Dubrovnik

We spent two days exploring Old Town Dubrovnik, a medieval walled city that juts out into the Adriatic Sea and is so perfectly preserved you must also see it from above so you can really understand how incredible this place is. If you are driving to Dubrovnik from the airport, there are lookout spots that you can pull off to park and take it all in. There are also Cable Cars that unfortunately were not running when we were there, but were told they offer some of the most breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

Dubrovnik was one of the main locations for filming Game of Thrones and you will absolutely understand why as soon as you see it, but don’t let this be the reason why you visit. Take the time to learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and all the city and its people have endured, dating back to the 7th century. The stone walls surrounding Dubrovnik were built from the 11th to the 17th centuries, and it rivaled Venice as a trading port. Dubrovnik prospered for many centuries, but this beautiful city came under siege by the Serbs and Montenegrins in 1991 during the Yugoslavian war. We met many Croatians who endured very tough times during their war for independence. Some had to flee to other countries like Germany or the U.S. in order to survive, but they came back stronger and more dedicated than ever to carrying on their family legacies and preserving their Croatian culture.

You should spend a day checking out the Stradun, the beautiful main street that connects you from Pile Gate all the way east to the harbor. Meander down the tiny cobblestone streets, which they keep incredibly clean despite the crowds. There are plenty of little bars and restaurants to stop along the way, where we enjoyed delicious Croatian wines, olives and charcuterie as often as we could. Be sure to check out the Jesuit Stairs, similar to the Spanish Steps in Rome, and also where Cersi from Game of Thrones did her infamous Walk of Shame.

From the harbor, you can hop on a ferry over to the Island of Lokrum, a hidden gem that is not only home to the actual Iron Throne that was used in Game of Thrones and gifted to the tiny island by HBO after filming, but it is an incredibly peaceful place full of trees (from oaks to olives, agaves and palms), botanical gardens and swimming spots, including a small saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea. A perfect little escape from the buzz of Dubrovnik. Wandering around this tiny island and stumbling upon all of these things was one of my favorite parts of our time here.

You should spend another day walking along the entire length of the Old Town walls, about a mile and a half around the city, and take in magnificent views and the bluegreen waters of the Adriatic Sea. Try and do it early in the morning or later in the day if you go in the peak summer months, otherwise it can get too hot and crowded. We were lucky to have a beautiful, sunny day so we could really enjoy it.

Explore the castles and historic landmarks along the way, and if you get thirsty follow the COLD DRINKS signs to the famous Buza Bar. Buza means ‘hole’ and you literally have to climb up a small staircase and through a ‘hole in the wall’ that brings you out to the coolest bar you will ever see, carved into the side of the stone walls you just walked on, giving you the most spectacular view and a great location for cliff jumping into the sea while enjoying a cold beverage.

Dubrovnik is unlike any city we have ever been to, but is also much more of a popular tourist destination. There are many other towns and cities we visited in Croatia that are so unique and special, you almost don’t want anyone else to find out about them.

XoX,

Avril