A pearl in the Adriatic

Although I tend to choose nature over civilization, there are places that definitely deserve some praise. I'll choose a walk in the forest over a walk in the city 99,9% of the time, but this city in particular was one that I wanted to see for years, and finally managed to last year. So, taking a break from the usual nature and wildlife posts... here's Dubrovnik!

After spending some time visiting nature parks in Croacia, the last days of my visit to this beautiful country were spent here. "Pearl of the Adriatic" is one of the ways the city is referred to, and now that I know it, I can totally agree! I love old cities, and although Dubrovnik has new buildings that spread for some distance, I'll consider just this part: the old town! After all, I'd say this is the part most people want to see (and for me, the one worth seeing!). The ancient buildings, the huge stone walls, the city has it all!

As you arrive near one of the entries, this massive detail stands out. Game Of Thrones vibes, anyone? After the popular TV show, hordes of tourist come to visit and do the game of thrones tours, where guides walk around the locations where some scenes were filmed (and doing spoilers out loud while pointing everywhere...). I loved the show (except for that last season, when they screwed everything), but decided to see things on my own; I wanted to see the city, not exactly where X did this and Y killed W.

This is one of the main entrances, and here is the other one:

The old city is surrounded by some of the largest stone walls I've seen, and there's a path on top of them that goes around all the city, that I highly recommend. I'll share some more panoramic photos in a little bit, but here's an idea of how the old city looks like:

Inside, there's a multitude of buildings and places to see: small (and not so small) fountains, cathedrals, museums, and countless narrow streets to roam and get lost...

... which is my favourite way to visit cities: have (a very rough) idea of the main things to see, and wonder around and see what else you can find out!

This is one of the main streets in the city, probably the fastest way between the two main entries; you can find restaurants and gift shops in either sides.

If I recall correctly, it starts near this big fountain (St. Onofrio, I think)...

... and finishes in this square; and if you go mid morning, this is how it normally is: packed with tourists!

I'm not going to name the buildings, or talk about the history; there are plenty of sites and info out there that will certainly do a better job than me; but I'll tell you what I did, and recommend. Apart from roaming around the city and visit the main monuments, certain places outside the walls do deserve a visit. One of them is the fort that sits outside, fort Lovrijenac.

Oh, and before I forget: there'a a Dubrovnik pass (or card), that for a fixed price gives you access to most main monuments, this fort, and access to the city walls; definitely worth buying if you have a full day to visit.

This fort gives you the strong GOT vibes again.

But apart from the cool views inside, its the great panoramic view to Dubrovnik that is reason alone to deserve the visit; that's where the first photo of this post was taken.

More things to do outside? How about combining a beautiful city, with a sunset, while chilling out on one of the cool beaches with cristaline water? If it sounds good, get that ass moving to St. Josephs beach. It's around 25ish minutes walking, but it's time well spent: it's good exercise, and you get this view:

Relax at the beach, have a drink at the bar, and watch the sun go down over Dubrovnik... unless someone in a mutli-million dollar yatch has the same idea and partially blocks your view! :P Oh well, you can always go up the stairs again (did I mention there's a ton of stairs to go down to the beach?, and the view gets a little better.

The sunset from the beach nearer to the city (whose name I can't remember) isn't bad also, but St. Josephs beach gets the prize for me.

Another good way to admire the city from the outside, is to go up to a viewpoint on the hill over the city. You can go by car/bus, get voluntarily mugged and pay an absurdity by cablecar, or my favourite way, walking there! There a hiking trail from the city, that although not that well indicated until you reach the green part, is not that hard to find.

After leaving the city, you have to cross this road (and I didn't find a safe way to cross it, fortunately the traffic wasn't that intense) and then, just follow the small path.

After a short distance in the woods, it starts a steepish zig-zag pattern all the way to the top. Honestly, apart from a restaurant and a monument on top, there's nothing else to see; and for me, the best views were during the trail, and not from the top.

Even if you don't want to go all the way to the top, it's worth the trip, even if it's just halfway, for the amazing view over the city. Rest assured though, if steep trails aren't your thing, inside the city walls there are countless beautiful views as well. From the big port...

... to the markets on the various little squares,

and the several monuments, you'll have plenty to see and do. One thing I do recommend not to miss: walk those walls!

Especially as the golden hour approaches, the light over the buildings of the old city is just sublime.

The walls can only be walked one way (counter-clockwise), and you're not allowed to do multiple laps; there are different entries, so time your entry to be able to admire the city and take photos at your preferred time. The big tours normally go mid morning, ao I suggest either early in the day, or (my pick) near the golden hour: best setting by far, for me!

So there you go, a little taste from Dubrovnik; as far as cities go, this was one of my favourite all-time visits. I do hope to get back some day, bathe in those waters and enjoy the city mood once more!

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