Croatia’s greatest recognized and most glamorous vacation spot, Dubrovnik is an absolute gem. The Unesco-listed outdated city, protected by magnificent medieval fortifications, is a huddle of paved piazzas, cobbled alleys and noble stone buildings, taking you again via the centuries. Past the partitions, pebble seashores backed by aromatic pinewoods give onto the turquoise Adriatic.
In the event you’re on a good schedule, we’ll present you the best way to profit from the time obtainable. Moreover exploring the museums, galleries, church buildings and monasteries of the outdated city, you can swim and sunbathe, store for authentic presents to deliver dwelling, and perhaps even slot in a visit to a close-by island (or two). Right here is the best way to profit from Dubrovnik on a two-, three-, or four-day go to.
Day one, morning: stroll Dubrovnik’s magnificent metropolis partitions
Dedicate your first day to exploring Dubrovnik outdated city – deliver solar cream and swimwear. Start with a full-circuit stroll across the battlements of the Metropolis Partitions, which have protected Dubrovnik towards assault, from land and sea, because the thirteenth century. Afterwards, head to the Rector’s Palace to study extra about how Dubrovnik was ruled when it was the tiny however wealthy and progressive unbiased republic of Ragusa (1358–1808). For lunch, it is exhausting to beat casual Buffet Škola, a time-honored sandwich bar, filling slabs of freshly-baked bread with native cheese and pršut (prosciutto).
Day one, afternoon: discover Dubrovnik’s outdated city then head for the seashore
Nearly all of Croats establish as Roman Catholic (86% in 2011). Have a look within the Baroque cathedral (you’ll be able to find it from afar by its inexperienced copper cupola), and you should definitely see the extraordinary treasury, displaying golden reliquaries. Close by, go to the Franciscan Monastery with its pretty cloister backyard and purchase pure face cream, nonetheless made by the monks, on the adjoining pharmacy. Then take a relaxation from cultural sightseeing, and head to Banje seashore to swim and sunbathe.
Day one, night: dine Dalmatian-style
For dinner, reserve a desk at old style Proto and feast on contemporary Adriatic fish accompanied by a bottle of Dalmatian wine. Shut the night with a drink under the celebs, excessive on the rocks above the ocean, at Bard Mala Buža.
Day two, morning: uncover Dubrovnik’s relationship with the ocean
This morning sees you again within the outdated city. You are most likely questioning the place Dubrovnik’s historic wealth got here from – the reply lies within the Maritime Museum. Right here, an exhibition of mannequin ships and seafaring tools highlights the significance of ship constructing and service provider delivery via the centuries. At her peak, tiny Dubrovnik (then Ragusa) had a fleet of over 100 ships and consulates in dozens of nations, so huge was her worldwide attain. Afterwards, in the identical constructing however on the decrease stage, expertise the underwater world of the Adriatic on the Aquarium. For lunch, attempt scrumptious home made octopus burgers at Barba.
Day two, afternoon: escape to a mysterious island
Catch a shuttle boat from the outdated harbor to the tiny uninhabited islet of Lokrum. Laced by pinewoods, it reveals a tumbledown monastery, a botanical backyard with peacocks, and a hilltop fort – you’ll be able to fortunately discover its winding pathways and swim from its rocky shores for a few hours. (Alternatively, you may guide a guided sea-kayaking tour and paddle to Lokrum). On return to the outdated harbor, head for the cable automotive for a journey to the height of Mt Srđ. If that is your closing day in Dubrovnik, it’s the right spot for a photograph session, with spectacular views down onto Dubrovnik, Lokrum and the glowing Adriatic. You may also name at KAWA, simply outdoors Ploče Gate, to purchase amusing Croatian designer presents to take dwelling.
Day two, night: style top-notch up to date Croatian delicacies
Earlier than dinner, see the everlasting exhibition, specializing in Dubrovnik within the Nineteen Nineties, at Warfare Photograph Ltd, a gallery devoted to photojournalism from struggle zones. Dine on Michelin-starred up to date Mediterranean delicacies at Restaurant 360. Afterwards, try Revelin for cocktails and dance music.
Day three, morning: sail down the coast to cultured Cavtat
As you will have seen most of Dubrovnik’s prime points of interest by now, it is time to enterprise down the coast to the traditional seaside city of Cavtat. In summer season, common shuttle boats run between Dubrovnik and Cavtat, departing from the outdated harbor – the boat journey lasts about one hour and is a pleasure in itself. As soon as disembarked, discover Cavtat’s pretty outdated city, a cluster of stone homes constructed on a small peninsular – see the Bukovac Home, birthplace of painter Vlaho Bukovac (1855–1922), and the elegant 1920’s Secessionist Račić Household Mausoleum by Ivan Meštrović, within the cemetery.
Day three, afternoon: study extra about Croatian trendy artwork
Have lunch at Bugenvila overlooking the bay on Cavtat’s palm-lined seafront promenade, then catch the shuttle boat again to Dubrovnik. On arrival on the outdated harbor, impressed by what you noticed in Cavtat, head for the Museum of Trendy Artwork, simply outdoors Ploče Gate, to study extra about Twentieth-century Croatian artists.
Day three, night: pattern esteemed oysters from Ston
You most likely ate properly in Cavtat, so tonight make it a light-weight however very particular supper. Reserve at desk at Bota Šare Oyster & Sushi Bar. Afterwards, for those who’re nonetheless up for extra, have a late-night drink at Fratello’s Prosecco Bar.
Day 4, morning: expertise life and design in ex-Yugoslavia
In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to have a fourth day in Dubrovnik, you will have time to go to Lopud, one of many tiny Elafiti islets. First, accumulate your rigorously packed picnic lunch from Piknik Dubrovnik (order someday prematurely) then head to Dubrovnik’s Gruž port. Earlier than catching the ferry, go to the fascinating Red History Museum to study extra about how individuals lived when Croatia was a part of Socialist Yugoslavia (1945–1991). Then bounce on a Jadrolinija ferry to car-free Lopud, and benefit from the one-hour boat journey.
Day 4, afternoon: swim and sunbathe on a lush car-free island
Arriving on Lopud, observe the palm-shaded seafront promenade across the bay, then make a 20-minute hike throughout the islet to Šunj, one in every of Croatia’s uncommon sandy seashores, to sunbathe, swim and snooze. It is a blissful spot and also you may properly lose observe of time, so watch out to not miss your return ferry. Earlier than leaving Lopud, have a look in Your Black Horizon, a recent artwork set up in a small pavilion in a backyard above the seafront. On return to Gruž port, pattern craft ale on the Dubrovnik Beer Firm .
Day 4, night: feast on Dalmatian fusion delicacies
Tonight’s dinner will probably be a bit of completely different. Head to the outdated city and take a desk at Azur, an outstanding eatery serving distinctive fusion dishes – Dalmatian elements ready with an Asian twist (Dalmasian, for those who like). Spherical off your closing night sampling a few of Dalmatia’s prime wines at D’Vino (guided wine tasting flights obtainable).
