Pearl of the adriatic

Dubrovnik is an awe-inspiring city, famous for its medieval Old Town, stunning landscapes and streets clad with white limestone. It’s hard to believe that during the Balkan wars in the 1990s bombing caused significant damage. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect short-break destination.

See the sights

The city’s main attractions are found in and around the Old Town, encircled by more than a mile of preserved medieval ramparts. Over a million people visit each year to marvel at the array of historic attractions, stroll through its narrow passageways and admire the gleaming stone buildings.

The square of the Loggia is the central point where you’ll find some of Dubrovnik’s most famous buildings and public monuments, including Orlando’s Column (the city’s oldest preserved public sculpture), the Church of St Blaise and Small Onofrio’s Fountain.

Perhaps the most famous draw is the ancient walls themselves. Built between the 13th and 17th century they remain largely intact, despite numerous attacks. There are several notable towers and fortresses that you can explore too, such as the Lovrijenac Fort, the Bokar Fort, the Minčeta Tower and the Revelin Fort.

Change your view

For a different way to see Dubrovnik, try kayaking. There are plenty of routes on offer and guided tours, allowing you to enjoy a paddle around the walls of the Old Town, passing key monuments.

You can also cross the bay to the idyllic nearby Lokrum Island, which is both a nature reserve and, according to legend, where Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked while returning from the Crusades. It’s only 600m away but if kayaking doesn’t appeal, there’s a ferry.

Up, up and away

Another way to see Dubrovnik is from afar. Catch the cable car to the top of Srd Hill, 412m above sea level, and enjoy vistas of not just the city, but also the mountain-backed Dalmatian coast and Adriatic Sea. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike to the