Nestled against a backdrop of pristine beaches, heavily wooded peninsulas, rolling hills, and a waterscape of sea dotted with lush islands, there is more than just a grain of truth in the statement that Lord Byron made concerning Dubrovnik. “The pearl of the Adriatic” he called this city, and he was not far off. There are few places within Europe that combine all of these elements to create such a perfect destination.
The city itself is a maze of marble streets, strewn with cafes and shops, churches, monasteries, museums, and more. The variety of architecture gives proof of this city’s varied history as each empire who ruled over her left their distinct mark upon it, and beyond the city walls is a fantasy landscape of beaches and wooded valleys just waiting to be explored.
The number of museums, cathedrals and monasteries within the city walls are too many to count. And for an additional step back in history, the famous Dubrovnik walls still stand, a testament to the skill of the craftsmen who made them between the 13th and 16th centuries, and provide a great way to take a leisurely stroll around the city while soaking in the external sights.
If you want to get out of the city, there are plenty of resorts along Lapad Bay, just outside of the city, which allows you access to the beaches and waterfront.
You can hike, drive, bus, or take a train through the outlying countryside should the islands not provide you with everything you are looking for, but regardless of your choice of transportation or destination, Croatia has it all. This is one destination in Europe that should not be missed.