What to do, when to go in Dubrovnik and why this marvelous fortress city is called the pearl of the Adriatic, plus the best places to swim which is very important.
Old Town Harbour
The Stradum
Rooftops: The 5th Facade
“The Pearl of the Adriatic” sits on the southern coast of Croatia enchanting travellurs like a siren on a rocky shore with its stunning medieval architecture, azure waters, and a rich history that permeates every stone of its ancient walls. Whether you’re drawn to its historic charm, the sparkling sea, or everything Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik offers an unforgettable experience. Here's everything you need to know about what to do, when to visit, and how this fortress city has cast a spell on a thousand years of visitors.
But why do they call it that?
No doubt in part due to Dubrovniks breathtaking beauty and significant historical and strategic importance. This spectacularly walled fortress city, with its pristine medieval ramparts and towers and red roofed houses is surrounded by the glistening Adriatic Sea. That in itself is enough in my book. But I think it’s because inside the rough oyster shell of defensive stone and batteries, the city's gleaming limestone streets lined with classical architecture, and the vibrant culture within glows like a Baroque pearl. The entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. My kind of place. Unimaginable that it was significantly damaged in the war in the 1990s which still lays heavily in the hearts of the local inhabitants.
If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, there could be many other reasons Dubrovnik is a pearl. The city's strategic location made it a key maritime power in the Mediterranean from late antiquity through the Middle Ages, adding to its historical prestige and the richness of its cultural tapestry. I like specifics, so here s quick historical breakdown:
1. Byzantine Empire (6th – 12th Century)
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Dubrovnik (then known as Ragusa) came under the influence of the Byzantine Empire when it first developed as a trading hub, laying the foundation for its future prosperity.
2. Venetian Republic (1205 – 1358)
Dubrovnik fell under the control of the Venetian Republic following the Fourth Crusade, when Venice took control of large parts of the Adriatic coast.
3. Hungarian-Croatian Kingdom (1358 – 1526)
The Treaty of Zadar in 1358 ended Venetian rule and placed Dubrovnik under the suzerainty of the Hungarian-Croatian Kingdom. During this time, Dubrovnik enjoyed significant autonomy and became a self-governing republic known as the Republic of Ragusa. This period marked the height of Dubrovnik's prosperity as a maritime trading power.
4. Ottoman Empire (1526 – 1806)
While Dubrovnik remained a republic, it recognized the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire from 1526, paying an annual tribute in exchange for protection. This arrangement allowed Dubrovnik to maintain its independence and continue flourishing as a trading city. The Republic of Ragusa was an important intermediary between the Ottomans and Western Europe, which contributed to its wealth and stability.
5. Napoleonic Era (1806 – 1815)
In 1806, Napoleon's forces occupied Dubrovnik, leading to the formal abolition of the Republic of Ragusa in 1808.
6. Austrian Empire (1815 – 1918)
After the fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna in 1815 placed Dubrovnik under the control of the Austrian Empire. It became part of the Kingdom of Dalmatia, a crown land within the empire. but retained its cultural and historical importance.
7. Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918 – 1941)
After World War I, Dubrovnik became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929.
8. World War II (1941 – 1945)
During World War II, Dubrovnik was occupied by Axis powers. Initially, it was under Italian control (1941-1943), and later, Nazi Germany took control after Italy's surrender in 1943. The city was then part of the Independent State of Croatia, a puppet state of Nazi Germany.
9. Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945 – 1991)
After World War II, Dubrovnik became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, under the rule of communist leader Josip Broz Tito. It was part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, one of the six republics within Yugoslavia.
10. Republic of Croatia (1991 – Present)
Dubrovnik became part of the independent Republic of Croatia following the Croatian War of Independence, which lasted from 1991 to 1995. The city suffered significant damage during the siege by Yugoslav and Serb forces in 1991-1992.
What to DO IN dubrovnik:
Of course, we’ll arrange tickets and provide googlemap directions in your custom itinerary, but here are the top things to do in Dubrovnik. We’ve also got a few personalized items that you’ll find in your custom itinerary.
Top five things to do in Dubrovnik:
Walk the City Walls: One of the most iconic activities in Dubrovnik is walking the 2-kilometer circuit around the city’s ancient walls. The walls offer spectacular views of the Old Town, the shimmering Adriatic, and the nearby Lokrum Island.
Explore the Old Town: Wander through narrow streets lined with Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque landmarks like the Rector's Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Church of St. Blaise.
View from Buza Bar
Where to Swim in Dubrovnik
Sand and beach bed lovers will appreciate Banje Beach located just outside the city walls and offers a stunning view of the Old Town harbour and Lokrum island. I like Šulić Beach, a hidden gem nestled between Fort Lovrijenac and the cliffs of Dubrovnik. Also good is Sv. Jakov Beach; it’s a bit of a trek to get there, but the reward is a stunning beach with fewer crowds and beautiful views. But my favorite spot was on Lokrum island, googlemap pin drop in your itinerary.
Banje Beach
Fort Lovrijenac
Visit Fort Lovrijenac: This impressive fortress is located just outside the city walls and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Must see for Game of Thrones fans or anyone who likes a good view.
Visit Lokrum Island: A short boat ride from old town harbour, Lokrum Island is a nature reserve with beautiful botanical gardens, free range peacocks, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. It’s the perfect place to walk and swim in tranquility for a few hours.
Have a drink at Buza bar: Tuck into a hole in the wall, literally a hole in the wall, to get to this panoramic bar clinging to the rocks facing the sea. Watch rock jumpers, pirate boats or a velvety sunset from the precipitous seating.
Lokrum island
When to go to Dubrovnik
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is between May and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city's historical sites and enjoying the Adriatic Sea. July and August are the peak tourist months and the city is thronged. So if you want a quieter experience, visit in May, June, or September when it’s less crowded, but warm enough to swim in the sea.
If you like music and festivity visit during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, mid-July to late August. The city is transformed into an open-air stage for music, theater, and dance set against the backdrop of Dubrovnik's historic sites.
Five days in the town of Dubrovnik is enough time for making up your own reason for why Dubrovnik is a pearl. You’ll have time for naps and walks and changing your mind and going later. If you get antsy and need more action, you’ll have plenty of options of things to do in the location report that comes with every Travellur custom itinerary.
View from Lovrijenac Fortress
Where to stay IN Dubrovnik:
Croatian traditional hospitality is not a hotel. It’s what I’d call a pensione - family owned apartments with various degrees of service. Only recently emerged from a socialist regime, this is how many Croatians maintain their heritage homes and develop the local economy. If you want a European style hotel, you could stay at the 5-star Hotel Excelsior which has a lovely position facing the old town harbour and offers short water taxi service to the town. Or you could stay at a vacation rental and practice your intercultural skills with real Croatian people. FYI, apartments in the old town are not accessible by car and you may have a busy, bumpy walk with your suitcases to reach the front door. I know an inexpensive place a five minute walk from Banje beach (I like to swim in the morning), with a view of the harbour, accessible by car and run by a charming couple who’s families have lived in Dubrovnik for generations. Let me know if you want to stay there.
WE GOT THIS:
Dubrovnik is a living museum of history, culture, and architecture. Whether you're walking its ancient walls, swimming in the clear waters of the Adriatic, or going all Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik offers an experience that is rich and satisfying. Clear some time in your calendar and discover for yourself why it truly is the Pearl of the Adriatic. We have a place for you to stay, reservations at vetted restaurants, boat skippers ready to take you on a private day cruise. Contact Travellur for a custom travel itinerary to this timeless destination.
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