As you may know, pearls are extremely rare and hard to find. Pearls also don’t require any cutting or polishing as they are simply stunning in the natural way they were formed. Croatia is no different. It is a rare beauty that hasn’t been previously altered due to mass tourism. Although, Dubrovnik has recently gained more tourist attraction in the last few years, Croatia still remains a place of natural beauty from its gorgeous beaches to its unique rock forms. It’s a place full of rich history, fresh cuisine, and culture significance. Croatia is a true gem.
Language: The official language is Croatian however, English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in Dubrovnik.
Weather: The Mediterranean climate in Croatia is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer months provide the best weather for swimming and beach activities however, I highly recommend going during the shoulder-season in September or May when weather is still warm to avoid the increasing tourism.
Currency: The currency used in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted, and you’ll find ATMs throughout the country. 1 USD is equal to 7.1115 HRK. In other words, $10.00 would be just over 71 HRK.
Transportation: Croatia has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, ferries, and a network of highways. The country also has several international airports, with Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik being the major ones.
Getting There:
We flew from Paris, France (CDG) to Dubrovnik on Transavia Airlines. We arrived early in the morning and took the Airport Shuttle Bus to Old Town in Dubrovnik. This is the most budget friendly option and was simple to navigate. You can purchase tickets from the travel agency counter upon arrival to the airport, at the main bus station, the cable car stop ( at the shuttle bus office), or online. The Airport Shuttle Bus typically leaves about 30 minutes after every flight and costs $14.00 per person for a round-trip ticket. It was only a quick 25 minute bus ride to Old Town along the beautiful coast.
Where We Stayed:
We stayed at an Airbnb with the most incredible view of Old Town. It was easily walkable to the city center and it provided everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The air conditioning was especially needed! The Airbnb was relatively cheap at only $134 a night. The value was fantastic considering the balcony views, spacious interior, and lovely host.
What We Did:
• Explore Old Town: Wander through the well-preserved historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the Stradun (main street) and take in the stunning architecture.
• Walk the City Walls: Climb the ancient city walls for panoramic views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. The early morning and late afternoon are usually less crowded and offer great photo opportunities.
• Spend Time in Museums: Discover the history of Dubrovnik at the Rector’s Palace, the Gothic-Renaissance palace of Sponza, and the Dubrovnik Cathedral.
• Take a Cable Car Ride: Enjoy a cable car ride to Srd Hill for breathtaking panoramic views.
• Enjoy the Relaxing Beaches: I recommend Banje beach for proximity, Dancé beach for exploring, and our personal favorite, Sveti Jakov Beach for serenity.
• Explore Lokrum Island: Take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, just off the coast, and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
• Sea Kayaking: Paddle around Dubrovnik’s city walls and cliffs on a sea kayaking tour
• Visit Fort Lovrijenac: Also known as the Red Keep from “Game of Thrones”. This fort offers great views of the city and coastline.
• Elafiti Islands: Go island hopping to nearby Elafiti Islands like Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan for a quieter, more secluded experience.
• Game of Thrones Tours: If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, take a guided tour to see filming locations in and around Dubrovnik.
• Rent a Vespa: This was one of our favorite things. We rented a vespa and adventured along the coast and along the mountain roads.
What We Ate:
• Mlinar on Main Street: After living in Eastern Europe for 2 years, I quickly fell in love with byrek; it’s a flaky pastry filled with various ingredients, including meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes. Although it’s not a traditional Croatian dish, this bakery has such tasty byrek that it makes my mouth water to this day. Additionally, we got Krafna (doughnut) every single day because they were AMAZING. The strudels were also delicious. You absolutely cannot go wrong at Mlinar.
• Buža Bar: Head to one of the Buža Bars, located on the cliffs just outside the city walls, for great sunset views
• Dubravka 1836: Just outside the city walls, this restaurant offers covered outdoor seating with beautiful views of the the sea. It was delicious and reasonably priced.
• Bistro Tata’s: This restaurant on Main Street is known for its tasty burgers. Although burgers are not a traditional Croatian meal, the restaurant offers amazing ones. The Greek salad was also very good.
• Lady Pi-Pi: Settled above the city, this restaurant is absolutely romantic. With its grapevine canopies and beautiful views, the atmosphere was wonderful. The restaurant opens at 6:00 PM, and queues up quickly, so I recommend getting there close to opening time. Try the traditional meats and seafood (including peka) for a unique and tasty culinary experience!
• Gelato: You can never go wrong with gelato or ice cream, but you can especially not go wrong with Dubrovnik’s many gelaterias. Known for their unique flavors and creamy texture, this gelato is absolutely mouth-watering. It won’t be hard to find gelato walking around the city, but our favorites were aRoma (located on Main Street) and Peppino’s. Try incredible flavors like coconut basil, orange ginger, and my personal favorite, lavender.
• Wine tasting: The Konavle region is famous for its vineyards. If this piques your interest, a local wine-tasting tour may be just for you.
Non Rev Roamer 