The city of Dubrovnik is becoming increasingly popular for people seeking an alternative city break to the norm, and is also welcoming more and more people who are arriving by sea.
Having undergone extensive damage in fighting after the break-up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik has undergone extensive rebuilding and repair work to now been seen as one of the Mediterranean’s top destinations – and one that is certainly worth a visit.
Situated on the Adriatic coast, the walled city is steeped in culture and history at every turn, with the Old Town area – which dates back to medieval times – being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spend your time ashore and you’re sure to enjoy the chance to explore the history of the Old Town area, which is you can do at leisure given that traffic is banned from the cobbled streets.
The Cathedral of the Assumption, an impressive Roman Catholic cathedral that was rebuilt in the 1600s having been largely destroyed by an earthquake, is one major draw as is the Rector’s Palace – an even older building that is famed for featuring elements of gothic, renaissance and baroque design.
The palace now houses a museum where you can learn more about the history of Dubrovnik through the ages.
The walls that surround the Old Town are also something of attraction in themselves, with impressive views across the city available if you take a stroll around the top; exploring the many towers and bastions in the process.
Alternative attractions to consider include the famous Dubrovnik cable car, which heads up the slopes of Mount Srd from just outside the city walls, as well as a selection of small coastal villages in the surrounding area where you can gain an insight into local life.
Away from the historic side of the city, Dubrovnik also has a modern side where you can find stylish boutiques offering various bargains, as well as plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants.
It’s also a city that has been used for filming of the hit TV show Game of Thrones, with various tours to showcase the main filming locations.
Enjoy some time exploring Dubrovnik on your Mediterranean cruise and there’s a good chance that you’ll want to return…