Of so many beautiful places in the world, Dubrovnik is one that has seen maybe the biggest tourist boom in recent years, mostly thanks to TV show “Game of Thrones” which showcased the city’s fabulous architecture.
But even before that Dubrovnik was one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, known as The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Dubrovnik indeed is a unique place in the world with its charming medieval Old Town, ancient walls surrounding the city, baroque churches and stunning landscapes. Mild Mediterranean climate and rich flora, 250 sunny days throughout the year, clear blue waters bathing the rocks beneath the city and sandy beaches all made this old town in Southern Adriatic such a desirable place to visit.
History
Dubrovnik (historically Latin: Ragusa) is a city on the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
The history of Dubrovnik began in the 7th century when a group of refugees from Epidaurus (present-day Cavtat) established a settlement on the small islet called Laus (which in Greek means rock).
Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
Even in the 9th century Dubrovnik was already a fortified town. The prosperity of the city was historically based on maritime trade; as the capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa, it achieved a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries, as it became notable for its wealth and skilled diplomacy.
What to see in Dubrovnik
There’s a huge variety of things you can do in Dubrovnik, and although you could spend days just wandering around the city and enjoy the sun and the sea, there are some sights and activities you shouldn’t miss.
Ancient City Walls
The whole old town is circled with ancient walls that protected it from invaders. Spectacular walk around the walls is a must if you are in Dubrovnik.
View from the Mount Srđ
The best views of Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island are visible from 412m-high hill Srđ. Enjoy the stunning views of Elaphite Islands, the Old Town of Dubrovnik and the city walls. You can hike, drive or take the cable car to the top.
Lokrum
Located on a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town is a Lokrum Island. Explore the ruins of the medieval Benedictine Monastery, wander through the lush green botanical gardens and cool down in one of the island’s swimming spots. Lokrum is also one of the filming locations of popular TV show Game of Thrones and this is your chance to see how city of Qarth looks in real life.
Rectors Palace
Between the Town Hall and the Church of St. Blaise on one side and the Cathedral on the other side, you’ll find the Rector’s Palace, an outstanding monument of secular architecture. The Rector’s Palace used to serve as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa between the 14th century and 1808. Today the palace has been turned into the Cultural History Museum.
The Assumption Cathedral
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a Roman Catholic cathedral built on the site of several former cathedrals, including 7th, 10th and 11th century buildings, and their 12th century successor in the Romanesque style. The money to build the basilica was partially contributed by the English king Richard the Lion Heart, as a votive for having survived a shipwreck near the island of Lokrum in 1192 on his return from the Third Crusade.
There’s a huge variety of things you can do in Dubrovnik, and you could spend days just wandering around the old city and enjoy the beautiful architecture, sun and the sea.
Franciscan monastery
The Franciscan Church and Monastery is a large complex belonging to the Order of the Friars Minor. It consists of a monastery, a church, a library and a pharmacy. It is situated at the Placa, the main street of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The earliest monastery was built in the 13th century outside the walls. A new monastery inside the walls and close to the Pile Gate, was built in 1317, but its construction took centuries. Parts of the complex were rebuilt several times.
The present day Franciscan Church was restored in the Baroque style. It houses the tomb of the great writer Ivan Gundulić. The Monastery cloister, the work of Mihoje Brajkov of Bar in the Late Romantic style, is considered one of the finest in Dalmatia at the time.
Stradun
Stradun (or officially ‘Placa’) is the main street in Dubrovnik Old Town. Stradun streches from Pile Gate (western entrance to the old town) to the Old Town’s port. As Stradun is closed to traffic, making it accessible to pedestrians only, both sides of the street are stuffed full of cafes, shops and restaurants.
Sponza Palace
At the end of Stradun you’ll find Sponza Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in the City, which has preserved its original form. The rectangular building with an inner courtyard was built in a mixed Gothic and Renaissance style between 1516 and 1522. The palace has served a variety of public functions, and now is a home to the city archives, which hold documents dating back to the 12th century.
How to get to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the most southern city in Croatia and the easiest way to reach it from Europe (and even from Zagreb) is by plane. Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport, is located approximately 15.5 km from Dubrovnik city center. It was the third-busiest airport in Croatia in 2017 after Zagreb Airport and Split Airport, and is well connected with the rest of the Europe.
You can come to Dubrovnik from Zagreb and other parts of Croatia with your car, riding for the most part of the 12 hours trip (Zagreb – Dubrovnik) on the motorway, and minor part on the coastal road. Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Šibenik and Split are all on that route, so it is a great journey for a road trip.
The best way to get from Zadar to Dubrovnik, from Split to Dubrovnik and from Airports in Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik City is with a taxi transfer.
Taxi Transfer from Zadar to Dubrovnik
Let’s Go is a Private Transfer company from Zadar serving all major airports and cities in Croatia. By using our private transfer service you will be relieved to know that there is a car waiting to pick you up at the airport or any other location, with no hidden costs and with a friendly chauffeur.
Zadar – Dubrovnik Taxi Transfer:
- Distance: 348 km
- Travel time: 4h 5 min
- Car ( 2-3 passengers)
- Minivan ( up to 9 passengers)
- Minibus (up to 18 passengers)
Here are some of the reasons why to book taxi transfer from Zadar to Dubrovnik:
+ Easy online booking
+ Flat rates
+ Best prices
+ Professional, English-speaking drivers
+ Door-to-door transfer
+ Meet & Greet service
+ Help with your luggage
+ Free Wi-Fi
+ Comfortable vehicles
+ No waiting
+ Safe & reliable transfers
+ Flexible cancellation
