modern colors, old world elegance and charm and a rooftop restaurant that is fabulous.

Yes, you can find less expensive accommodations even in the same area but they just don’t have quite the amenities, style and comfort that this boutique hotel offers. Fine dining at Above 5 gets you spectacular views and the best of Mediterranean eating recognized by Michelin in 2018. Or you can lounge in the cozy Lobby Bar for a few signature cocktails or whiskeys.

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What gives this property it’s coziness is the small number of rooms-only 8 on offer with each done in their own unique way. They are spacious and comfortable with all the modern amenities expected. The design and colors reflect the colors of the Adriatic and surrounding landscapes.

Relax in the authentic Thai spa Icona where the ancient healing art of Thai massage will calm your mind, body and spirit. Pamper yourself and book some time to unwind, rejuvenate and heal any of those pesky worries you might have while traveling.

Want a small destination wedding? Maybe you know 10 family members or friends that like to travel and rent together? Villa Anamir might be the spot for you. Recently acquired by the property this is the best villa rental available in the area. Check out the photos and details on this fabulous rental.

Guides

Other spots you might want to give a visit in and around the old city is Rectors Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Aquarium. The Rectory is a nice example of Gothic architecture and served as the seat for the Rector from the 14th to 17th century. Originally it was a defense building in the Middle Ages destroyed by fire in 1435 and rebuilt.

The Cathedral is built in the Romanesque style from the 12th century partially funded by Richard the LIonheart due in part for surviving a shipwreck by washing up on Lukrum Island.

Run by the Dubrovnik University’s Institute for Marine and Coastal Research this small Aquarium is housed in the walls and floor of the medieval fortress of St. John. It is a cool, quiet and peaceful way to observe the floral and fauna of the Adriatic Sea bed.

A FERRY RIDE DAY TRIP TO LOKRUM ISLAND

The beaches around Dubrovnik can get very crowded so how’s a person supposed to get their rays and swim time in? A day trip over to Lokrum Island should do the trick. Lying only a half mile away from shore in Dubrovnik Bay the ferry offers a 15 minute trip back and forth all day. According to legend it is the island that Richard the Lionheart washed up on after being shipwrecked in 1192.

There are beaches and a salt lake on offer for swimming. Be sure to take sandals that you can wear in the water. The beaches and water areas are very rocky and you do not want to step on a sea urchin in bare feet unless you want to mess up your vay-kay pretty quickly. A small backpack with essentials like shoes, bathing suit, dry change and bottled water is a good idea as well.

Photos Above: Travels & Treats Blog

The historic Fort Royal will give you a little history fix with a tour of the ruins of a Benedictine Monastery that houses a restaurant. Take a photo of yourself on the replica of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones in another celebration of the filming in and around Dubrovnik

Take a break from the sun and wander around the Botanical Garden and woods. Keep your eyes peeled for the peacocks and bunnies all around. They are not native but were brought over hundreds of years ago and have survived and enjoyed their location apparently.

The Republic of Croatia is administratively organized into twenty counties, and is also traditionally divided into four historical and cultural regions: Croatia proper, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Istria. These are further divided into other, smaller regions including 129 cities and 429 municipalities according to the 2011 census. The official language is Croatian-a Slavic language.

Additionally Dubrovnik is known for its literary and musical chops. The city will be hosting the 2025 World Men’s Handball Championship. Other films using Dubrovnik for a film location include Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Bollywood’s Fan and Robin Hood. Enjoy the music in the video below by Croatian cellist, Stejpan Hauser, which also happens to show you the beauty of the city set to music.

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