Travel guide Dubrovnik

"La perle de l'Adriatique au patrimoine architec"

The best time to go à DUBROVNIK

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Travel Guide Dubrovnik
10.95 € Edition 2024/2025
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What to see what to do à DUBROVNIK?

How to travel à DUBROVNIK

How to go alone

You can easily reach Dubrovnik by car, plane or bus from major European cities, by ferry from Italy, but not by train. The city is not served by the railway network. If you plan to stay in the summer, it is best to book your accommodation in advance. If your goal is not to have your feet in the water, you can find charming accommodations in the old town.

How to go on a tour

Like all tourist destinations, Dubrovnik is offered by many travel professionals. The turnkey weekend formula for the shoulder seasons and the all-inclusive beach stay formula for the summer. You can also choose from the catalog of specialized sports stays for sailing, diving, etc...

How to get around

The best way to get around and enjoy the many attractions of Dubrovnik is on foot. You can also take advantage of the modern, air-conditioned Libertas bus network. You can buy bus tickets from the driver, at newsstands, at the bus station, at the hotel reception and at tourist agencies. The ticket is valid for one hour from the time of check-in for an unlimited number of trips in the city.

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Discover DUBROVNIK

Croatia's most beautiful historic city! Sheltered by mighty forts and thick ramparts protecting palaces, churches and monasteries, Dubrovnik was an independent republic for centuries. Then, the former Ragusa became the perfect setting for King's Landing in the Game of Thrones series. Despite its sometimes problematic tourist overcrowding, the historic city has retained its prestige. In summer, its theater and music festival remains one of the country's most important cultural events. The "Pearl of the Adriatic" is also a vacation destination, with its beaches, sports and water sports in turquoise waters. The region promises a wealth of discoveries, other beautiful cities to visit (Cavtat, Korčula) and superb archipelagos. You can follow the rivieras, hike in the hinterland, build agro-tourism trails (Konavle plain or Pelješac, where the best Croatian wines are produced).

The 12 keywords à DUBROVNIK

#Bura

The bora, or bura in Croatian, is a violent, cold wind that arrives in winter from the Velebit mountains and dies over the Adriatic Sea. This wind sometimes gives rise to impressive gusts and cools the temperature considerably. On the plus side, it brings fine weather, unlike the south wind jugo.

#Buža

Literally, buža means "hole". This is the name of the most popular and original bar in Dubrovnik's old town. In fact, there are two buža, set into the rocks south of the city walls. Both overlook the sea and offer an absolutely unique view! You can even take a dip in the Adriatic.

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#Dingač

It's the famous red wine produced on the land of the locality of Dingač, in Pelješac, and one of the rising stars of Croatian viticulture. This appellation d'origine contrôlée, made from the local plavac mali grape variety, a cousin of the American zinfandel, produces a characterful red wine with subtle aromas and a beautiful ruby color.

#Island

Nearly a hundred islands and islets dot the Dubrovnik region. Some are very different from others: small or large, flat or mountainous, inhabited or deserted, these islands are home to a plethora of coves and beaches. The island of Korčula is one of the largest, followed by Mljet, part of which is a national park.

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#Kava

Coffee is drunk at any time of the day, whether at the end of a meal or during the day. As a result, the terraces are always full. The coffee served in bars and restaurants is Italian-style espresso, cappuccino and macchiato. At home, it's often served Turkish-style. The 10 a.m. break is the marenda.

#Klapa

This polyphonic song is often heard in the Dubrovnik region and in Dalmatia. It is sung by traditionally male choirs. You may hear them rehearsing as you pass a church or concert hall, or even on the street during festivals. The town of Cavtat organizes an annual klapa competition in summer.

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#Konoba

Konoba means "tavern" in Croatian, but in reality it refers to any of the typical restaurants along the Dalmatian coast. The konoba is traditionally a rustic, small-capacity establishment with a grill area, serving mainly fish dishes. Sometimes, it also serves as a bar.

#Lighthouses

With the inevitable automation of lighthouses, janitors are becoming increasingly rare. Except that these vacant dwellings have been converted into lodgings for holidaymakers thirsty for solitude and sea air. In the Dubrovnik region, you can stay at the lighthouses of Pločica (between Korčula and Hvar) and Palagruža, south of Lastovo.

#Ragusa

This was the former name of Dubrovnik and its proud independent republic. The term evokes the golden age of the pearl of the Adriatic, which stretched from Neum through Konavle to Prevalka (on the border with Montenegro today), and included the Elaphite islands, Lastovo and Mljet, as well as the Pelješac peninsula.

#Rakija

A common spirit throughout the Balkan Peninsula, rakija is also served in the Dubrovnik region. It is flavored with herbs(travarica), walnuts(orahovica) or prunes (šljivovica). Milder: honey rakija(medica). Rarer (but very good): sage(kadulja) or quince(dunja).

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#SaintBlaise

Dubrovnik's patron saint is Saint Blaise (Sveti Vlaho), who has been the city's protector for over a thousand years. A 4th-century Christian martyr and bishop in Cappadocia, he appeared in a dream to a Dubrovnik shepherd in the 10th century, announcing an imminent attack on the city of Venice. This gave the Ragusans time to prepare a counter-attack.

#Stradun

It's THE main street in the old town! Also known as placa (official name), locals prefer the Italian-sounding stradun. Paved with stones from the island of Brač, it divides the old town into two parts and has no numbers. Addresses are therefore called b.b., or "without number".

You are from here, if...

You drink your coffee for hours, possibly sitting a few meters from the sea or on a rock.

You set off to visit the islands. There's Elaphites and Lokrum just around the corner, Mljet and Korčula halfway and Lastovo for the adventurous. Needless to say, there are no bad choices!

You walk along the Stradun. You don't need to know where you're going; the old town can be visited calmly from this street.

You know the local wines. The theory part is easy: the reds come mainly from Pelješac (Plavac Mali, Dingač), while the most famous whites come from Korčula (Pošip, Grk). Now all that's left is practice: a tasting tour!

Always carry a towel in your bag. The sea is never far away and there's nothing better than a refreshing dip. What's more, the beaches are deserted in the morning!

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