Overlooking the calm blue Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities. Once the capital of the mighty sea-faring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808), it’s now Croatia’s most upmarket destination. Historically, this diminutive republic was sophisticated, refined and cultured.
Today, the pedestrian-only Old Town – packed with aristocratic palazzi and elegant Baroque churches, contained within sturdy medieval fortifications – draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, including glamorous names such as Kate Winslet, John Malkovitch, and David and Victoria Beckham. Beyond the walls, attractions include wine bars, classy seafood restaurants and five-star hotels.
And then there’s the glorious rock-and-pebble coast, with beaches, scuba diving and sea kayaking. Some of the best beaches lie on Lapad peninsular, two miles (3km) west of town; or you might try tiny Lokrum islet, with its botanical garden (you can get taxi-boats from the old town harbour); or the pine-scented Elaphiti islands (ferry from Gruž port).
For further Dubrovnik inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife and things to see and do.
