Holidays to Dubrovnik | The beautiful and unique walled city on the sea

This is the most famous place in Croatia and possibly the most famous medieval walled city on the sea in Europe. It’s a place that people never forget after they’ve visited and many people return again and again. It’s easy for a short break, a longer holiday or to combine as a twin or multi centre trip including the islands or other parts of Croatia.

Dubrovnik has a breathtaking cultural heritage and, when strolling the old city, palaces, churches, monasteries, chapels, cloisters, squares, museums and mansions, they are all there, seemingly a touch away. A Renaissance window to the left and a Gothic one to the right. It is like a jewellery box of precious delights.

The city ramparts are almost two kilometres long and have protected Dubrovnik from earthquake and attack. The views from high up are superb, looking out to sea, down into the old city and up to the Napoleonic fortress on Mount Srdj. Best to walk as early as possible or in late afternoon during the hot summer months and at any time during the rest of the year. Some people opt to walk the whole way and others do just half, coming down from the walls at the halfway point.

Take a guided tour of the old city or do it alone. Don’t miss these : Sponza and Rector’s palaces, Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, the old pharmacy, the Rupe museum, one of the oldest synagogues in Europe and the Orthodox church. In recent years, Dubrovnik gained fame as the film set for Game of Thrones and Star Wars and there are special themed tours.

The cable car is really worth taking from the city to Mount Srdj. Enjoy the view, have a drink or a meal at the restaurant terrace or explore the Homeland War museum housed within the fortress which tells the sad story of the conflict in the region which ended almost 30 years ago. News reports by renowned broadcaster Paul Davies of ITN play on a continuous loop at the exhibition since he and his crew were the last international journalists to remain in Dubrovnik. These efforts earned him an OBE.

Dubrovnik is not just about history. There’s a thriving arts scene, some good restaurants and wine bars,and places with a real holiday beach feel around on the Lapad and Babin Kuk peninsulas, both 15 minutes bus ride away. Beaches there are mainly pebble with a good selection of water sports in places.

Did you know?

• Dubrovnik is one of the best places to enjoy sea kayaking, from the old city along the coast
• There is a direct flight between Dubrovnik and Rijeka airport in the north, meaning a twin centre combining this part of Dalmatia region with the stunning Kvarner Bay islands or the Opatija Riviera is easy.
• Dubrovnik connects with Croatia’s capital Zagreb with usually three flights a day making the capital and the coast a good option of contrasts.
• Dubrovnik was the first place in the world to have a quarantine system for people and animals, implemented in 1377.