Embark on a journey to Dubrovnik and Dalmatia, where the Adriatic Sea meets ancient stone walls and vibrant cultures. First, dive into Dubrovnik’s rich history, walking along its famed city walls. Then, explore the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that define the Dalmatian coastline. Along the way, savor the local cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional Croatian dishes, making every moment unforgettable. Finally, immerse yourself in the festivals and events that bring the streets of Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas to life, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy.
Discover Dubrovnik – Dalmatia – Croatia: City Walls
City Walls are built all around the Old Town and the seashore, as a protection to the town from pirates and other unwelcomed guests. These enormous walls are almost 2 km long and are dotted by fortresses overlooking the sea. Erected towards the last part of the Middle Ages, as a powerful symbol of liberty and an impenetrable defense, they consist of the four main corners – Minceta Fortress at the north-west corner, Revelin at the East corner, St Johns’ that overlooks the towns’ harbor on the south-east corner and Bokar at south-west, protecting Pile gate, the main town’s entrance.
St Lawrence Fortress is also part of the old City defense, but this fortresses is not the part of the city walls. In total, there are 16 smaller and larger towers. Between them, the St Johns’ is the largest one, built at the entrance to the town’s old harbour Porporela – sea gate to the old Town.
The walls were built between 12th and 17th century, and are very well preserved today. During hundreds of years of building of the Walls, some of the well known names participated in this task, among them Firenze native Michelozzo, Naples native Onofrio della Cava and Croatian native Juraj Dalmatinac. The walls are about 25 meters high and between 2 and 4 meters thick on average. Some parts at the seaside of the town are only meter thick, while on the land, some are thick up to 12 meters. The view from the walls are the best view of Dubrovnik.
Discover Dubrovnik – Dalmatia – Croatia: City Gate Pile
Before entering Pile – main gate of the city walls, at the right side is located St Lawrence Fortress. The symbol of the Dubrovnik Summer Games and place where most of performances and events take place. The most famous one is Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
At left side, is situated Minceta Fortress, the highest fortress of the city. Going through the delightful city gate will take you to the historical square Stradun, the heart of the city. Stradun is entirely build in the stone, like the rest of the Old Town. With remnants of Baroque history, palaces and churches, Stradun transports you to another era. Here are located Franciscan, St Clare and Dominican Monastery.
Discover Dubrovnik – Dalmatia – Croatia: Stradun
The Great Onophrian Fountain is wonderful piece of history but also the most famous city fountain. 600 years ago, from this fountain, the city gets its water supply. Futher, towards the end of Stradun is located Small Onofrian Fountain and Orlando’s Column – the symbol of liberty.
Here is located beautiful Sponza Palace and right next to it is the famous Town Bell Tower with the clock. Furthermore is the City Hall and next to it Rectors Palace. Two of the most important churches are situated in the front. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church of St Blaise – the patron of the city.
Discover Dubrovnik – Dalmatia – Croatia: City Gate Ploca and Harbour
This is the Eastern entrance of the city walls and is far less crowded than the famous Pile Gate entrance. Near here is the harbor and it once had the draw bridge. Next to it is Ravelin Fortress and accross the St Johns’ Fortress, where the Maritime Museum and Aquarius are located.
Discover Dubrovnik – Dalmatia – Croatia: Other sights not to miss:
- Church of St Ignatius of Loyola – Designed by architect Andrea Pozzo and built in the early 18th Century, this beautiful Baroque style church is located at the top of the stairs coming from Gundulic Square/market , and only a few minutes walk from Dubrovnik Cathedral.
- Cable Car ride
Discover Dubrovnik – Dalmatia – Croatia: Most Anticipated Annual Festivals: A Guide to Cultural Celebrations
In this comprehensive guide, we will highlight the main annual events in Dubrovnik that are sure to offer something for everyone, from music and dance performances to wine tastings and historical reenactments.
Festivity of Saint-Blaise: Celebrating Dubrovnik’s Patron Saint
Held since the Middle Ages, the Festivity of Saint-Blaise is a lively and colorful celebration that honors the patron saint of the city, Saint Blaise. This event commemorates the time when Saint Blaise helped the people of Dubrovnik to defend against a Venetian invasion, and is held each year in February to pay homage to the revered saint. Expect a festive ambience throughout the city, complete with parades of traditional costumes, music and dance performances, and plenty of local food and drinks to enjoy.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a cultural celebration like no other, founded in 1950 to showcase the rich heritage of the city through music, dance, and theatre performances. With over 70 open-air venues throughout the historic Old Town, this festival offers a truly unique experience for visitors and locals alike. During the months of July and August, the festival comes alive with folklore, classical and jazz music concerts, as well as opera, theatre, and dance shows. Whether you are a fan of the arts or simply enjoy a good festival atmosphere, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a must-visit event.
Dubrovnik FestiWine: Wine Tasting and Workshops in Paradise
For wine enthusiasts, the Dubrovnik FestiWine is a can’t-miss event. This popular annual festival offers wine workshops, competitions, and tastings from over 100 Croatian wine producers. The event takes place in April and provides a fantastic opportunity for wine lovers to sample some of the best labels from the region and to learn more about the wine-making process. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply enjoy trying new and interesting wines, the Dubrovnik FestiWine is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Delicious Gastronomic Offer in the Restaurants in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s culinary scene offers a distinctive blend of flavors found along the Adriatic coast. The region’s seafood-focused cuisine showcases the local bounty of herbs, meats, and produce that have sustained the area for generations. But, the city boasts some truly unique dishes that can’t be found elsewhere. When exploring the menus of Dubrovnik’s top restaurants and bars, be sure to look out for the likes of black risotto (colored with squid ink and served with seafood). Makaruli sporki (a pasta dish often compared to Italian bolognese). Lastly, zelena menestra (a hearty stew filled with sausage, potatoes, and cabbage).
Getting Around Dubrovnik – Your Transportation Guide
Dubrovnik Airport Insights
Located 16 km away from Dubrovnik’s heart, Dubrovnik Airport is a lively gateway with three terminals (A, B, C) and one runway. Terminal A takes care of baggage, B welcomes arrivals, and C sees off departures. In Terminal C, you’ll find dining, shopping, and services like free Wi-Fi, banks, and currency exchange. Here’s how you can get to the city center:
- Catch a taxi outside Terminal B for a quick 20-25 minute ride downtown.
- Use Uber, easily locatable at the airport for a convenient pickup.
- Opt for the airport bus from Terminal B, reaching the city in about 30 minutes.
- Public buses (lines 11, 27, 38) also leave from Terminal B, taking 30-40 minutes.
- Rent a car from the arrivals hall to explore at your own pace.
Walking is the best way to explore Dubrovnik Old Town, a historic area packed with attractions like Bokar Fortress and Sponza Palace. The city’s dining, shopping, and entertainment are just steps away. However, driving in Dubrovnik can be challenging due to its complex one-way streets, scarce and pricey parking, and summer traffic jams. Thus, relying on public or private transport is wise.
Public Transportation Tips
Libertas runs Dubrovnik’s bus service, featuring 13 lines that span the city. The buses boast modern amenities, air conditioning, and wheelchair accessibility. Purchase tickets at Dubrovnik Travel Corner or a kiosk. They’re valid for an hour and allow transfers. Remember to stamp your daily pass with each new ride.
Maximizing Your Visit with the Dubrovnik Card
The Dubrovnik Card is a must-have for visitors. It’s available for 1, 3, or 7 days and offers free entry to 12 landmarks. Plus, enjoy 10-20% off at select shops and restaurants, along with complimentary public transport. This card simplifies exploring Dubrovnik’s treasures, making every moment count.