Reasons to visit the blissful, pine-scented Dubrovnik region of Croatia
Dubrovnik is a delight. You can sample busy markets and cafés in the Old Quarter, pine-scented hills and wonderful peaceful bays not far from the ancient city, and small village harbours with cobbled streets, inviting you to explore them. You will find a rich cultural life that has over many years inspired numerous writers and artists.
Dubrovnik is situated on the Adriatic, and is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. Croatia is one of the newest members of the EU, after the break-up of Yugoslavia; it has risen like a phoenix and planted itself firmly back on the summer destinations’ map. So let’s look at five reasons to visit the Dubrovnik region of Croatia.
• The area’s stunning coastline and unspoilt nature, which includes a total of 8 national parks, is definitely a reason to visit.
• Dubrovnik is among the 10 best preserved medieval walled cities in the world. Its walls run almost 1.2 miles around the city and are, in places, 13–20 feet thick. There are many impressive buildings in this magical red roofed town. The 102 ft. bell tower, built in 1444, is one of the symbols of the free city state. It had to be partially rebuilt in 1929 as it had lost its stability due to an earthquake and was in danger of falling. The clock has a brass plaque showing the phases of the moon. Two figures strike the bell every hour. Dubrovnik has many religious buildings, such as the church of St Blaise, who is the patron saint of the city. Dubrovnik’s Baroque cathedral was constructed in the 18th century and contains a Treasury with relics of the saint. The city’s Dominican Monastery looks like a fort but inside is an art museum and Gothic church.
• Koločep is a small island in the Dubrovnik archipelago only 7 km northwest of Dubrovnik. Subtropical vegetation largely covers the island. It has two sandy beaches and numerous hidden rocky ones, together with intimate restaurants, bars and cafes, enabling you to really relax. In fact Kolocep is rated as one of “the top ten world’s best resort islands”.
• In the bay of Dubrovnik, there is the lovely wooded island of Lokrum, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked. I doubt the nudist beach was there then, but it now also has a botanical garden, fortress and monastery.
• If you drive up from Dubrovnik to Split, you’ll pass the Peljesac peninsula, an absolute must for wine lovers with its hillside vineyards producing the very delicious yet potent red Dingac. There is also Ston Bay, well-known for producing tasty oysters and mussels.
• There are plenty of festivals and special occasions that take place all year round in Dubrovnik, the city hums with life. The annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival comprises of 45 days of cultural activities such as live plays, concerts, and a variety of games.
When you consider what Dubrovnik has to offer, it is hardly surprising the region has been awarded a Gold International Trophy for Quality.