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10

Dubrovnik Holiday & Sightseeing Travel

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A trip to Dubrovnik

A dazzling jewel of the Adriatic, the lovely city of Dubrovnik in Croatia draws a great number of tourists with its relaxing ambiance and jaw-dropping sceneries. However, Dubrovnik isn’t just a pretty face; its historic significance is recognised worldwide. A World Heritage site, Dubrovnik is home to winding medieval streets, a captivating old town and a number of historical landmarks. Croatian food is second-to-none, while seafood is also very popular here. Clubbing in Dubrovnik is limited, but candlelit restaurants make up for its lack of spine-tingling night entertainment.

Flights to Dubrovnik
Take a pick between catching a plane, train or boat to Dubrovnik. The city has an airport receiving a number of flights from many European cities. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Dubrovnik try lastminute.com. Travellers can also get to the city by train, as there’s a train station located in Plee. From the train station, it’s only a short bus ride to the city centre. Optionally, tourists can also use the car ferry that links Italy to Dubrovnik regularly, a very popular means of getting here.

The city’s transportation isn’t in tip-top condition, but it will take you everywhere across the city and to other Croatian locations. Buses are cheap and cheerful while taxis are aplenty but notoriously expensive. The most convenient way to get around is to drive yourself using a hire car.

Dubrovnik

Sightseeing in Dubrovnik
The city of Dubrovnik has no shortage of historic buildings to gasp at. The old city is truly fascinating with a number of landmarks located in close proximity, meaning you can nip from one place to another within a short walk. Notable sights include the Franciscan Church, St Saviour’s Church and Onofrio’s Fountain. One of the pluses for roaming the old town is that the area is packed with the best eateries in the city.

Dubrovnik is home to several magnificent museums. Not to be missed is the House of Marin Drzic, which features exhibits on the life of this famous Croatian author. Dubrovnik’s medieval streets are also perfect for a stroll in the afternoon, while ladies should take note not to wear heels if they don’t want to fall head-first on the lovely cobbled streets.

Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Dining in Dubrovnik is a fun experience as tourists will get to taste delectable dishes that combine local influences with unique kicks from other Mediterranean countries. Seafood is big in Dubrovnik as the city is close to the ocean. Be ready to stuff yourself silly on local culinary delights in any one of the many restaurants around the old city.

Even though the city is a delight for food connoisseurs, the same can’t be said for party-goers. Nightlife in Dubrovnik is laid-back, with the exception of a few nightclubs around the old city. There are many bars in the Stradun area, most offering al fresco areas where you can check out locals and perhaps hobnob with other bored tourists.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
The old city is dotted with small shops that sell unique souvenirs and keepsakes. If you just can’t live without spending money, head for the Stradun where several shops await enthusiastic shoppers. For a more memorable experience, head to the daily market at Gunduliæeva Poljana where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and if you are lucky, bohemian handmade lace that will put Sienna Miller to shame.

The active bunch will also find many things to do around the beach and the marina. Water sports are aplenty while those wishing to keep it dry can go hiking or mountain biking in the nearby hills.

Daytrips
There are many potential daytrip destinations for tourists based in Dubrovnik. The resort city of Cavtat is the nearest such destination, reached in relatively short time by hire car. Restaurants, accommodation and amenities here are second to none, and many tourists even use this as a base for exploring the actual city of Dubrovnik.

The town of Split is located further afield, and it hosts a variety of its own attractions. Located in central Dalmatia, this city still maintains remnants of its ancient Roman infrastructure. The Diocletian Palace here is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved streets, ancient gates and excavated basement.

The greatest regional attraction is Plitvice National Park, located a few hours’ drive inland from Dubrovnik. This network of 16 interconnected lakes frames a pristine swath of forest, the whole of which is also recognised by UNESCO.

Must-see attractions
Dubrovnik’s modern appeal is in many ways connected to the old-world aura that still lingers here. Traditional klapa music still plays in local restaurants and pubs, planting listeners firmly in the continuum of unbroken history at work in the city.

Along the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik’s historic quarter are a few stand-out attractions. The 14th-century Franciscan Monastery projects a stoic façade that fronts a well-preserved interior. The reading room and library, both open to visitors, hold ancient manuscripts and relics, while the pharmacy museum houses a fascinating collection of ancient medicines dating back to the early 1300s.

Travel through the Pile Gate to find Onofrio’s Fountains, which are in many ways the city’s defining landmark. The fountains’ original purpose (in the 15th century) was to give guests a chance to rinse themselves of potential plague bacteria before continuing into the city. This is an important point of reference and a popular meeting place for locals and tourists during the summer months.

Dubrovnik is also home to the second-oldest synagogue in Europe. Still an active place of worship, this Jewish synagogue is located above the Zidovska Ulica. In addition to worship facilities, it also hosts a museum of local Jewish history.

Best time to go
Dubrovnik’s Mediterranean climate is characterised by hot, arid summers and wet winters. The cooling Bora wind sweeps in from October to April, making this an uncomfortable time to visit as temperatures can be cool and thunderstorms are common. Storms can also disrupt summer days, when average high temperatures sometimes approach 30°C. The best time to visit is on the shoulders of summer, particularly May to June and October, when temperatures remain below 20°C and overall conditions are most favourable.

Rainy day suggestions
As rain is relatively common throughout the year in Dubrovnik, it is also best to keep a backup activity planned when heading outdoors is not an option. The Maritime Museum is housed in St John’s Fortress, and beyond collections of maritime charts and seafaring equipment, visitors can also view marine life housed in 27 saltwater tanks. The Treasury of the Cathedral boasts important religious artefacts, and the Rector’s Palace has a collection of historic items related to the old republic.

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