Dubrovnik truly is the pearl of the Adriatic, framed against the
backdrop of Mount Srd and nestled within the old 16th
Century city walls, with the calm azure sea lapping at three
sides.
It is not hard to see why Dubrovnik is Croatia's most popular
destination for tourists, with the beauty and charm of the
fortified and walled old town waiting to be explored. Around every
corner you are faced by stunning architecture of churches, public
buildings and the green shuttered stone houses, seemingly untouched
by the 21st century.
Now a Unesco World Heritage site and Croatia's most up-market
destination, it was once the capital of the wealthy sea-faring
Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808). During its Golden Age in the 16th
century, it had one of the largest merchant naval fleets in the
world, with consulates in more than 50 foreign ports. Brave
sailors, hard-bargaining merchants and shrewd diplomats, the people
of Dubrovnik became extremely rich, leading sophisticated
lifestyles and valuing refinement and the arts.
Beyond the city walls, 'modern' Dubrovnik offers Mediterranean
elegance with colourful gardens full of bougainvillea, oleanders,
trees and boughs weighted down with figs, oranges, lemons and
peaches.
Surrounded by the calm blue seas of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is
an ideal place for swimming. The Islet of Lokum is by far the best
place for swimmers and sunbathers and can be reached by a 15 min
taxi-boat ride from Dubrovnik's old harbour. Lokum, a Nature
Reserve and a Special Forest Vegetation Reserve offers many
secluded bathing areas and a miniature 'Dead Sea', an idyllic
little salt-filled lake linked to the open sea. When going on
day tip to Lokrum you might want to pack a picnic. The Island is
uninhabited and there are just two resturants and one shop to buy
items to take home.
