Stradun, where everything starts and everything ends
Entrance to Dubrovnik old town by the Pile Gate always has its small effect. This bridge-bridge connected to 2 km of fortified ramparts was used to defend Raguse, the powerful rival maritime city of Venice. No wonder the Dubrovnikois are so proud of their glorious past. A walk in Dubrovnik's historic pedestrian center is above all a fabulous journey over time. Vertebral column of Stari Grad (old town), Stradun leads from one medieval door to another from Pile to Ploče. This paved walkway that travels with delight at any time (and night) is punctuated with shops and staircases. Along with Stradun, it is the whole story of Dubrovnik that follows: from the Middle Ages to the Austro-Hungarian period, through the Renaissance, when Raguse lived its true golden age. So it's the nose in the air that you discover the best medieval town: a picturesque architectural jewel, a jewel shop on the sunny terrace, because here you can enjoy a generous Mediterranean climate. A visit to Dubrovnik cannot be complete without a small tour by the peripheral districts of the old town which prove very central to Boninovo, Pile, Ploče (beyond the eponymous doors) and slightly further away for Lapad and Gruž. This is where we will best benefit from the ragusher and their sandy beaches and coarse sand, but also the unparalleled view offered by Mount Srđ.
Cap sur les Élaphite
In Gruž, we will go to the Obala Stjepana Radića market, which declines its shelved displays in fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other delicacies, before embarking on a boat for the Elaphite islands from the port. The archipelago consists of thirteen islands scattered between the town of Dubrovnik and the Pelješac Peninsula. The three largest islands (Koloćep, Lopud and Šipan) are inhabited year-round and well served by boat. In the Adriatic Sea, the Elapsians are a haven of peace that reserves beautiful bathing and walking possibilities. We come from a distance to the sandy beach of Šunj south of the island of Lopud. It is one of the few sandy beaches in the region. It's no coincidence that rust nobility already took its summer quarters over here! A sumptuous heritage in the vicinity of Šipanska Luka, a small harbor of Šipan island with sumptuous sixteenth century buildings. For those who would not have time to go to the collision of the Elaphites, there is the island of Lokrum, located 800 m from Dubrovnik old town.
Pelješac, the good living
Extending north-west of Dubrovnik, the Pelješac peninsula is too often neglected by visitors en route to the island of Korčula. If you are, two steps are needed: Tresteno's arboretum on one hand and the Ston-Mali Ston double. These two twin cities, located 50 km from Dubrovnik, are connected by a wall of 5.5 km long, the second longest in the world after that of China. The aim of these fortifications in the sixteenth century was to protect the precious salt marsh of Ston. Today, an hour and a half walk along the wall is ideal to open the appetite. We'll preferably start from Ston to regale on arrival in Mali Ston. The oysters of this small town are among the most famous in Europe. We will not forget to watering its wine meal of the peninsula, appreciated nationally and beyond. Connoisseurs will begin to attack the cellars scattered on the Orebić road. Those who give priority to aquatic pleasures will take scuba diving in the family resort of Žuljana. From here it is perfectly possible to go to the nearby Mljet Island.
The island of Korčula: seaside and venetian
In only 20 minutes from Pelješac, you can reach the island of Korčula, the second most populated island in Croatia. Its cut coastline offers a multitude of bays, coves and islets, with pine, cypress and vineyards. If the Korčula trails lend themselves perfectly to hikes, particularly around Žrnovo, Korčula's historic and architectural heritage has nothing to envy that of Dubrovnik: Korčula's old town houses one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean basin. The loggias of the local Stari Grad are reminiscent of those of the Sernissim. What is more normal since the island was placed under the Venetian dominion of the fifteenth century to 1797? Legend says Marco Polo would be from Korčula. Info or intox, you can always take a look at its «home house» and, above all, stroll through the streets of the old town. In the summer, Moreška shows, a curious martial dance, take place on the big square. Many expeditions are feasible in season from Korčula: island of Mljet and festive Hvar, farther away. The choice seems infinite, it is definitely according to its tastes that you will be worn in the region of Dubrovnik!
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When is it? Preferably in June or September to avoid the crowd in July and August. The months of May and October are pleasant, but the sea baths are more chilly.
Go there. From Paris, daily direct flights from early July to early September. Out of season, you must call in Zagreb.
AIR FRANCE
CROATIA AIRLINES
EASYJET
Useful. To prepare for his trip.
OLD TOWN TOURIST OFFICE (TURISTICKA ZAJEDNICA)
