Our final destination in Croatia was Dubrovnik, a city in Southern Croatia along the Adriatic Sea It's known for its extraordinary Old Town, encompassed with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century, there are about 43,000 people living here amongst massive stone walls that were completed in the 16th century. You will find well-preserved buildings and streets paved with limestone. Once again we had great meals, stunning blue water, and fun experiences in this pedestrian-only Old Town.
The above photo is the view from our hotel room at The Hotel Excelsior. You can walk out the front door and within a twelve-minute walk, accompanied with a gorgeous view you will enter through the gates of Old Town.
After departing the ferry, you will see plenty of taxi's waiting for your arrival. Forty minutes from the dock and you arrive into town. The first part of the day you might want to spend a little time taking in the view and relaxing by the sea before heading into Old-Town. There is an indoor pool directly behind the sun chairs, but the beauty is under an umbrella, relaxing on the promenade while unwinding with a glass of rosè.
Take a breather from the sun with delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The beach bar, which is in a cave under the hotel, is so mystical with its stalactites and rock formations. The staff is lovely, our waiter was happy to share a little history of Dubrovnik.
Hotel Excelsior sets in a former 1913 royal villa overlooking the Adriatic Sea and Old Town. The rooms are modern, you have free Wi-Fi, minibars, and room service 24/7... be sure to request a room with a balcony. Breakfast is free, there are three sea-view restaurants, you can enjoy your breakfast out on the patio with a view of the sea or indoors. Hotel Excelsior is known for the history of royal and celebrity guests, such as Queen Elizabeth ll, Elizabeth Taylor. There is an old-school feel and when you're there you can truly appreciate the magnificence of the setting. You will experience more than a hundred years of history.
On your way to Old Town, you pass beautiful beaches and charming apartments while wrapping around the Adriatic.
Behind the ancient walls in Old Town, beautiful music plays day and night. Old Town is a bit small but the huge gothic walls and cobblestone streets give it a grand feeling.
We were told to head to Mea Culpa for the BEST pizza in the village. Great service, and fun atmosphere.
If you love pizza, here's the place... show up a little early because it's packed! Our meal was yummy and you get a real feel the Croatian life buzzing all around you. Would I go back to Mea Culpa? Thumbs up.
The Assumption Cathedral - Originally built in the 6th or 7th century in the Byzantine style, then rebuilt as a Romanesque church between the 12th and 14th centuries. According to legend, the rebuild was financed by a donation from king Richard the Lionheart after he was shipwrecked and rescued in Dubrovnik. The cathedral was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1667 and rebuilt in the Baroque style by Roman architects Andrea Buffalini and Paolo Andreotti.
Welcome to Cafe Buza...better known as "the hole in the wall" In the old Dubrovnik Buža means "hole" and no kidding... you have to go through the hole-in-the-wall that leads to casual tables with a birds-eye-view of cliff divers, and jumping. Buza serves wine, beer, potato chips & nuts. Don't blink, or you'll miss the entrance.
Make your way down the narrow stairs and cozy up under an umbrella and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique spot.
Hanging out on the cliffs right above the sea and enjoy the show.
I can never resist a cliff or a diving board. I spent the summer in this VitaminA one piece and I just want to say... I loved it!
Sea Kayaking Sunset Tour - Paddle beneath city walls until you reach hidden cave beach called Betina where you will have a break for swimming and snorkenling. You will then padle around Lokrum Island and explore its caves. When you return you can watch the sunset on the Elaphite Islands with a glass of the local wine and cheeses.
Our last night we found a charming restaurant Proto Fish Restaurant. Located in the centre of the Old Town since 1886. Proto is renowned for recipes from old traditional recipes of Dubrovnik fishermen.
I had the seafood risotto, it was absolutely delicious! Our waiter suggested one of his favorite local red wines. The Croatian people are very proud of their country and passionate about their food and wine.
On our walk back to the hotel there was a cover band of The Beatles. They not only looked like The Beatles, but they also sounded like them. Old Town was full of music that night, it was incredibly cool! Modern, old, new, and music from the past that never gets old.
The next morning we took off early for a walk away from town. Stroll along sea-side the whole way so you have a lovely scenic view and you catch a little breeze.
And found this little slice of heaven. During the day you pretty much live in your bathing suit.
We found Villa Dubrovnik Hotel. A boutique hotel that sits on the sea with a spectacular view of the Old City and Island Lokrum. The property is surrounded by pine, orange, and lemon trees.
Positioned on the cliffs above the Dubrovnik's St. Jacob precinct, newly renovated Villa Dubrovnik is about a 30-minute walk into Old Town or a quick car ride offered by the hotel.
Dubrovnik is surrounded by stunning beaches, gardens and turquoise waters. You will want to walk the town; There is so much to see and experience.
Dubrovnik's famous city walls
You won't want to miss the walk along The city walls that surround Old Town. The walls are 6,365 feet long, and you can walk all the way around them. It takes a little over an hour. If you need to get down, there is a half way mark. You will explore Dubrovnik from an entirely new angle. You can climb the highest point of Old Town and take in amazing views over the city's red roofs. You will see sailboats, kayakers; you pass by Buza Beach, and you will see plenty of souvenir shops along the way offering authentic Croatian souvenirs. Yes, it's a bit Game of Thrones because it's a popular place for filming the t.v. series. There is a whole other world going on from above the city. You will see restaurants on rooftops that you can't see when walking around the town. Don't miss out on this walk; it's worth it.
I look forward to returning to Croatia one day. I found every island to be unique and special in its own way. The Croation people are generous and proud of their history. They look forward to sharing their culture with you.
Overall Croatia is charming, and I have a feeling we might be reading a little more about this tourist spot along the Adriatic Sea. Bye for now...but not for long.
"Traveling - It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." Ibn Battuta
