‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ is what this picturesque city on the Dalmatian coast is referred to. The magnificent Croatian walled city should definatly be on your bucket list.
So, what can you do?
• Walk the great wall surrounding the city and take in the stunning views across the Adriatic Sea.The city walls are the second longest in Europe. Taking 2 hours to walk the 2km perimeter. The walls are up to 6 metres thick in places and it has never been breached by a hostile army.
• Explore the historic old town within the city walls with a broad array of restaurants and coffee shops. In 1979, Dubrovnik was added to the list of World Heritage Centres by UNESCO.
• Enjoy a full day exploring the Montenegro coast. Visit the medieval Kotor with its narrow cobble streets and mountain top with views of the stunning bay surrounded by mountains.
• Take a relaxing boat trip. Enjoy lunch and wine whilst hopping around the Elaphiti Islands. Soak up the sun on one of southern Dalmatia’s most idyllic beaches.
• As you tour around Dubrovnik you may recognise 'King’s Landing' from Game of Thrones, otherwise if you're a Star Wars fan it was also used in the filming of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. Tour around the city and see if you can spot the locations.
Fun Facts:
• The people of Dubrovnik invented the word ‘Quarantine’. Between 1348–1359 an estimated 30% of Europe’s population fell victim to the Black Death and so ships were ordered to isolate for 40 days before they were allowed entry into the city. The Venetian vernacular for forty days is 'quaranta giorni' which quickly transformed into the term 'quarantine'.
• Dubrovnik's Franciscan Monastery is home to Europe’s oldest operating pharmacy, founded in 1317. The monks made herb based cures/medicines which they sold to local people. Today though, it's a real chemist but they still sell some of the monks original recipes which are mainly face creams and herbal teas.
• Dubrovnik was among the first countries to abolish the slave trade in the 15th century. It seems the country valued freedom even back then. Compare that to the fact that Britain didn't ban it until 1833 and American in 1865.
• Dubrovnik has the world’s shortest river. The river Ombla is only 30 metres long and is listed in The Guinness book of records.
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