DUBROVNIK : SOME FUN FACTS AND TIPS ABOUT THIS JAW- DROPPING CROATIAN PEARL
DUBROVNIK - A UNIQUE BLEND OF HISTORY, BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE AND FUN THINGS TO DO
For most people Dubrovnik, along with the Croatian football team and Luka Modrić, is the first thing that comes into their mind when they think of Croatia. Among many celebrities who have visited Dubrovnik are Edward and Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Michael Douglas, Catherina Zeta Jones, Richard Gere and many more. So, is Dubrovnik really worth the hype?
10 REASONS TO VISIT DUBROVNIK
2) Dubrovnik is one of the oldest towns in Europe with the well preserved old town and the city walls surrounding it
4) Dubrovnik has top - notch food and wine
5) Located in the south of Croatia, Dubrovnik has a very pleasant climate throughout the year
6) Out of this world nearby islands are only a short boat ride away and can be enjoyed as an unforgettable day trip from Dubrovnik
7) It offers many fun things to do (concerts, festivals, walking tours, Dubrovnik Summer Festival)
8) The city's Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
9) Dubrovnik was one of the main filming locations of Game of Thrones
10) Dubrovnik is a jumping-off point for other nearby places (Korčula, Mljet, Mostar)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: April - June and September - October
advantages: pleasant weather for walking around and exploring,
less crowded
Summer: disadvantages: big crowds, very hot
advantages: best time to fully enjoy the paradise beaches and sea, Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Winter: disadvantages: bad time to experience the beauty of the coastline to its fullest
advantages: few tourists, good time to explore the town in peace and quiet
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik 5*
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dbvhihi-hilton-imperial-dubrovnik/
Hotel Lero 5*https://hotel-lero.hr/
Hotel Vis 3* http://www.vishotel-dubrovnik.com/
Located on Lapad, about a 10 minute bus drive from the town centre it's a good option for those who want to relax on the hotel beach and enjoy walking along the nearby promenade.
Hostel Angelina Old Town https://hostelangelinaoldtowndubrovnik.com/
Old Town Hostel http://www.dubrovnikoldtownhostel.com/
Private apartments https://www.dubrovnik-private-accommodation.net/
5 MUST TRY FOODS IN DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik has a unique culinary tradition that goes back centuries. Basically, it is Mediterranean cuisine with some local twists. It is characterised by the abundance of fresh seafood and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Some must try local delicacies:
1) Pašticada with gnocchi
One of the most popular dishes and a definite must try is pašticada - marinated beef stew with carrots, onions, prunes, bacon, nutmeg and red wine. Usually served with gnocchi. Best place to try it: Kopun.
2) Šporki makaruli (dirty macaroons)
This iconic dish from Dubrovnik is macaroni - style pasta with the sauce similar to Bolognese. Best place to try it: Orsan Yacht Club on Lapad.
3) Black Risotto
It is cuttlefish risotto with the black ink from the fish which gives it a distinctive dark colour. One of the best places to taste it: Stara Loza.
Ston is a small place on the Pelješac Peninsula famous for its oyster farms. Oysters from Ston are renowned for their unique, delicious taste, the result of a mix of fresh and seawater. Some of the best places that serve Ston oysters are Oyster and Sushi Bota and Kamenice Restaurant.
A local version of creme brulee with a unique twist of locally made liqueur from rose petals (rozulin). Best place to try it is Bistro Tavulin.
5 INTERESTING AND FUN DUBROVNIK TOURS
1) Dubrovnik Cable car Ride, Old Town Walking Tour plus City Walls
This all in one tour combines a walking tour of the Old Town and the city walls plus a cable car trip to the mountain Srđ. First you go up the Srđ mountain from which you get a great view of the city and a big part of the stunning Dalmatian Coast. Then you continue your walking tour through the Old Town with a licensed guide and finish with the city walls. https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik-Super-Saver-Mt-Srd-Cable-Car-Ride-plus-Old-Town-and-City-Walls-Walking-Tour/d904-5360CABLEWALLS
2) Game of Thrones Lokrum Special in Dubrovnik
Unlike other Game of Thrones tours around the filming sites in the Old Town, this one takes you to the beautiful nearby island of Lokrum, aka Qarth. The 3 hour guided tour takes you to the official Iron Throne, introduces you to the major filming locations and behind the scene stories. The rest of the time you are left to explore and enjoy the amazing island of Lokrum - its scenic beaches, lush vegetation and great local food. So, if you have a day to spare, combine the Lokrum tour with the GOT.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubrovnik/Game-of-Thrones-Lokrum-Special-in-Dubrovnik/d904-72995P6
3) Elaphite Islands Cruise with lunch and drinks
If you have another day to spare, the Elaphite islands are a must see. This 8 hour island-hopping fun cruise includes visits to 3 amazing islands: Lopud, Šipan and Koločep. Eat, drink, relax, swim and soak up the sun in these stunning places. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g295371-d12560857-Full_Day_Dubrovnik_Elaphite_Islands_Cruise_with_Lunch_and_drinks-Dubrovnik_Dubrovn.html
4) Dubrovnik: The Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour
A popular GOT tour around Dubrovnik and its most popular sights: large Onofrio's fountain, Old Town, Lovrijenac, Orlando’s Column, Pile Gate and Jesuit Steps. https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubrovnik/Game-of-Thrones-Tour/d904-7209P5?googlettd=true&src=papi&campaign=e
5) Trsteno Arboretum
Another fun thing to do is visit Trsteno, a former summer residence of a Dubrovnik noble family renowned for its lush botanical garden. Its unique artistic forms appeared in the GOT.
30 INTERESTING AND FUN FACTS ABOUT DUBROVNIK
1) Dubrovnik is home to the first quarantine in the world established in 1377 to prevent the spread of plague.
2) Dubrovnik was one of the first countries in the world to recognise the independence of the USA.
3) Dubrovnik is home to the third oldest pharmacy in the world. Fun fact: The Little Brothers Pharmacy, established in 1317 within Franciscan Monastery has been continually working till present day and supposedly still has some creams and herbal remedies made by the ancient recipes.
4) Trsteno arboretum (some 20 km away from Dubrovnik) founded in the 15 th century is one of the oldest in the world.
5) The Dubrovnik city walls were never breached.
6) Dubrovnik is home to the first orphanage in the world.
7) Dubrovnik sewage system dates back to 1296 and is still in use today.
8) The Dubrovnik insurance law dating back to 1395 is the oldest in Europe.
9) Dubrovnik had some colonies in the past, one of which was the city of Gandaulim in Goa, India.
10) In the past, when south wind (jugo) was blowing no significant political decisions could be made in the Republic of Dubrovnik. Fun thing: Some people supposedly even got away with a murder committed at the time of jugo.
11) The naval fleet of the 16th century Republic of Dubrovnik was among the strongest in the Mediterranean.
12) One more fun fact: George Bernard Shaw once said: “If you want to see heaven on Earth, come to Dubrovnik”.
13) In 1416 Dubrovnik was among the first places to abolish slavery.
14) Another interesting thing: In the 15 th century Dubrovnik had a population of around 40,000 and was one of the biggest European cities. By comparison, London had about 50.000 inhabitants.
15) In 1464, while the Minčeta tower was being built, stone was in short supply, so the city authorities decreed that every visitor must bring a stone depending on his body’s constitution.
16) Between 1358 and 1808 Dubrovnik was an autonomous maritime republic.
17) Agatha Christie spent her second honeymoon in Dubrovnik.
18) Dubrovnik has featured in Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Robin Hood.
19) Dubrovnik has its Shakespeare - Marin Držić, who is considered the greatest Croatian playwright.
20) Dubrovnik is a walkable city.
21) Dubrovnik is a heaven for cat lovers. There are cats all around the town.
22) Dubrovnik is a city of functional fountains, Onorio’s fountain in Stradun being the most popular and oldest one.
23) Dubrovnik is a great jump off spot for the jaw-droppingly beautiful islands of Mljet, Korčula and the Elaphite islands.
24) Every year between 10 th July and 25th August Dubrovnik is home to the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which hosts some of the world’s most famous artists.
25) In order to preserve it, no more than 8000 visitors are admitted into the historic city at a time.
26) In Dubrovnik the visitors outnumber the locals 36 to 1.
27) Dubrovnik had fresh running water from its beautiful fountains while London still had open sewers.
28) While returning from the Third Crusade in 1192, Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked off the coast of Dubrovnik. He found shelter in the nearby island of Lokrum.
29) The Dubrovnik Cathedral was largely built from the donations of Richard the Lionheart as a token of gratitude for his saved life.
30) Dubrovnik has a cursed island. The island of Daksa is located near the Gruz harbour and because of its bad reputation nobody wants to buy it.
5 MORE FUN FACTS ABOUT THE DUBROVNIK CITY WALLS
They date back to the Early Middle Ages.
They withstood the devastating earthquake in 1667 which destroyed most of the town.
The City Walls are almost 2000 metres long.
They attract over 1 million visitors every year.
They limited the number of visitors each day, so make sure you book a ticket (23 €) on time.
THINGS TO BRING BACK FROM DUBROVNIK
1) Replicas of traditional jewellery from Dubrovnik and Konavle
Verižice, simple hoop-style earrings made in gold or silver, also worn by queen Rania of Jordan, used to be a part of the traditional local folk dress. Another popular traditional piece of jewellery are botuns, sphere -shaped buttons made from silver or gold filigree.
2) Hand-Stitched Linens from Konavle
In the open air markets and right at the entrance to the Old Town you can buy hand embroidered napkins, table runners and tablecloths made by local women. Traditionally, most frequently used colours are red, green and black. A great and fun souvenir!
3) Edible souvenirs
Some of the most popular gifts are locally produced olive oil, brandy, liqueurs, wines, honey, dried orange peel...
Small bags of lavender and lavender oil are excellent souvenirs typical for the whole of Dalmatian Coast.
There is a fun little shop off Stradun (Dubrovnik main street) specialising in GOT memorabilia.
QUO VADIS FINAL THOUGHTS
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