The former republic of Ragusa, better known as Dubrovnik, is a port city on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is the southernmost city in Dalmatia. The exceptionally varied geomorphology (cliffs, beaches, coves, islands, crystal clear water) with mild winters and sunny summers make it an ideal destination and now easy to reach thanks to its airport located 40 minutes away.
A little history
According to historians, in 614, the inhabitants of Epidaurus, today Cavtat, following an earthquake, fled and took refuge on a rocky islet. This island, separated from the mainland by an arm of sea water that will disappear over the centuries, will give birth to Dubrovnik. It was in the 13th century that the construction of the now emblematic city walls began. The city of Dubrovnik was first mentioned in 1189 in documents of the Bosnian ban Kulin, offering its inhabitants privileges to practice free trade
From 1358, it became an independent aristocratic republic free from Venetian influence. The city quickly developed maritime trade and became the main trading post of the Balkans. In the golden age of the republic, in the 16th century, its wealth was based on the production and transfer of silver and lead from Bosnian and Serbian mines. In addition to this, there was the production and export of salt. Thanks to increasing prosperity during long periods of peace, arts, science, literature and painting developed. After the terrible earthquake of 1667, the city was rebuilt in baroque style. It was Napoleon who put an end to the Republic of Dubrovnik on January 31, 1808. Dubrovnik was then annexed to Austria. The economic activity of the city is slowed down, but continues its maritime trade
It is from the 1950s that tourism develops with the construction of hotels. During 40 years tourism develops. In 1991, Dubrovnik was attacked by the Yugoslav army for several months under the eyes of television stations around the world. It has since been rebuilt and offers visitors from all over the world a unique calendar of events and entertainment in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Attacking the ramparts
The city's defining feature is undoubtedly its walls. And many directors have understood this by using them in films and series such as: Star Wars episode 8, Robin Hood, Winnetou and the Game of Thrones series. It is also possible to take a guided tour through the main filming sites, to relive memorable scenes from the series by entering the red dungeon, for example, and to take a photo of the Iron Throne.
But the Grail remains the walking tour of the ramparts . After crossing the drawbridge and the Pile Gate, you arrive on the Stradum, the main street. A few steps to climb and you are on the ramparts. The view of the rounded red tile roofs, the private terraces, the inner courtyards of the convents and the sea in the distance will amaze you. In the summer, plan to visit with shoes on and a bottle of water, either in the morning from 8am or at the end of the day to avoid the heat and the crowds
Afterwards, get lost in the narrow streets with their shiny cobblestones and don't miss a visit to the Sponza Palace with its combination of Gothic and Renaissance elements. The Dominican monastery with its cloister, the Franciscan convent, the baroque church of the patron saint of the city (St. Blaise who is celebrated on February 3), and the ethnographic museum are all jewels to be discovered. Not forgetting our dear children with the visit of the maritime museum. If you are lucky, you will find a crack in the city walls that will lead you directly to a small rocky spur where the most unusual bar of the city is located: the café buža
Be aware that in Dubrovnik, from 10 am onwards, the city fills up quickly, as this is the time of arrival of the bus and cruise passengers who are dropped off in a continuous flow at the Pile Gate. But before then, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy it. If you want to get even more out of the city, you can do so in recent years thanks to the rebuilt funicular. From April to December it will take you to 405 meters above sea level in a few minutes. The view is breathtaking, on the old town and the coast. A bar and a photo exhibition are at your disposal. For those with a good pair of shoes, don't hesitate to walk back down, about 2 hours on an old stony path zigzagging in the middle of the Mediterranean vegetation and the song of the cicadas
Discovering the islands
The entire Dalmatian coastline is dotted with over 1,185 islands. The Elaphite Islands are the closest to Dubrovnik and stretch along the west coast, 14 beautiful islands, 3 of which are inhabited: Šipan, Lopud and Koločep.
You can easily plan a day trip from the harbor in the center of the old town or from the harbor in Gruz. After walking the cobblestone streets, you can fully enjoy the crystal clear water and the calm. The island of Lokrum is the closest (only 10 minutes by boat) and is ideal for finding some peace and quiet. If you stay a few days in Dubrovnik, you should plan a trip to the island of Mljet, classified as a "national park" since 1960. Imagine a wooded island, covered with pine trees with two interior lakes that communicate through a small channel. On the larger lake, the islet of St. Mary and a Benedictine convent built in the 12th century. No cars around the lake, only on foot or by bike, a water warmer than the sea where you can navigate in a kayak and put your towel at the foot of an olive tree
Long live the festivals!
Dubrovnik is also synonymous with festivals. The big summer festival of Dubrovnik dates back to 1950. It is the oldest festival of Croatian culture. It takes place in July and August, when the city is transformed into a giant concert in the unique setting of the old town. It is more than 100 artists and orchestras that play about fifty performances. A rich and diversified program of theatrical art and ballet, classical music and opera. Non bene pro toto Libertas venditur auro: Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world. Another festival in October since 2014 organized by the Dubrovnik Tourist Office: the Good Food Festival. A treat for all lovers of good food and good wine! More than 30 restaurateurs will concoct original, traditional, but also modern dishes at reasonable prices, in the range of 20 to 50 €. In addition, there will be a sweet offer, or you can participate in culinary workshops with the preparation of the traditional "Budim" of Dubrovnik. Another example of programming with the association DESA, regional center for community building and development of civil society, which offers a yoga session at 9am on the beach followed by a breakfast based on local products. If you're more of a drinker, the city offers both a cocktail workshop with orange jam... and beer nights with music and street food at the Dubrovnik Beer Company. Note that the members of the organization, supported by the Chamber of Commerce, have decided to restrict the use of plastic at this event. The Wine Week is another festival in April. It must be said that the region is not left behind and has an economic and social importance. It is the fourth largest wine producing region. This annual exhibition of southern Dalmatian wines brings together more than 100 winemakers from the Neretva and surrounding regions and islands, including excellent white wines like Pošip, which is famous in Korčula. The winemakers present their wines to professionals to be evaluated and to visitors for pleasure.
FUTURE INFO
When?
Winter temperatures are mild with an average of 10 °C. The terraces and the huge umbrellas of the restaurants are arranged and highlight the facades of the houses. Ideal to be quiet. On February 3, the Feast of Saint Blaise, the patron saint of the city, is celebrated. The carnival also follows.
March to June for the flora and fragrances and autumn are the best choices
In summer: for the beach, swimming, excursions to the islands and the music festival
In October-November for the Good Food Festival.
In December for the illuminations.
Duration
In one day you can walk around the city walls, stroll through the streets, have a meal and visit a museum of your choice. To really enjoy the old town and its museums, you need 3 days. If you want to discover the surrounding islands and why not the city of Kotor in Montenegro, 7 days will not be too much
Budget
In the old town, count between 80 € and 180 € per night in a double room. For a 3 course meal, between 30 and 50 €.
Public
There is something for everyone. Nature lovers and history buffs will be delighted. With your family, you can enjoy the small creeks and the crystal clear water.
The pluses
Limited number of visitors per day.
The proximity of the airport of Čilip, located 40 minutes away.
The Mediterranean climate and the green islands
The excursions from the downtown port
Minuses
The crowds and the heat in summer
The high prices in high season
The monetary unit: the kuna.
To go there
By plane : from Paris
By car: by planning a stop in Austria or Slovenia
Useful
THE DUBROVNIK CARD - More information on the site
If you stay 24 to 72 hours. Numerous discounts and free bus travel
GOOD FOOD FESTIVAL - More information on the website
By car, park at the port of Gruz: Obala pape Ivana Pavla II, 1. Avoid suitcases and prefer a backpack. Eat outside the center or in the cool room of the old arsenal on the old port
Sleep
In a bed and breakfast in the old town, preferably in the south to be quiet. The district of Pile, 10 minutes walk from the historical center, is the best alternative, quieter and cheaper. In the Lapad district, you will find many hotels with private beaches.
