Travel guide Dubrovnik

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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".