Dubrovnik Information - hotels, restaurants, golf, weather, maps & more

Dubrovnik is a treasure, a true gem, located in southeast Croatia along the Adriatic Sea.  It has the nickname of the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and, in 1979, it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Dubrovnik has always prospered because of its close relationship with the sea.  Maritime trade has led the town to thrive.  It was the only Adriatic “city state” that was said to rival Venice and it experienced a high level of development due to the wealth and skills of its citizens.

Croatia has withstood some tough times, not the least of which was the recent 1991 onslaught of the Serbs and Montenegrins.  Before that, in 1667 it was an earthquake that destroyed much of the city.  And before that, Dubrovnik held off the Byzantines, the Ottomans, and the Venetians.  It is still standing and thriving.  It has proven it can hold its own again and again throughout history.

The wonderfully mild Mediterranean climate allows for many pleasant days in which to plan your visit to Dubrovnik.  Easily one of the top destinations for tourist travel in the Mediterranean area, the winters are mostly mild and rainy and the summers are hot and dry.  This coastal area on the Adriatic is a favorite gathering place of authors, poets, playwrights, painters, as well as physicists and mathematicians. 

The city has wonderful neighborhoods to walk, streets to explore, cafes in which to dine, and bars to peruse for nightlife.  Dubrovnik is easily walk-able, but it’s important to note that some streets can be a little steep.  Many fine examples of Baroque architecture and beautiful ornate palaces are available to be viewed and studied on your walks.

Dubrovnik has many beautiful and grand hotels, with several being located in the heart of Old Town.  Staying in the centre of the city will put you in close proximity to many attractions.  If you are staying at equally elegant accommodations outside Old Town, bus service can help you get around, or cars, motorbikes, scooters, and even buggies can be rented for transport.

You must, however, walk the city walls during your visit.  You simply cannot go home without crossing these historic barriers.  During the summer, there is a music and theatre festival held from 10 July to 25 August.  Plays, concerts, and games go on during these fun-filled days.  As well, the Dubrovnik Film Festival, the Libertas Film Festival, and the Julian Rachlin and Friends Festival of chamber music occur in this great city.  The arts and culture are in the forefront of Dubrovnik’s heritage.

Don’t forget the beaches while you’re here!  The closest to Old Town is Banje Beach.  It is convenient to get to and you can rent chairs and umbrellas from the nearby EastWest Club or you can simply throw down a beach towel.  Copacabana Beach is nice and is considered a family beach because the water is relatively shallow.  On the peninsula, Lapad, very nice beaches are open for everyone to enjoy.  Shhh!  It’s almost a secret, but check out Sv Jakov Beach – you may have to ask the locals how to find it but it may give you a section of beach to yourself.

Dubrovnik must be seen and experienced for the part in history it has played and won.  It is resilient and the spirit can still be found there among its people.