City of the Month: Dubrovnik

Every month we focus on a European destination – in October we’re showcasing Dubrovnik…

Dubrovnik – nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ –  is blessed with a stunning location, lapped by crystal waters, on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.

Set against the backdrop of the shimmering Adriatic and enclosed by ancient walls, the compact Old Town offers limestone streets and elegant baroque architecture and is the heart and soul of Dubrovnik. Nearby wooded islands provide beaches and recreation space to explore.

Summary: With stunning scenery, idyllic island beaches, and museums showcasing the city’s fascinating history, Dubrovnik is an ideal destination for:

  • Leisure groups
  • Students
  • MICE
  • FITs

DUBROVNIK FACTFILE

Population of Dubrovnik: 43,000

Location: Situated in southern Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea coast, in the Dalmatia region

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport is approximately 15.5 kilometres from the city centre

Getting around Dubrovnik: 

  • Though there are no trams, trains or undergrounds, Dubrovnik has a bus network
  • The Old Town is compact and walkable
  • Taxis are available outside the Pile and Ploce gates to the Old Town

What to eat and drink in Dubrovnik:

Dubrovnik offers fresh seafood dishes, such as crni rižot (black risotto) – which gets both its name and colour from squid ink – with mussels, clams and other shellfish. Pašticada is a traditional Croatian recipe consisting of beef stuffed with herbs and marinated in vinegar overnight, then slow-roasted and served with pasta or gnocchi. Rožata is similar to crème brûlée but is made with rose liqueur and sometimes rum for an added kick.

Popular drinks include white wine from the nearby island of Korčula, rakija – a fruity brandy made with grapes –  and Croatian craft beer.

Weather/seasons in Dubrovnik:

Dubrovnik’s climate is classified as borderline humid subtropical and Mediterranean. Summers are warm, sunny and moderately dry but can be punctuated by thunder. Air temperatures vary dependent on region – typically, July and August reach a maximum of 28 °C, dropping to around 23 °C at night. Spring and autumn temperatures range from 20 – 28 °C. Winter is mild-cool and wet, with daytime around 13 °C in the coldest months, and snow is very rare.

Visit Dubrovnik in…

  • February and March for the Feast of St Blaise and Carnival.
  • May and June for warm weather – perfect for sightseeing, swimming, kayaking and sailing.
  • September and October for pleasant temperatures for hiking or cycling, and fewer tourists.
  • November and December for pre-Christmas festivities.

Dubrovnik’s top 10 must-visit landmarks and attractions: 

  1. Dubrovnik Old Town – explore the markets, taverns, and cafes of the historical centre (this is also a location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones).
  2. Dubrovnik City Walls – the two kilometre elevated circular path provides spectacular Old Town rooftop and Adriatic vistas.
  3. Lokrum Island – the idyllic island is a 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Town quay. The island is home to an old monastery, fort, naturist beach, walking trails, and botanical gardens.
  4. Fortress Lovrijenac – 11th century St. Lawrence Fortress was built by the residents of Dubrovnik as an act of resistance to the Venetians who planned to take power over the city.
  5. Placa Stradun – the busy street joins the two entrances to the Old Town and is packed with cafés, bars, shops, and baroque architecture.
  6. Katedrala Velike Gospe – legend has it that Dubrovnik’s baroque cathedral was built by Richard the Lionheart, after he survived a storm off the coast of Dubrovnik.
  7. Gundulic Square – behind the cathedral is Dubrovnik’s busy square which hosts a morning fruit and vegetable market as well as performances and concerts.
  8. Franciscan Monastery and Pharmacy Museum – adjoining the cloisters, the 14th century pharmacy is believed to be the third oldest in the world.
  9. Rector’s Palace/Dubrovnik Museum – the gothic-renaissance complex also houses the Cultural History Museum, full of paintings and relics relating to the history of the city.
  10. Etnographic Museum – built in 1590, this spectacular building celebrates the economic, cultural and religious development of Dubrovnik with folk costumes. 

Dubrovnik’s top 3 events and festivals:  

  1. New Years Evecelebrations in Stradunand the side streets turn the town into one huge party. Musicians and entertainers perform, while stalls sell fritters, dried figs, almonds, and Champagne.
  2. Feast of St Blaise and CarnivalDubrovnik’s patron saint is celebrated with concerts, while villagers dress in traditional costumes to perform folk dances, followed by a feast on 3rd February. Carnival festivities commence soon after, culminating three days prior to Ash Wednesday with masked actors singing and dancing through the old town.
  3. Dubrovnik Summer Festival – a 45-day cultural event with ballet, theatre, opera, and classical music concerts.

Nearby attractions:

  1. Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)the fascinating and picturesque city of Mostar is 130 kilometres from Dubrovnik. Highlights include historic buildings, theMosque of Mostar, the Old Bazaar, and the breath-taking Kravice Waterfalls.
  1. Kotor Bay (Montenegro) less than two hours drive away is Kotor Bay, Europe’s southern-most fjord.
  1. Mljet National Park – the forested island appeals to hikers and nature-lovers. Tour the saltwater lakes and explore an 800-year-oldBenedictine monastery on its own island. 

Established over 40 years ago, we’re experts in creating tailor-made European itineraries for the leisure, student, FIT and MICE sectors – please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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