Locals jokingly say that to see all of Croatia, just visit the city of Dubrovnik. Indeed, everything that the Balkan country is proud of is concentrated here – amazing landscapes, ancient architecture, clean beaches and restaurants with a large selection of local and European dishes. Travel to Dubrovnik (Croatia) is most interesting to carry out by water, sea communication is established with all the settlements of the country that have a port, as well as with some European cities.
In this article you will see photos and descriptions of the main attractions of Dubrovnik, their location on the map, as well as other information about the city that a traveler needs to know.
Dubrovnik – general information
Local colorful booklets advertise Dubrovnik as “one and only”, there is no exaggeration in this slogan, because the city is rightfully considered the most beautiful in the Balkans and is included in the list of the most beautiful resorts in Europe. According to statistics, every year more than a million tourists come here to rest.
The city is located in Southern Dalmatia, 37 km from the border with Montenegro and 10 km from Bosnia and Herzegovina. From a distance, Dubrovnik makes quite a strong impression – its streets are surrounded by a powerful giant wall, thanks to which it was never captured during military operations.
Interesting fact! The main resort town of the Adriatic Sea is included in the list of European Renaissance monuments.
The city of Dubrovnik is divided into 35 districts, where only 28.5 thousand people live. The most visited part is the Old Part, where the largest number of attractions is concentrated.
Interest in the resort is also due to the comfortable climate – the average annual temperature is +17 degrees, and in summer the sun shines 12.5 hours daily. There is almost no snow in winter.
There are many islands around the city, where ferries and pleasure boats regularly depart. A popular holiday destination for tourists with children is the botanical garden and beaches on the island of Lokrum.
Attractions
Old Town Walls
The first thing that a traveler sees when he comes to rest is a fortress structure, its width reaches 6 meters, and its length is almost 1550 meters. The walls of the old town of Dubrovnik (Croatia) is an architectural complex consisting of the following attractions::
- towers-Mincheta, Bokar;
- Fortresses-Sveti Ivan, Revelin, Lovrenac.
Minceta Tower is an unusual round shape – not just a tourist attraction, but a symbol of Dubrovnik. The construction of the Bokar Tower was carried out for 80 years, its distinctive feature is the diadem that crowns the upper part of the building. Theatrical performances and cultural events are held in the outdoor areas.
The fortress of St. Ivan today houses a Marine Museum and an Aquarium. Revelin Fortress is built in the shape of an irregular square and has the largest terrace in Dubrovnik.
Lovrienac Fortress is located in the western part of the wall and in the past sheltered the port from attack from the sea.
Useful information! The largest number of tourists passes through the Pila gate – a tower with an arch and a sculpture of the patron saint of the city – St. Vlasius of Sevastia.
- To climb the wall, you need to buy a ticket. The price is 200 kuna for adults and 50 for children.
- Visiting hours depend on the time of year. During the high season (in summer), the tower is open from 8-00 to 19-30 (entrance until 18:00).
Opatija — how to get there and what to do in a Croatian resort
Old Town
The photo of Dubrovnik is fascinating and makes you think back to the Middle Ages, but you can only feel the indescribable atmosphere of narrow streets by walking along them and touching the ancient walls of houses that are from 400 to 500 years old.
Useful to know! According to UNESCO, Dubrovnik, along with Venice and Amsterdam, is one of the three most beautiful cities in the world.
The settlement was founded at the end of the 1st century, and the infrastructure was formed here.
Interesting facts about Dubrovnik’s Old Town:
- for a hundred years the Dubrovnik Republic had the status of an independent state;
- scenes of the TV series “Game of Thrones” were filmed here, and the most interesting sights of the audience were the panoramas of the Red Harbor;
- in 1979, the old part of Dubrovnik was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites;
- photos of the city of Dubrovnik are easily recognized by the characteristic red shade of the roof and white walls.
What to see first in the Old Town:
- Pilje Gate – this is where you need to start exploring Dubrovnik;
- Stradun Street is the main pedestrian street in Dubrovnik.
Mincheta Tower
The central and largest tower, located in the northern part of the city wall, opposite the port.
Walking around the perimeter of the tower, feel like a soldier on patrol, for reliability there are guns, a spyglass, and in one of the courtyards there is a guillotine. From a bird’s eye view, you can see the whole city in detail with its streets, bay, liners, sailing yachts and small boats.
Interesting facts about attractions:
- the tower was built in 1319 on the site of the Menchetić family estate;
- the architect Nikifor Rangin was engaged in design and construction.;
- the reconstruction and strengthening of the structure was entrusted to an Italian specialist Michelozzo di Bartolomeo;
- after reconstruction, the military complex became inaccessible to enemies;
- in the future, the architect Yuri Dalmatinets worked on the exterior of the tower;
- The tower symbolizes the greatness and resilience of Dubrovnik, and is also the highest point of the city in Croatia.
The entrance to the tower is accessible from the Old City wall, which requires a ticket (200 kuna) to visit.
Stradun is the main pedestrian street in Dubrovnik
The pedestrian street is a tourist attraction in Dubrovnik. Over hundreds of years, its external appearance has changed, initially there was a channel separating the island and the mainland, houses were built on its sides. However, after the devastating earthquake, the canal was filled up, and since then it has become Stradun Street.
When going for a walk, be sure to bring a good camera. Pay attention to the Church of St. Vlach and the Prince’s Palace.
The street is 300 meters long and connects two entrances to the city – the western one (Pila Gate) and the eastern one (Ploce Gate). At the beginning and end of the street there are fountains – Bolshoy Onufrev and Maly Onufrev, also in the western part there is a city bell tower, and in the eastern part there is a Franciscan monastery.
On a note! At the beginning of February, a procession is held here in honor of the patron saint of Dubrovnik-St. Vlasius of Sevastia.
On the street, in addition to attractions, there are many shops, cafes, restaurants, and many narrow, old streets go to the sides.
St. Ignatius Church
In the southern part of Dubrovnik there is a Jesuit church, its architecture completely repeats the main Jesuit church in Rome. The construction of the landmark was completed in 1725, the author of the project was the architect Ignazio Pozzo.
Interesting to know! The staircase leading to the temple is often compared to the Spanish Staircase in the Italian capital.
The interior design of the church impresses with its richness and luxury, there is a sense of calm and tranquility. The central altar is decorated with frescoes on the biblical theme, and the central half-dome is decorated with paintings. Under the church is the oldest grotto in Europe, built in the 19th century, dedicated to the Virgin of Lourdes.
Practical information:
- entrance to the temple is free;
- the church is active, but the service is attended by too many people, so it’s better to come at a different time.
Onufriya Fountain
One of the most ancient sights of Dubrovnik (Croatia) is the fountain, which in the past was the end point of the city’s water supply network. Since the city had close ties with the Italian principalities, the design of the water pipeline was carried out by an Italian specialist Onofrio dela Cava. Under his leadership, several fountains were built in the city. The water supply system stretches for 12 km, and the maximum height difference is 106 m. The final point of the aqueducts-the Big Onufriy Fountain is located on Militsevitsa Square, and the Small One is located near the guardhouse.
The attraction is a 16-sided structure, each with a separate water outlet. Once the attraction was decorated with a sculpture of a dragon, but today it is lost.
Interesting fact! The small Palace served as a source of drinking water for the prince’s palace.
Srj Mountain
Dubrovnik in Croatia is located at the foot of the Srj Mountain, which is 413 m high. There are two ways to climb to its top, where there is an excellent playground.
The most convenient and fastest way is to use the funicular. This is the only lifting mechanism in the entire Adriatic that has been operating since 1969.
- The ascent takes 3-4 minutes.
- Round – trip ticket price is 170 hrk, one – way ticket price is 90 hrk, for children from 4 to 12 years old the price is 60 and 40 kuna, respectively.
The second way is to climb the mountain on foot, the length of the route is 2 km. If you don’t want to go under the scorching sun, rent a car – there is a road leading to the top.
The observation deck offers a beautiful view of the city, the sea and the surrounding area. You can eat in the restaurant, the prices for food and drinks are quite high.
Korcula Island
Locals call Korcula mini Dubrovnik, it is the most populated island in Croatia. In translation, the name means Black Island, most likely because of the dark massifs of pine forests that cover most of it. Here is the world center of winemaking, because Korcula has everything you need for growing vineyards. Even discerning gourmets will appreciate the taste and aroma of local wines.
In the middle of summer, there is a bright theatrical performance of Moreshka-a knight’s dance, known since the 15th century. Men dress up in ancient, knightly clothes and arrange competitions for the princess’s heart.
The main settlement of the island – the town of Korcula-is an ancient fortress with eight towers, one of which is the entrance to the city. Main attractions:
- Cathedral Square;
- St. Mark’s Cathedral;
- bishop’s palace;
- a museum where works of art are displayed;
- icon museum;
- house of Marco Polo.
There are several ways to get to the island.
- By car. The route is 120 km long and follows the E65 highway in the direction of Split, through the Peleszac peninsula, the city of Orebic, from here to Korcula there is a ferry that transports cars.
- By bus. Flights from Dubrovnik run every day, transport with tourists is carried by ferry, the journey takes up to 3 hours and 25 minutes. The number of flights and ticket prices depend on the season of the year. Please check the carrier’s official website for up-to-date information. The approximate price of the trip is 94 hrk, the ferry crossing is included in the price.
- On the ferry. Dubrovnik has a port, so you can get to Korcula by ferry, but there are not so many flights – one per day. The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. Transportation is carried out by several companies – Jadrolinija (website — www.jadrolinija.hr), Kapetan Luka (www.krilo.hr/en/) and G & V Line Dubrovnik (www.tp-line.hr). The ferries are comfortable, with toilets and a buffet provided. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or on the carrier’s website, the approximate cost is 80-120 hrk, the price depends on the season, company and type of vessel.
- As part of an excursion group. There are many travel companies in Dubrovnik that offer trips to Korcula. Prices vary widely and depend on the number of people in the group and its duration. The average cost is 1200-1700 hrk.
Detailed description of the island of Korcula with photos in this article.
Locrum Island
The first mention dates back to 1023, when a Benedictine monastery was founded here, where monks cultivated exotic and rare plants. The monks left the island at the end of the 18th century. The distance between the island and Dubrovnik is 700 m, so the connection is constant.
Useful to know!
You can get to Lokrum by private water taxi and public transport, which departs every hour from the Old Town.
The journey takes a quarter of an hour.
Locrum Attractions:
- beautiful beaches;
- a small dead lake;
- botanical garden where peacocks and rabbits live in natural conditions;
- The Royal Fort.
Practical information:
- the cost of visiting the attraction is 150 kuna if you take a water taxi on your own or 200 kuna if you take an official boat (round trip is included in the price).
- official website of the island: www.lokrum.hr/eng/.
- take bread to feed the peacocks;
- take shoes for swimming;
- for a holiday on the island, it is best to set aside the whole day/
Interesting fact! There is a legend that Richard the Lionheart landed on the island as a result of a shipwreck in 1192.
St. Lawrence Fortress
This is a fortification built on a cliff 37 meters high, the slopes of which are very steep and completely overgrown with thorny bushes. In the 11th century, the fortress was built to protect the western approaches to the city. Over the centuries, the structure has been reconstructed and changed, but the inscription on the gate remains unchanged, which says-freedom cannot be sold for treasures.
Together with the city wall, the fort forms a powerful defense from the sea. From the walls of the fortress, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the old part of the city. Some scenes of the TV series “Game of Thrones”were shot in this fort.
Interesting fact! In the evening, theater performances are held here, tickets can be purchased directly on the spot, their cost is quite affordable.
Beaches
The Adriatic beaches in Croatia are famous for their cleanliness and many have a Blue Flag. A beach holiday in Dubrovnik is relaxing, stress-relieving and energizing.
If you prefer the sea coast, pay attention to the beaches of Banje and Sveti Jakov, they are located in the eastern direction from the Old Dubrovnik.
To the west of the central part of the city is the rocky beach of Danche, here come those who are confident on the water, because the coast is always strong waves.
Families with children should pay attention to Copacabana Beach. Lovers of a quiet, secluded holiday will surely appreciate the beach of Bougie.
All the beaches of Dubrovnik are described in more detail in this article.
Holidays in Dubrovnik: accommodation and meals
The cost of a holiday in Dubrovnik (Croatia), first of all, depends on the time of year and the level of the hotel. The most affordable prices in hostels – one day in a shared room will cost an average of 150-200 hrk. In a three-star hotel, a double room will cost 500-1000 hrk, and in a five-star hotel-about 200 hrk. Another option for budget accommodation is guesthouses. Here the number starts from 250 hrk. A great alternative to hotels – private apartments, cost per day from 220 hrk.
It is important! Prices also vary depending on the distance of the residence from the city center.
How much does the food cost?
Meals in Dubrovnik also vary in cost. The highest prices in the Old Town. Average prices by city:
- A full 3-course lunch for two will cost an average of HRK 300 here;
- Check for one person in a budget cafe – about 60 hrk;
- Lunch at a budget fast food restaurant costs from 45 hrk;
- Local beer 0.5-17 kuna;
- Cappuccino – 11 kuna.
Dubrovnik also has taverns, fish houses and numerous fast food outlets, as well as cafes with vegetarian menus.
Weather and climate, when it’s best to arrive
The climate of the resort in Croatia is much milder and warmer than in other cities of Dalmatia. The average annual temperature is +17 degrees, the maximum thermometer reading is +31 degrees in August.
Useful to know! For family and sightseeing holidays, the best months are June and September.
From November to spring, the resort has heavy rains and strong winds. Winter temperatures almost never fall below 0 degrees, snow falls extremely rarely, but they are replaced by freezing rains.
During the summer, Dubrovnik hosts interesting events, so if you are not afraid of the heat, and you like noisy holidays, choose July and August for your holiday. Please note that accommodation must be arranged in advance.
Dubrovnik’s beach season starts at the end of May, when the water temperature reaches +20 °C. By August, the water warms up to the maximum in this region +26 °C. You can swim until the first half of October at +22 °C.
How to get
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Dubrovnik is by plane. The city has its own airport.
Dubrovnik airport to the city
Shuttle buses run from the airport. They are sent 9-17 times a day depending on the day of the week from 4: 30 am to 20: 00 pm. Travel time is 30 minutes. In the city, the shuttle makes 2 stops in the direction of the city and 3 stops on the way to the airport.
One-way fare is 40 kuna, round trip fare is 70 kuna. You need to pay for your luggage separately.
The exact timetable for each day is available on the official website https://www.absolute-dubrovnik.com/travel-by-plane/dubrovnik-airport-shuttle-bus.
From other European cities
It can be reached by car from Western Europe and Central Europe. Gas stations are available in sufficient quantity in all cities of Croatia.
Croatia has a well-developed bus service. Flights to Dubrovnik come from all localities in the country and neighboring countries. The bus station is located in the western part of the resort.
If you are traveling from a city where there is a port, do not deny yourself the pleasure and treat yourself to a sea cruise on the Adriatic.
In the photo, the sights of Dubrovnik look fascinating and a little fabulous, but you can really feel the color and atmosphere of the resort only by visiting it. If you take a walk through the resort’s streets, you will probably find yourself thinking that Dubrovnik (Croatia) has firmly occupied a corner in the heart.
Interesting facts
- There is evidence that the world’s first commercial pharmacy opened in Dubrovnik in 1317. Then allied with the monastery, it still exists today, but with much more recognizable modern medicines. However, there are still creams and herbal teas here, with recipes dating back to the 1300s.
- Dubrovnik was the first “country” (then a republic) to expel slavery in 1416.
- Dubrovnik was the first orphanage in the world, which opened its doors to children in 1432.
- Dubrovnik has a medieval sewer system dating back to 1296, which is still in use today!
- Agatha Christie spent her second honeymoon in Dubrovnik.
- Dubrovnik’s Insurance law is the oldest in Europe, having been passed in 1395, about 300 years earlier than Lloyds of London.
- On Thursday, October 12, 2016, Dubrovnik’s Old Town in Croatia registered 1 million visitors in a year. For the first time, this “magic” number was reached in 365 days.
- When Bernard Shaw visited Dubrovnik, he liked it so much that the playwright compared it to heaven on earth. Residents of the city were pleasantly impressed by this fact, and later in Dubrovnik one of the streets was named after the writer.
- Dubrovnik is a popular destination for nudists. The most popular beach for those who like to sunbathe naked is located on the island of Lokrum in Croatia.
- Most of the scenes of the cult TV series “Game of Thrones”were shot in Dubrovnik. Some guides conduct guided tours of the filming locations.
- In “Star Wars” you can also see the scenery of the city of Dubrovnik.
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