Dubrovnik Travel Guide
Known for its luxury accommodation, excellent cuisine and beautiful surroundings, this unique Adriatic port has been luring travellers for centuries. From a turbulent history during which it was occupied and conquered by a succession of neighbouring European powers, Dubrovnik has emerged as a city at peace, allowing visitors to make the most of its historic architecture, white pebble beaches and crystal-clear ocean waters.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating from the 7th century. Its 13-century walls enclose well-preserved buildings representing a cross-section of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, while Onofrio's Fountain is one of Dubrovnik's most famous landmarks, found just inside the main entrance to the old city at Pile Gate.
The centre of the Old Town is its main street called the Stradun, which was originally a channel separating an island from the mainland. It was filled in to join two towns into the merged city of Dubrovnik.
There are many churches, monasteries and museums to explore, while the Old Town boasts plenty of restaurants, bars and shops. The coastal belt is awash with pretty marinas, coves and promenades, while most hotels and the best beaches are located northwest of the Old Town, at Lapad, or in Ploce to the northeast.
Dubrovnik is a favourite on European cruise itineraries and many tourists arrive by sea, ferrying in to the charming old port. Although Dubrovnik will delight cruise passengers with only a few hours to kill, it's incredibly rich in history and culture and can easily occupy travellers for days. The city is also well situated as a travel hub for exploring the villages and islands dotted along the dramatic Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.