Dubrovnik, the former capital of the Maritime Republic of Ragusa, is now a key destination in Croatia and a real cultural crossroads. The ancient medieval city is nicknamed "the pearl of the Adriatic" and rightly so: it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Dubrovnik is the ideal escapade for summer, September or Valentine's Day, for lovers or families.
Are you making a stopover for a weekend, a few days or a week? Discover the city's must-see attractions!
Visit the sets of Game of Thrones
For connoisseurs of the series, Dubrovnik is the filming location for the scenes taking place in King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. It is therefore an emblematic place, which served as the setting for the series' iconic scenes.
The Jesuit staircase and Saint Dominika Street are the places where Cersei passes through during his "walk of shame" all around the city.
The fortress of Bokar and the city walls are the fortress and ramparts of King's Landing, where one of the key scenes of the last season takes place (promise, there is no spoiler).
So, you can visit the city through the prism of Game of Thrones: choose a guided tour of the city to discover all the filming locations. The different tours can be longer or shorter and their price depends on the visit. Thus, a day visit, i.e. about 7 hours, will cost you about 80€ per person, while a shorter visit, of only 2 hours, will cost you about 20 euros per person.
Ride up to the heights of the city by cable car
To admire the sunset from the heights of the city, it is recommended to climb to the top of Srol Hill. The cable car ride will cost you 170 kn for a round trip, or 23€, but it is also possible to walk up if you are brave.
From the top, you have a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, which is well worth a visit. On clear days, visibility can be as much as 60km!
For lovers of Croatian cuisine, stop at the Panorama Restaurant: it serves local and European dishes (carpaccio, burgers, regional wine...) and offers a sublime view over the whole bay.
Visit the island of Lokrum
Located only a few minutes by ferry from the historic centre, Lokrum Island is well worth a visit. Boats leave every quarter of an hour or every half hour for the island and the crossing will cost you about 5€ per person and lasts about 15 minutes.
On the island, visit the botanical gardens: built in the 19th century, they are home to many varieties of trees and plants and even a few peacocks! For lovers of monuments, there is also the royal fort and the remains of a Benedictine abbey (11th century).
You also have the opportunity to snorkel on the beach: unlike the beaches closer to the centre, there are a little less people. There is even a kind of natural swimming pool, a little warmer than the sea.
Rent a boat and visit the Elaphite Islands archipelago
To discover the surroundings of Dubrovnik and the treasures of Dalmatia, nothing beats visiting a boat! A day trip or a real cruise over several days, it is up to you to choose. The rental of a boat will cost you around 200 to 500€ per day, depending on the model.
The Elaphite Islands archipelago consists of 14 islands, only 3 of which are inhabited. The islands are still relatively unspoilt and you will find many coves where the crystal clear water will inspire you to take a swim.
The island of Kolocep is the closest and smallest but it is very beautiful. The island of Lopoud is the most touristy, but it is charming. You will find the square of Sunj and several villas of the Ragusian aristocrats of the 15th and 16th centuries. The island of Sipan is the largest of all, and you will find villas of the same style as those on the island of Lopoud. Also enjoy the beauty of the lavender fields and olive trees, typical of the region.
Take a guided tour of the historic city centre
Several monuments are not to be missed if you are in the city.
The Onofrio Fountain was built between 1438 and 1444 and was previously decorated with sculptures, but these were destroyed by the 1667 earthquake. It is powered by a spring located 12 km away and has a little sister, a little further into the city.
The Franciscan monastery was built in 1317 and houses one of the oldest (if not the oldest!) pharmacies in Europe. You can see mortars, pots and stills from the time.
Place de la Loggia is located at the end of the long tourist street Stradun. There is the church of Saint Blaise and the rector's palace, two emblematic monuments of the city.
You can book the services of a guide, who will be happy to show you around the city. A half-day guided tour will cost you about 30€, to which the price of tickets is to be added. This can be practical, because, due to the influx of tourists, the interior of the old city has been limited to 5000 visitors per day. Having a guide allows you to avoid this constraint.
Go to the beach
Dubrovnik's essential beaches will give you the opportunity to swim in the Adriatic Sea, renowned for its very pleasant temperatures.
Near the centre, you will find the beach Dance. A little further away, but accessible by bus, the coves of the Lapad district will ensure you an unforgettable swim.
You can also choose a villa with direct access to the sea: leave your home and set foot in the water!
The right plan: the Dubrovnik Card
If you plan to make several cultural visits to the city, opt for the Dubrovnik card: it gives you access to a selection of museums and monuments at attractive prices or free of charge, and allows you to use the city's public transport system free of charge.
Several options are available to you: there are 3 types of cards, valid respectively 24 hours, 3 days or 7 days. The first one will cost you 225 kuna, or 30€, the second 270 kuna, or 36.5 and the third 315 kuna, or 42.6€.
With these cards, you will have discounts or free access to the city walls, the Museum of Modern Art, public transport, etc. In addition, some restaurants and partner shops offer discounts on presentation of the card. Remember to ask the question!
In short, Dubrovnik is a staple of Croatia. The city is divided between the beauty of its landscapes and its historical richness, and it is easy to understand why many tourists are attracted there every year.
Come and discover this marvel of the Adriatic and choose one of our villas to rest after a full day of touring.
Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Dubrovnik
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