Croatia. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a dream destination where history and seaside relaxation come together perfectly. Exploring its ancient streets and majestic stone walls feels like stepping back in time, while its convenient coastal location makes it easy to enjoy the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea...
Map of the trip...
As we boarded the bus at the Makarska bus station, we traveled for two hours before making a short stop at a picturesque viewpoint, where we could admire the sprawling vineyards and the sparkling sea in the distance. This brief interlude provided the perfect farewell to the beautiful Makarska Riviera, and we were filled with anticipation for the adventures awaiting us in Dubrovnik...
Upon arriving, we checked into Hostel International and, after settling in, we headed straight to the heart of the city - Dubrovnik's Old Town... The first stop was the Dubrovnik viewpoint near Fort Lovrijenac...
As soon as we entered, the narrow streets were buzzing with life, even though it was the last week of September and technically off-season. The weather was hot, making the city feel alive but not overly crowded...
That first day, we decided to take it easy, strolling around the Old Town and soaking in its medieval charm. With its towering stone walls, narrow alleyways, and baroque architecture, the city felt like a place frozen in time...
Despite the crowds, we found a peaceful spot to enjoy some local ice cream, which was so delicious that we made a mental note to come back later...
Plaža Banje is Dubrovnik's most iconic beach, located just a short stroll from the Old Town. Known for its crystal-clear waters and soft pebbles, it offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the historic city walls....
We took advantage of this beautiful location to swim and cool down, enjoying a refreshing break in the sea to recharge for our next adventure...
On our second day, we made an early start, determined to explore the Old Town before the tourists arrived. Entering through the famous Pile Gate, which has welcomed visitors since the 16th century, we wandered down the cobbled streets, relishing the quiet...
Our first stop was the Jesuit Stairs, an iconic and grand stone staircase that leads up to the Church of St. Ignatius. These stairs might look familiar, as they were famously used in scenes from Game of Thrones.
From there, we passed the Rector’s Palace, once home to the elected rector who governed Dubrovnik during its time as a powerful maritime republic. The palace is a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with a beautiful courtyard that offers a quiet escape from the bustling streets...
Next, we visited Saint Blaise’s Church, dedicated to the city's patron saint. Its baroque façade stood proudly in the center of Dubrovnik, a symbol of the city’s resilience and rich history...
Wandering through the charming streets...
After, we made our way to a nearby beach to cool off with a swim and take some photos with our drone, capturing the stunning views of the city from above...
One of the highlights of our trip was walking along the Dubrovnik City Walls, which span over 2 kilometers and offer incredible panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. We had bought the Dubrovnik Pass, which gave us access to the walls and other key sites in the city...
Walking along the city walls of Dubrovnik offers breathtaking panoramic views that showcase the city's stunning beauty and rich history. As you make your way along the ancient fortifications, you’ll find yourself gazing down at the red-tiled rooftops of the Old Town, a patchwork of vibrant colors that stands in contrast to the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea below.
The views from the walls were absolutely breathtaking, and we climbed to the top of Tvrđava Minčeta, the highest point on the wall, where we had a stunning 360-degree view of the city below. We also caught sight of a basketball court nestled just outside the Old Town, where we played a little bit the previous day...
The Franciscan Church and Monastery with its elegant baroque façade and peaceful cloister create a tranquil atmosphere amid the bustling city. The monastery's intricate architecture is complemented by the surrounding gardens, making it a perfect retreat for reflection.
Onofrio's Fountain, a stunning circular structure adorned with intricate carvings, is a vital part of Dubrovnik's water supply system and has been a gathering spot for locals since the 15th century. From the walls, you can see the fountain's impressive dome and the refreshing water cascading down, providing a serene contrast to the lively atmosphere of the nearby Old Town.
One of the most striking sights is Fort Lovrijenac, perched majestically on a cliff just outside the city walls. From the walls, you can see its imposing silhouette against the horizon, framed by the shimmering waters of the Adriatic...
The views from the walls also reveal the rugged coastline. The interplay of light and shadow on the fortress's walls creates a dramatic scene...
After completing our walk around the city, we took another break by the sea, enjoying a simple lunch of burek with cheese, tomatoes, and a refreshing swim. The cool, crystal-clear water was the perfect way to recharge after walking in the hot sun...
After lunch, we visited the Rector’s Palace, now a museum that tells the story of Dubrovnik’s history as a powerful republic. The palace's elegant halls and chambers offered a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the city's leaders...
Next, we made our way to Fort Lovrijenac, also known as "Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar." The fortress, perched on a cliff just outside the city walls, provided stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the city below. Lovrijenac played a crucial role in the defense of Dubrovnik and remains one of the city’s most impressive landmarks...
After exploring the fort, we returned to our favorite seaside spot near the Old Town and couldn’t resist soaking up the sun one more time...
As we headed back to the Old Town, we caught sight of the legendary Carrack ship docked in the port...
After a dinner at the hostel, we took one last walk through the Old Town and, of course, treated ourselves to a final scoop of that unforgettable ice cream...
The next morning greeted us with a storm - strong rain and heavy clouds filled the sky, a stark contrast to the sunny days we had enjoyed. It was the day of our departure, so we packed up and made our way to the bus stop, heading to Dubrovnik Airport around midday. As the rain poured down, we reflected on our incredible Croatian journey, knowing we would carry these memories with us...
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