Red Roofs & Ancient Walls

The following day I was so excited to explore the site that welcomed me when I first stepped off the shuttle bus – The Old Town and the City Walls – beautiful red roofed buildings surrounded by a stone wall which was built throughout history to defend the city and the port.

 

From the ground and once you have entered through the Pile Gate you step inside the Old Town where you can wonder along narrow streets, climb stone steps, marvel at ancient architecture, shop, eat and drink. From above, walking along the city walls, you can see an abundance of red roofs, busy streets and glistening sea. For £17(150 Kuna) you  can walk the full 2km circuit of the wall. Even though we walked in 33 degree heat with the sun blazing it was an amazing experience. So picturesque and full of history, and it also helped me to appreciate exactly how the city walls protected the town. Stopping for numerous photos, taking moments to appreciate the scenery and sipping on the local beer, Ozujsko (£5 (42 Kuna)) in Buza Bar, built into the cliff side just on the outside of the City Walls, the walk took us around 2 hours. I would totally recommend doing the walk. If 2km with upward slopes and steps sounds a bit challenging, there are exits along the way so that you don’t have to do the full circuit.

As the bus from Babin Kuk to the town was only about 15 minutes at a cost of £1.50 we decided to head back into the town for dinner and drinks that same night. We had dinner in 1863 Dubravka, which is a lovely restaurant set just outside the walls and looking out onto the sea, and for the Game of Thrones fans; Kings Landing! It is a busy outdoor restaurant but don’t be put off. We asked for a table for 2 by the sea and although it was extremely busy they managed to find us the table we requested within minutes. You don’t know if don’t try! Now, I am not a huge seafood lover, but I have it on good authority that it was exceptional in all of the restaurants we ate in.

Dubrovnik really is a beautiful city filled with history, nice restaurants & lovely views.

Dubrovnik ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’

Sun, beaches, natural beauty, history and architecture all in one holiday, what more could you ask for? Perhaps delicious food and friendly locals? Check!  Because of this, Croatia has made it to my top 3 Europe destinations, joining Paris and Rome.

Following an early flight into Dubrovnik on Friday morning we began our journey to Babin Kuk, an area approximately 4km from the Old Town, where our hotel was situated.  We easily found the kiosk selling shuttle bus tickets at the airport and purchased our tickets at a cost of approximately £5 (40 Kuna). The bus took an hour to the city of Dubrovnik due to traffic, it should have been about 35 minutes. The bus stopped just outside the city walls and looking out to the sea I was instantly taken aback by the beauty of the white stone walls set against the calming blue Adriatic Sea. Having to pull myself away from the scenery, we then had to jump on the No. 6 city bus to Babin Kuk at a cost of £1.50 (12 Kuna) for a single. Tickets can be purchased on the city buses but in peak time the bus drivers can refuse you and you have to purchase your ticket from a kiosk which is easily found near the bus stops. We missed our stop thinking we had to get off at the last stop on the route but the bus driver kindly informed us it would be a difficult walk and told us to stay on the bus until he turned it around to do the return journey.

We arrived at our 3 star hotel, Hotel Tirena, booked through Expedia and was instantly happy with our choice. The reception staff were friendly and informative, the room was a good size with a sparkling clean bathroom and the pool was always so inviting.

 

We decided to stay in the area of Babin Kuk for our first day and visit the beach. A couple of minutes walk from our hotel through lush greenery and stony paths and steps we were greeted by the sound of the ocean and relaxing Deep House music. Copacabana Beach is a gravel beach, but don’t let this put you off. It is a lovely little beach with warm, clear, calm waters, drinks, food, water sports and plenty of sunshine. A few minutes away is Cava Beach, this stretch of beach has been taken over by a beach club, charging for large comfortable loungers, cabanas and a restaurant where champagne is likely to be the top selling item.

Only my first day and I instantly knew I was going to love Dubrovnik.