For hundreds of years, Dubrovnik was a secluded and independent state. Since the 13th century, walls reaching 25 metres high kept invaders at bay. But today, anyone is welcome to relish the isolated beauty of the Pearl of the Adriatic. Behind the historic boundary, this Croatian city oozes grandeur.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik whisks you back in time. Enter the city through the Pile Gate, a drawbridge built in the 15th century. From the Stradun, a promenade paved in gleaming marble, climb the steps leading to the city barricades. Dubrovnik’s formidable walls extend for over 1 900 metres, and visitors can stride atop its balcony for a breathtaking panorama of the city. The Lovrijenac and Bokar fortresses tower over the coastline from a bed of rocks. Beyond the red-tiled roofs and honey-coloured buildings of town, the evergreen Lokrum Island rises from the ocean.
Escape the city and set sail on a galleon to the Elaphiti Islands. Northwest of Dubrovnik, the islets of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan are the ideal place to unwind. Savour the countryside and tantalise your palate with traditional seafood while folk music fills the air. For relief from the midday scorcher, head to the pebble-lined beaches where the waters are a refreshing reward.
Dubrovnik is a treasure along the Mediterranean coast, and the allure of this ancient city remains timeless.
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