As the bus heaved around the curvy bend cut into the mountain’s precipitous side, the mirage appeared: an ancient walled city sitting majestically at the peak's base, the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea lapping at its feet. However, it was no hallucination; I’d booked a trip with friends to the south of Croatia and we were about to arrive in the country’s much acclaimed Dubrovnik.
So, a visit to Eastern Europe’s rising star is guaranteed to set your friends’ tongues wagging, as it did mine.
A Brief History of Dubrovnik
According to folklore, the city was initially established sometime during the seventh century as a refuge for people arriving as exiles. Ruled over time by several governments including the Hapsburgs of Austria and the Soviet control of Yugoslavia, the city and its people were exposed to an array of vicissitudes.
In 1991, it was besieged and attacked by the JNA, following the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. Although destroyed in part, the city has been rebuilt and is now a masterpiece of design and fortitude befit for traveller-exploration.
Activities I Recommend Doing in Dubrovnik
Walk the City Walls
No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without a jaunt around the city’s old walls.Complete with various stone towers and turrets, the two-kilometre stretch of wall transports pedestrians on a kaleidoscopic visual-feast around the heart of Dubrovnik: the Old Town.
Constructed as a stronghold to protect the ancient city, the walls can now be used by visitors to step into history and appreciate the beauty of the panoramic view.
Meander through the Old Town
Majestically imbued with a strong sense of elegance, a walk through the Old Town – between the city’s walls – is magical.
Replete with stone streets and buildings of Medieval, Romanesque and Renaissance origins, the stroll through history does not disappoint. Sites abound: from the Onofrio Fountain to the Franciscan Monastery, City Cathedral and Street of Stradun, moving through the small area takes time.
We moved slowly and enjoyed dropping in to museums amid coffee and cake stops at some of the city’s many cafes.
Climb Stairs, Dip into Adriatic Waters and Feast on Local Fare
Moving through the maze of narrow streets and climbing winding stone staircases into the sloping hills is another invigorating activity visitors can enjoy.
Despite the wintry weather, we dipped our toes into the azure waters of the Adriatic and followed it up with a hot beverage and meal at a seaside restaurant. Options are plentiful, so consider them wisely before deciding.
I enjoyed feasting on seafood risotto followed by a shot of grappa at a dockside restaurant.
Reflections on Dubrovnik
Filled with almost as many sights and activities as some of its larger counterparts, Dubrovnik leaves visitors replete with satisfaction.
Even though the core of its attraction lies within the city’s ancient walls, stepping foot within takes you on a journey through time. It was historically charming and architecturally inviting.
I would return in a heartbeat to cast my eyes once again over the visual smorgasbord of antiquity.
Further Information
Getting to Dubrovnik - TRANSPORTATION
By Air
The closest airport, Dubrovnik Airport, is located 20 kilometres from the city centre. It sees flights arriving from over the continent and some from further afield. Airlines which service Dubrovnik Airport include:
Aer Lingus
British Airways
Easyjet
German Wings
Iberia
Lufthansa
Norwegian Air
Turkish Airlines
American Airlines
There are shuttle buses that link the airport and Dubrovnik, the bus station a fair hike from the city centre.
The following websites can be used to search for flights to and from Dubrovnik and other Croatian cities:
There is a bus station in Dubrovnik that sees services arriving from various parts of the continent. It is 2.5 kilometres from the Old Town and can be accessed on foot or by taking several buses (namely 7 and 1).
Services that arrive in Dubrovnik originate in the following cities:
Zagreb (11 hours)
Korcula (3 hours)
Mostar (3 hours)
Sarajevo (5 hours)
Split (4.5 hours)
Zadar (8 hours)
There are additional services between various Montenegrin and Bosnian cities and Dubrovnik during summer months only.
There are various cruise companies that dock at the Port of Dubrovnik to give passengers a chance to visit the Old Town. For information about the port and access to the city, visit the Dubrovnik Port Authority website.
Ferry
There are ferries which run along the coast (and back) and between Bari and Dubrovnik. Visit the Jadrolinija website for details.
Getting around Dubrovnik - TRANSPORTATION
By Bus
Most buses lead to the Old Town. For information about specific routes and fares, visit the Libertas Dubrovnik website.
Here are a few tips regarding buses in Dubrovnik:
Tickets are cheaper when bought at a kiosk (12kn) compared to 15kn on the bus
Tickets are valid for 1 hour
If you plan on using the bus a lot, purchase a day pass (30kn) at a select kiosk (one being the International Bus Station)
Bus 1, 1A and 1B are key links between the Old Town and the Main Bus Station
On Foot
Steve, Tina and I got around the city completely on foot (except for the bus journey that transported us to our accommodation outside of city limits).
The entire Old City is pedestrianised and wandering the warren of narrow lanes is akin to taking a journey through time. There are signs at the entrances to many of the streets but some are misleading or inaccurate. Getting lost can be fun, though and you'll rarely lose your way entirely as wandering will eventually take you to the wall or stairs leading up the mountain, the one that's a backdrop to the city. If the incline is too great then you know you're heading in the wrong direction.
Getting into Croatia - VISAS AND FORMALITIES
Border controls do not exist between Croatia and other countries that have become Schengen members, having signed - at one point in time - the official Agreement.
Therefore, if you are eligible to enter a Schengen country visa-free, then the same principle applies to all member countries. Similarly, if you are granted a visa for a Schengen country, then it will be valid in all other countries that have also signed the agreement. Don't confuse the Schengen Agreement with the European Union: they're not necessarily synonymous. A country can be an EU member without having signed the agreement and vice versa.
For full details about how the agreement works, see the detailed article on Wikitravel.
Staying in Dubrovnik - ACCOMMODATION
I stayed at a guesthouse near Dubrovnik, a short bus ride from the city.
Alternative accommodation options throughout Croatia can be searched using the following websites:
Ben, a seasoned solo traveller, writer, photographer, nurse, and health advocate, embarked on his global journey in 2003 at 18, transforming travel into his life's work and passion. His website reflects his extensive experience and insights, offering guidance on exploring the world uniquely and maintaining health while on the road.
