'If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.' We couldn't agree more with George Bernard Shaw. It's virtually impossible not to be charmed by the old town of Dubrovnik; an extremely good-looking historical gem on the Dalmatian coast. You may recognise its ancient city walls as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Minus the dragons and gory battles, this image of Dubrovnik isn't straying too far from the truth. During its Golden Age (15th and 16th centuries) the town was a stomping ground for seafaring aristocrats of the Republic of Ragusa. Flash forward a few centuries, and stone walkways have been polished and buffed from years of well-heeled traders and now offer visitors a balance of historical sights and chic Mediterranean lifestyle. Read on to discover how we’d spend 36 hours in Dubrovnik…
Why go?
Dubrovnik's sublime scenery is a mere two-and-a-half-hour flight away from the UK. Warm, crystal clear waters surround the pedestrianised walled city, which is hugely photogenic with its terracotta rooftops, baroque churches and cobblestone alleyways. Need we say more? Culture vultures can also enjoy evenings of live music and exquisite seafood dinners in the laid-back restaurants lining the harbour. Try to avoid peak season (July - August) when temperatures soar and the city is heaving. Travel in the shoulder season months (May – June and September – October) for lovely weather without the high season rates.
Image by Ana Kutija
Day one
1pm
Arriving on an early flight this morning, check into your hotel and freshen up before heading to the main street, Stradun, to refuel on a staple local speciality: freshly baked, melt-in-your-mouth, prsut (smoked ham) filled sandwiches. Next, walk along the medieval city walls (around 1.2 miles long and up to 82ft high) with a local guide who will give you a fascinating introduction to Dubrovnik. Admire aerial perspectives of the city and the Adriatic's tantalising blue waters: a great start to your 36 hours in Dubrovnik.
3pm
Descend from the city walls and stroll down the enchanting Stradun once more, the anchor to your new surroundings. Then it’s on to The Rector's Palace, where you'll find a fine example of 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance buildings with coats of arms, aristocratic portraiture and lavish furniture from the glory days.
For a slight change in tune (but one that’s well worth it), head to the excellent War Photo Limited gallery, which displays evocative images from some of the world's best war photographers. The city’s basilicas are also well worth a look at during your 36 hours in Dubrovnik, even just for a picturesque stroll.
7pm
Start your evening with a sundowner at a cliffside bar overlooking the tranquil Adriatic. Sip on some local Croatian wine as you watch the light transform. Hungry? Dine like a Dalmatian at one of the city's unassuming restaurants, which serves up top-notch seafood without pretence. End the evening with a nightcap in one of the city’s secluded alleyways or cobbled squares.
Image by Ana Kutija
Day two
9am
Grab a fig croissant and an espresso this morning before heading out to sea on a kayak towards the densely vegetated Lokrum Island. Led by a private guide, paddle through sparkling ripples, venture into sea caves, and dive into clear waters teeming with schools of fish. Moor up on a small, secluded, pebbly cove for a low-key picnic alfresco.
2pm
After your morning at sea, ride a cable car from the Old Town all the way up to Mount Srdj. Vertigo sufferers look away now, but we promise the views at the top will be worth it. With panoramic vistas of the sea and the undulating Herzegovina mountains, this is the perfect way to end your 36 hours in Dubrovnik before the evening flight home.
If you're going for longer...
We recommend hopping over to Montenegro on a day trip to visit the medieval towns of Kotor and Budva. There’s also the enchanting Elaphiti Islands to explore, where you can go from cove to cove on a private boat and chill out on a beach in the afternoon. If you're in need of glamour, the swanky Eastway Club on Banje Beach, just outside of the walled city, will tick the box. Further along the coast, Sveti Jakov is a more charming, local affair.
Where to stay
The city has some fabulous boutique hotels, but there are slim pickings if you want to step straight into the old town while enjoying your 36 hours in Dubrovnik. Here, you've got a choice of two hotels, with the Pucic Palace coming up trumps. Its grand furnishings combined with its central location make it a no-brainer, although the price tag may have you looking into alternatives.
Just outside the city walls, it’s only a short walk to the old town from the contemporary Hotel Bellevue, set among the cliffs with floor-to-ceiling windows. Villa Orsula is only five minutes away, and it's enviable landscaped gardens and decadent decor offer a secluded serenity after a day out in the old town.
Header image is by Ana Kutija