Situated on the breathtaking Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is quite a hot spot for tourists. Dubbed the Pearl of the Adriatic, this Mediterranean city has tons of history, culture, as well as great food and wine packed within its fort walls. Built during the middle ages and founded on maritime trade, Dubrovnik really began to flourish in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its popularity has continued to grow through the centuries, especially with celebrities, royalty, and diplomats, and is now home to the most luxury hotels in Croatia.
The superb and detailed architectural styles witnessed throughout the city are truly a testament to the skills of those who built it. In 1979, the Old City of Dubrovnik was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites for its overall universal value, and its outstanding architecture and cultural development throughout the centuries. Sadly, the city suffered major damage from an earthquake in 1667. Fortunately, the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains were all preserved. The city also saw destruction again in the early 1990s after bombings during the Croatian War of Independence. Much of the damage has been covered, but remnants of the attacks remain, and the city is now the focus of a restoration program coordinated by UNESCO.
If you are interested in visiting Dubrovnik, there are a number of ways to get there. Dubrovnik has its own airport and there are a number of carriers that fly from destinations throughout Europe. If you want to see more of the coast, you can rent a car and drive between Split and Dubrovnik. The drive can take up to 6 hours, but the scenery and small towns along the coastline are well worth the journey. There are no direct train routes into Dubrovnik, but buses run from Split to Dubrovnik, which can take about 4 1/2 hours. Another method of travel, which is common throughout Europe, is to take the ferry. Lengthy ferry rides are available along the Dalmatian Coast and an overnight ferry runs from Bari, Italy but the long journey (up to 20 hours) would make this a last resort for me. Many cruises also include a stop in Dubrovnik, which is also a great way to see a little bit of the city while exploring more of the Mediterranean coast. My visit to Dubrovnik was the second stop on a two-week Eastern Mediterranean cruise I did back in 2007. Although I did not see as much of the city as I would have liked, I know I will definitely come back. Had I not at least spent a day there, Croatia might have remained much further down on my list of dream destinations.
The peak of the tourist season is definitely during the warm summer months as Croatia can be subjected to some brutal winter storms, making that the less desirable time to visit. There is so much to see and do in Dubrovnik, not to mention the nearby towns, that it would be a disservice to try to cover it all in just one Factoid. Dubrovnik is very rich in history and culture, and I will further explore those aspects in subsequent articles.
While visiting Dubrovnik, definitely tour the historical sights, such as the palaces and churches, and revel in the amazing architecture and the history that stand before you. Take a walking tour alongside the fort walls and imagine what life was like centuries ago. Hop on a ferry to nearby Lokrum island and visit the botanical gardens, taking in the views of Dubrovnik; or just spend a day relaxing on the beach, enjoying the warm turquoise waters of the Adriatic.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Dubrovnik, you will likely have worked up a good appetite. Fresh quality seafood and pizzerias are the main eats here. Local mussel and oyster farms a few miles up the coast supply some of the best seafood in the whole region. Make sure to try some local wines from the Peljesac peninsula or a Croatian beer. And, if you are truly brave and enjoy trying local specialities, sample the popular hard alcohol, rakija. Rakija is a strong distilled drink made from various fruits and likened to a fruit brandy. Also popular is various flavored grappa, another type of strong liquor that can be as high as 120 proof! Either way, be careful as a little too much imbibing might make for a rough morning and a late start to some great sightseeing!
Whether you are a history buff, interested in exploring the wine country, or just looking to lounge on the beach, this Pearl of the Adriatic offers something for everyone and should be a must-see destination on any vacation to the Mediterranean!
