Dubrovnik's beauty lies in its stunning Adriatic coastline, medieval architecture, and well-preserved city walls. Its historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers charming narrow streets, baroque buildings, and breathtaking views, making it a captivating blend of history and natural splendour. Definitely worth a visit.
If it might feature on future travel plans, here are a few pointers that were discovered during a recent visit:
1 - Brunch: Gradska kavana Arsenal - Cathedral side
If you have headed into the centre of this ancient city at an early hour, ahead of the disbursement of hordes from the massive cruise ships anchored in the new port, then a pit stop for brunch is essential.
For ‘people watching’ the raised terrace on the Cathedral side of this restaurant is the place to go. With good shade from the sun, excellent coffee and delicious Eggs Benedict, this combination are a worthy solution to a busy morning on the tourist trail, with the added bonus of watching a diverse selection of humanity passing by these well honed streets.
2 - Lunch: BOWA (Best Of What’s Around)
Fourth generation family run this very glitzy operation on a small bay on the island of Šipan that is a short journey from the mainland.
And what stylish launches they use to transfer you to this glistening setting! The taxi journey from your hotel in Dubrovnik is around 20 minutes to a small hamlet with a quay overlooking the Adriatic. Their very sleek, black hulled vessels arrive to whisk you across the water in less than 10 minutes.
Great pre-lunch bar perched above the beach, superb wine list, and the option of a tented camp or table await the tantalising options on the menu. Not too surprisingly, fresh fish is the order of the day.
The customer base offers an interesting array of clients to observe over a long lunch. Bloggers, vloggers, influencers, and very wealthy Croatians with their entourages are the core clientele. We may have considerably increased the average age.
3 - Dinner: Gradska kavana Arsenal - Harbour side
The other ‘face’ of this well placed offering. A raised terrace enables the viewing of marine activity within the old port of Dubrovnik: pirate ships, launches from super-yachts, day cruises, small tenders, and even fishing boats alight here with passengers and cargo.
Slick service, a menu with an array of succulent fish offerings, a gently bubbling atmosphere sees time pass with ease.
4 - Sleep: Palace Natali
Just outside the town overlooking the Adriatic sits this relatively new hotel. Great location, wonderful gardens, excellent food given the chef is only catering for the hotel’s residents, and a very attentive and charming team. Slightly quirky bedrooms - ask for rooms #15 or #17.
An easy, downhill stroll around 20 minutes takes you into the heart of the old city. Take a taxi back. It’s an easy place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
5 - An indigenous Croatian grape: Pošip
Introduced to this varietal by mates who have built a stunning house on the island of Korcula, and what a great introduction to the wines this grape can produce . Rather like Chardonnay, it can vary and price is usually the determining factor in both style and quality. We had the opportunity to explore an array of differently priced options, with the best closely resembling well-crafted Northern Rhône whites. The best was the wine below and, tasting a couple of vintages, it’s a shame that it is not available on our shores.
