4 Key Areas Of Croatia Worth Exploring
September 12, 2019
Due to it becoming an iconic filming location for Game of Thrones, its popularity may have increased in recent years, but Dubrovnik has always been a beautiful place to spend a city break. With the option of combining it with Split or exploring the city before or after a cruise of the surrounding islands, there are many ways to enjoy this Croatian gem. Here is everything you need to know when taking a trip to Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Airport is well served by a number of European carriers, with direct flights being possible from various UK locations. British Airways, Monarch, Easyjet and Norwegian all operate services from London Gatwick, whilst Jet2 fly from Manchester and Air Lingus can take you from Dublin. Flight time is roughly two hours and forty minutes.
There is no rail link from the airport into Dubrovnik city centre and so the best way to make this journey is via the airport shuttle buses that are timed with arriving flights. If, however, you would like a private transfer then we will be more than happy to arrange this for you.
This is a great option for anyone looking for an inexpensive hotel in Dubrovnik. It is located on the Lapad peninsula, in the north end of town and is reminiscent of home thanks to the Victorian exterior features. From just outside, a bus can take you to the city centre in 10 mins or it is a leisurely 25-minute walk. The rooms are modern, having been renovated in the last ten years, and each has both a shower and a bath. Providing great value for money, Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the cost.
If you would prefer something that has everything you need in one place, the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace can offer this for a mid-range price. Situated on the outskirts of the Park šuma Velika i Mala Petka and with sea views offered from every room, you will be sheltered from the hustle and bustle but still close to the city centre and right on the beach. There are five restaurants on site, as well as a spa, four bars and numerous conference rooms. The rooms are all air-conditioned, offer free Wi-Fi and have interactive flat-screen TVs.
The Villa Orsula Hotel is the perfect place in which to enjoy a luxurious Dubrovnik city break. Situated in a quiet part of town, in the south-east corner, it has its own private entrance, exclusive beach and offers exceptional service around the clock. The 1930s art-deco exterior is juxtaposed nicely by the modern interior, whilst the lavender and orange trees in the secluded garden create a peaceful and relaxing environment. You can look out over the Adriatic Sea to the island of Lokrum and Dubrovnik Old Town is right on your doorstep.
Many of the attractions and places of interest lie within the Old Town and, if you are staying outside, the best way to get there is by bus. Tickets are fantastically cheap and almost every bus leads to the main area. Having said that, it may be wise to pick up a timetable from the main bus station, which is also where you can buy day passes and other tickets. The best buses to get from here are 1A, 1B or 1C.
Once you find yourself in the Old Town, the best way to get around is on foot. Whilst it can take a little while to get used to the maze of narrow streets, it is fun to explore these and see what is hiding around every corner.
This has to be one of the best places to try the delicious, fresh seafood that Dubrovnik has to offer. If you are busy exploring the Old Town, make your way to this welcoming eatery located on Boškovićeva ulica and enjoy lunch on the go. The menu changes every day but regularly features octopus burger and tempura prawns.
Restaurant Horizont has not been open for very long but it is already earning rave reviews on TripAdvisor thanks to its great service, fantastic food and affordable prices. This is your opportunity to sample some traditional Dalmatian cuisine, such as tuna tartar and prosciutto from the town of Drniš.
The name of this luxurious restaurant comes from its innovative and beautiful setting. Tables are laid out within the old city walls, as guests are provided with 360-degree views over the Adriatic Sea through the gaps in the fortifications of the Sveti Luka bastion. This is the perfect setting for a romantic meal or when celebrating a special occasion, with the finest Mediterranean cuisine gracing the menu. Specific options include veal cheeks, black tortellini and lamb three ways.
Perched high up on the cliff, just outside of the city walls, Lovrijenac Fortress played an important role in keeping the city under Croatian ruling and out of the hands of the Venetians. Upon hearing that the troops from Venice planned to build a fort here and use it to launch their assault on Dubrovnik, the local citizens beat them to it by building Lovrijenac. Today it is used for local theatre productions and may be recognisable as the Red Keep in the TV epic Game of Thrones.
To get a true idea of just how beautiful Dubrovnik is, it's best to get a bird's eye view. This can be done from the top of Mount Srd where a wealth of historic architecture will be laid out before you. It's completely free (if not a little tiring) to hike up to the summit but, if you are not feeling very energetic, the cable car will get you there in a fraction of the time. A ticket for a round-trip costs about ten pounds and the panoramic vistas are well worth it.
Just a 15-minute boat-taxi ride from Dubrovnik harbour, there is a peaceful paradise just waiting to be explored. Lokrum is a tiny island which is home to beautiful beaches, interesting buildings and, rather strangely, peacocks. As well as looking around the Benedictine monastery, tourists love to swim in the 'Mrtvo more'. This small lake has a name that can be translated to mean 'Dead Sea'; a name which is given to it because of the large amounts of salt in the water. This is a great place to swim or simply relax amidst the perfect landscape.
If you would like to plan your own Dubrovnik city break, we can organise everything for you. Just tell us when you would like to go and we will tailor-make a fantastic trip that is perfect for you.
