Highlights
City Walls
Wander around the spectacular city walls that encircle Dubrovnik, absorbing fantastic views of the Old Town and the glistening Adriatic Sea beyond. Punctuated by towers, bastions, castles and fortresses, this is one of the most beautiful and renowned fortification complexes in the Mediterranean. The outer dimensions of the wall have remained the same since the 14th century, whilst the inner structures took shape a little later, during the Golden Age of Dubrovnik in the 16th century. Soak up the Croatian sunshine as you introduce yourself to the picturesque Old Town.
Cable Car
Just north of the city walls, catch Dubrovnik’s glorious cable car and head up to striking Mount Srd in under four minutes. At the top, you will witness truly beautiful views over the city from a towering 405m. Take in the terracotta-tiled rooftops of the gorgeous Old Town and the island of Lokrum, while the glistening Adriatic Sea and the distant Elafiti Islands perch on the horizon. A particularly special time to take the cable car is as the sun melts into the Adriatic Sea, when pink and orange hues paint the sky, creating a picture-perfect setting.
Adriatic Fun
No trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without making the most of the glistening Adriatic Sea. Choose from the huge array of activities available - including kayaking around the picturesque landscape or hopping by boat to other gorgeous islands. Take a short 15-minute ferry from the Old Town Port to the beautiful, forested island of Lokrum, filled with holm oaks, black ash, pines and olive trees through which peacocks and rabbits run wild. Game of Thrones fans can visit the large Benedictine monastery, home to the original Iron Throne, or, for a true taste of luxury, why not rent a yacht and head out to the Elaphiti Islands, where sandy beaches and hidden coves await?
Impressive Churches
Whilst wandering through the pretty streets of Dubrovnik, keep an eye out for the many gorgeous churches that are dotted around. St Ignatius of Loyola Church is dramatically perched at the top of a broad flight of stairs; whilst showcasing a wonderful Baroque style, this Jesuit church was built between 1699 and 1725. Another notable building is the St Blaise’s Church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Standing proud, this impressively ornate Baroque style church was built in 1715, boasting striking marble altars and a 15th century, silver gilt statue of St Blaise.
Striking Palaces
A must-see in Dubrovnik is Rector’s Palace. Built in the 15th century, this Gothic-Renaissance palace was home to the Rector of Dubrovnik throughout his one-month rule, during which he was unable to leave the building without permission of the senate. Explore the Rector’s office, his private chambers, public halls, administrative office and eerie dungeon. Alternatively, visit Sponza Palace, easily one of city’s most beautiful buildings. Sponza Palace is a blend of late Gothic and Renaissance styles, and demonstrates the richness of the lavish palaces that stood before the 1667 earthquake that devastated much of Dubrovnik.