Dubrovnik’s Attractions
Dubrovnik’s attractions: how to make the most of your trip to Croatia
The place where most people head to in Dubrovnik is the Old Town. This is where many of the main attractions can be found. The first of them is the two arched gates that provide the entrances to the medieval wall that surround the Old Town: one to the east (the Ploče) and one to the west (Pile).
The main thoroughfare of the Old Town is Stradun, also known as Placa, and on each side, there is a grid of narrow alleys where travelers can find numerous cafes and restaurants. Other attractions include the Franciscan Monastery with one of the world’s oldest pharmacies (operating since 1317), Dubrovnik Cathedral, the harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance-style Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, the Dominican Monastery and the long city walls that encompass and shelter this unique city.
For those vacationers who are looking for some sun as well as some culture, the Lapad peninsula is just west of the Old Town and has several beaches where sun-worshippers can bask away to their heart’s content. A whole range of other pursuits is available to those who like to push their bodies to the limit. From hiking, white water rafting and sea kayaking to rock climbing, horseback riding, and scuba diving, it’s all here in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik also offers a whole host of culinary delights ranging from French, Japanese, Mexican and some good pizza places. However, for those who wish to experience Dubrovnik’s local cuisine, delicious food made from quality meat and fish, vegetables and fruits all sourced locally, there are numerous taverns and restaurants in the city where you can indulge and get a real taste of Dubrovnik.
Lokrum is a small islet less than a mile wide and whose only inhabitants are peacocks. The island is also free of cars and no one is allowed to stay overnight. It boasts a botanical garden containing plants and flowers from many different parts of the world and a salt-filled lake that resembles the Dead Sea.
Trsteno was once the summer residence of the Gucetic-Gozze family who erected Trsteno Arboretum in the late 15th century. A visit to the Arboretum is highly recommended for people who appreciate the lush green beauty of nature. It is open to tourists and offers visitors a place of outstanding natural beauty in the form of antique Renaissance gardens that lead down to the blue sparkling Adriatic Sea. If visitors to this beautiful location take the time to explore its calm and peaceful corners with its lovely views, they will enjoy the tranquil respite from the crowds of tourists that flock to other parts of the city.
The town of Ston is a very special area up the coast. World-renowned for its natural cultivation of oysters and sea mussels, and a salt factory that has been extracting salt from seawater using the exact same methods since ancient times. The area is also world-famous for its excellent wines.
For a great time in Dubrovnik, consider a tour of the Game of Thrones. See the places that made the scenery in this epic show so fantastic. Much filming was done here and you won’t want to miss seeing it.
