Dubrovnik has long been called the pearl of the Adriatic and is a picture postcard image of a European paradise. The city was founded in the 7th century and called Ragusa. The Golden age of Dubrovnik came in the middle ages when along with the Venetian Empire Dubrovnik was one of Europe’s leading traders being a gateway to the Balkans and the ottoman Empire. After the arrival of Napoleon in 1815 the city fell under the influence of the Hapsburgs where it would remain till after the First World War. In 1979 Dubrovnik was named a UNESCO world heritage site. During the breakup of Yugoslavia Dubrovnik was shelled by the Serb forces overlooking the city, and had much of the old town destroyed. Thanks though to a successful campaign sponsored by UNESCO Dubrovnik is back to its former glory welcoming guests from all over the world who visit the Dalmatian coast each year. Listed below are seven reasons to visit the wonderful city of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik – Source
1) Architecture
The skyline of Dubrovnik, in the area around Dubrovnik Cathedral.
Visit Dubrovnik for its Architecture which has remained virtually the same since the 13th century, marvel at the wonders of the Stari Grad (Old Town) as you enter through the Pile gate.
Tour the impressive city walls all 6,364 which encircle the Stari Grad making sure to pay a visit to Europe’s oldest Pharmacy, which has been open since 1391. On this tour you can also stop at the Dubrovnik Museum opposite the Rectors Palace, and see what many say is the most beautiful building in the city, the Sponza Palace in Luza Square.
2) Bars, Cafes and Restaurants
With Dubrovnik’s many outdoor bars and café’s take the time to try some of the local seafood, but remember the further off the tourist track the less you will pay. Locanda Pescaria, and another restaurant Kamenice offer fantastic food at a reasonable price. If its drinks you are after, go to the Buza bar where you can sit on a terrace above the rocks while watching the sun slowly sinking into the Adriatic.
3) The Dubrovnik Card
Purchase a Dubrovnik card with which you will get a free 150 page travel guide with a map of the city. The card also entitles you to free public transportation and entry to the top eight attractions. The card is also good for discounts at certain restaurants and shops. You can purchase a card for one, three or seven days with the best value seven day card costing £25 If you were to pay to visit the top eight attractions the entrance fees come to £29.48 the card can be purchased online at www.dubrovnikcard.com or at 48 locations including tourist offices around the city.
4) Plenty of accommodation options
There are plenty of hotels, and guest houses in Dubrovnik, so you should have no problem finding a place to stay. You can also visit Dubrovnik and go self-catering with private apartments available year-round with some overlooking the old town and harbour from as little as 47€ a-night with accommodation for four. If you really want to be at one with nature, there are plenty of camping sites available, just pitch up tour camping tent and save money all the way! Popular campsites include Adriatic, Nevio, Palme, Ponta and Solitudo – there are literally dozens to choose from.
5) Central location to other Dalmatian Coast attractions
Use Dubrovnik as a base to visit other places on the Dalmatian coast including its many islands. A short ferry ride will take you to the islands of Mijet which is a national park, Lokrum and the island of Korcula the birth place of Marco Polo.
6) Beaches
Tourists enjoying themselves at the world famous Lapad beach in Dubrovnik.
If you want beaches on your holiday then Dubrovnik will not disappoint. The sun spoiled location has a large selection of beaches, try any of Banje, Copacabana, Lapad and Sv Jakov whilst on your holiday. Dubrovnik beaches are renowned for their sparkling water, stretches of rocks but tend to have fairly modest amounts of sand.
7 ) The climate
The best time to visit is in the late fall when the throngs of tourists have gone home. The city is one of the stops on many a Mediterranean cruise with over 900,000 visitors from cruise ships alone last year. The climate of Dubrovnik is quite mild with most of the rainfall during the winter months. If you are not arriving by cruise ship, or ferry from Italy Dubrovnik has a new airport 20 kilometres outside the city with connections to most European cities.
