Croatian Travel: Dubrovnik
The Walled City of Dubrovnik
The city of Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic Sea on the southern tip of Croatia. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of central Europe due to its breathtaking views, fascinating history, cultural significance...and now serves as the setting for the fictional city of Kings Landing in the Game of Thrones series. Famously named the Pearl of the Adriatic by Lord Byron, the city is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. While the city was savagely bombed in the early 1990s during the Balkans War, the city managed to rebuild itself and restore most of its damaged buildings and historical monuments.
Dubrovnik is a walled city and the area known as Old Town is still entirely surrounded by grand walls and towers that date back as far as the 12th century. As you enter Old Town through Pile Gate, you will be awed and inspired by the Renaissance arch, drawbridge, and gates that date back to the 1400s. Passing through the inner gate, you will enter Placa, a beautiful pedestrian promenade that is home to Dubrovnik’s most famous site, the Onofrio Fountain. This 15th century fountain was part of the water-supply system that was used to bring fresh water to the city from a location more than seven miles away.
Of course, the most popular feature of Dubrovnik is the breathtaking water views of the Adriatic Sea. You can visit one of the many beaches in the area, including Banje Beach, which is the closest one to Old Town. Lapad Bay is a beach area dotted by beautiful hotels along the coast, but is open to the public. Copacabana Beach is another good choice, especially if you have children with you, as it features shallow waters. You might also want to take a ferry out to Lokrum Island where there is a popular nudist beach, beautiful botanical garden, and a medieval Benedictine monastery…for a little culture. Every type of water activity can be found in Dubrovnik, including diving off the breathtaking cliffs, kayaking through the deep blue waters, or just sunbathing on the sandy beaches beneath the year-long sun.
