FROM the moment of arriving in Dubrovnik, one understands this is the place to stay. As you’re welcomed by the warm sunny weather and friendly locals, from the driver most likely born and living his whole life in the most prosperous city of Croatia where beggars simply don’t exist. As the Irish playwright and Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw once said, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it”. His portrait hangs in the excellent fish restaurant Proto in the centre of the Old Town just off the main street Stradun, where you can sample the traditional Mediterranean-influenced cuisine consisting mainly of fish, seafood and vegetables, as well as the traditional Dubrovnik dessert, a custard pudding with rose liqueur called rožata.

The city’s location by the Adriatic Sea makes it perfect for a holiday filled with swimming and relaxing at one of the many beaches. Most of the hotels have their private beach for the guests, Hotel Bellevue which is built into a cliffside has one of the best, stretching over a whole bay. The locals, however, like to go to the nearby Elaphiti islands for dipping in the sea only a short boat ride away, especially Daksa.

Being one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites due to the Old Town’s 6th century architecture, Dubrovnik has become increasingly popular as a touristic destination, as well as the go-to for Hollywood productions from the upcoming Star Wars film to portraying the King’s Landing in Game of Thrones and potentially serving as the next place for a James Bond movie.

Italy is only across the sea so the similarities between the two are very apparent. Hence you can get a gelato of the size of your head in Dubrovnik as well and have it to go as you stroll around the historical city. The Dolce Vita gelateria in the Old Town is among the highly recommended spots.

When it comes to where to stay, Hotel Excelsior is the most famous of hotels, equipped with a full spa and a private beach. It has been standing since 1913 and was one of the few remaining hotels open during the World War II and is currently undergoing a grand renovation planned to reopen next year. If you’re looking for a more boutique experience, the next door Villa Orsula is the perfect choice, complete with an outdoor bar overlooking the sea with breath-taking views of the sunset and a Peruvian restaurant. They are both only a five minute walk away from the city centre.

Take a trip outside of Dubrovnik during your visit to explore more of Croatia too. The oyster lovers will appreciate Mali Ston, less than an hour long ride down the Peljesac peninsula, where the Maskaric family runs an oyster farm and restaurant, Kapetanova Kuca. The wine enthusiasts will appreciate the Saints Hills winery where they can taste the famous Dingac or Nevina wines and pair it with lunch at the winery’s restaurant, accompanied by an ever-present basket of bread on the Croatian table with olive oil, another specialty of the region and Saints Hills.

Images courtesy of Mason Rose

Published 17/10/2016 at theglassmagazine.com