Dubrovnik is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, a seaport and the centre of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Its population is about 43,000 in 2011. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Dubrovnik

[edit] Understand

The city of Dubrovnik (Latin: Ragusa) was built on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development during the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, Dubrovnik was one of the centres of the development of the Croatian language and literature, home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars.

Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia's tourist cap, an elite destination and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik used to be an independent republic, surviving mostly on trade. It managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. As early as 19th century, it was discovered by celebrities as a place to be seen. George Bernard Shaw once said that "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it". Royalty, presidents and diplomats have all favored the city. The late Pope John Paul II was a fan of Dubrovnik and was even made an honorary citizen. Out of the 23 top luxury hotels in Croatia in 2010, 13 were located in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountains. A multitude of typical towns and excursions include: The Elaphiti Islands, the attractive town of Cavtat,the Konavle valley, Mljet Island, Korčula Island, Ston and Peljesac Peninsula. The neighbouring towns of Kotor and Perast in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina also make for intrigiuing day trips.

Bokar Fortress

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Dubrovnik airport (IATA: DBV) (ICAO: LDDU), [1] is located about 20 km to the south of the city.

The following airlines operate service to/from Dubrovnik Airport:

Aer Lingus (Dublin-seasonal), Aeroflot (Moscow - seasonal), Air Berlin (Munich-seasonal, Stuttgart-seasonal), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), B&H Airlines (Sarajevo-seasonal),Blue1 (Helsinki), Bmibaby (East Midlands-seasonal), British Airways (London-Gatwick), Croatia Airlines (Amsterdam, Athens, Belgrade-seasonal, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London-Gatwick, Munich, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Pula, Rome-Fiumicino, Split, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Zagreb, Zürich), DanubeWings (Bratislava), EasyJet (Berlin-Schönefeld-seasonal), Geneva-seasonal, Liverpool-seasonal, London-Gatwick-seasonal, Milan-Malpensa-seasonal, Paris-Orly-seasonal), Estonian Air (Tallinn), Flybe (Birmingham-seasonal, Exeter-seasonal, Southampton-seasonal), Germanwings (Berlin-Schönefeld, Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg), Iberia Airlines (Madrid-seasonal), Iberia operated by Air Nostrum (Valencia-seasonal), Israir (Tel Aviv - seasonal), Jetairfly (Brussels-seasonal), Jet2.com (Belfast-seasonal, Edinburgh-seasonal, Leeds-seasonal, Manchester-seasonal), Lufthansa (Munich), Luxair (Luxembourg), Monarch Airlines (London-Gatwick-seasonal)Birmingham-seasonal Manchester-seasonal, Norwegian Air Shuttle (Bergen, Oslo-Gardermoen, Stavanger, Stockholm-Arlanda, Trondheim, Warsaw),Tarom ( Bucharest - Henri Coanda Airport, seasonal) Thomson Airways (London-Gatwick, London-Luton, Manchester-seasonal),Turkish AirlinesIstanbul,( Vueling (Barcelona-seasonal), Wizzair (London-Luton)

[edit] Airport bus transfers

Croatia Airlines operates buses between the airport and the main bus station in Kantafig (35 kn, 45 min), which is 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost 320 kn. Going to the airport a bus aims to leave the main bus station 2 hr before each international flight, and costs 35 kn. Departure times are also displayed in the tourist information office at Pile Gate. The bus passes close to the Old Town en route to the airport and you can board this bus at the bus stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop.

[edit] By train

There is no train to Dubrovnik. A narrow gauge line used to link Dubrovnik to Sarajevo but was closed in 1976.

The closest rail station is at Ploče, less than 2 hr by bus from Dubrovnik. From there, you can connect to trains to Mostar and Sarajevo. Trains to points north can be boarded at Split, a 4 hr bus ride from Dubrovnik.

[edit] By car

The trip from Split along the coastal road (Jadranska magistrala or D8) is a beautiful scenic journey through small, quaint villages and other tourist destinations. Just know that in the summer months the trip is likely to take several hours longer than anticipated. What looks like a short trip on a map can take 6 hr.

A much faster way of simply getting from Split to Dubrovnik by car is to take the A1 highway to Vrgorac and then continue via Staševica, Opuzen and Neum to Dubrovnik.

[edit] By bus

The main bus station is in Kantafig, near Port Gruz and the Tudjman bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves Old Town.

Direct buses run to/from Zagreb (205-234 kn, 11 hr, 7 daily), Korcula (100 kn, 3 hr, 1 daily), Mostar (100 kn, 3 hr, 2 daily), Orebic (100 kn, 2.5 hr, 1 daily), Rijeka (400 kn, 12 hr, 3 daily), Sarajevo (160 kn, 5 hr, 1 daily), Split (100-150 kn, 4.5 hr, 14 daily), Zadar (200 kn, 8 hr, 7 daily). In the high season, there is also a daily bus leaving at 11AM going to the Montenegro cities of Herceg Novi, Bar, Kotor, and Budva. And at 15h to Prijedor and Banja Luka (10h) in Bosnia. A one-way trip to Budva costs 128 kn, or €15. The return tickets are much cheaper and advisable, just look out for the choice of the bus company.

When coming by bus from Split or cities further north, police officers may board the bus and you may be asked for a valid identity document when crossing the Neum corridor which belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the bus companies list trip duration of approx. 4 hr, be prepared for a ride of closer to 5.5-6 hr, including Bosnian border checks.

When travelling into Montenegro and the Airport sit on the right hand side (not behind driver) for best views, and vice-versa for the return. Travelling to Bosnia, sit on the left hand side (behind the driver) for best views.

A departure listing for the international bus station is available [2] [3] at the website of the city bus operator. Further details can be found online [4]

On all intercity buses you pay a separate fee of €2 or 10 kn to the driver for luggage. So keep some change ready.

[edit] By boat

[edit] Cruise ships

• Many cruise ships come to this port of call, typically docking at the Port of Dubrovnik [5] (Port Gruz) across from the main bus station, 2.5 km northwest of the walled old town. The easiest and cheapest way to get from the main bus station to the Old Town is by using the local buses number 1, 1A and 1B, which circulate almost constantly. Some cruise ships anchor offshore just east of the Old Town and tender the passengers directly into the the Old Port. In 2010 over 900,000 passengers visited Dubrovnik by cruise ships.

[edit] Ferries

[edit] Jadrolinija

• From Rijeka [6] Ferries run up and down the coast. Calling at Split, Stari Grad, Korčula and Sobra on the way. Journey time is up to 20 hr, so consider getting a cabin. The restaurant serves up some decent food at surprisingly reasonable prices, but bear in mind that the +23% tax is not included on the menu. While the journey is scenic there is nothing in the way of entertainment. Come prepared with a good book or just sit on the deck and watch the Adriatic Sea go by. This is more than enough entertainment for an afternoon.

• From Bari [7] in Italy. The dull engine vibration or the swaying of the boat from high winds are likely to keep you awake. Cabins are strongly recommended. Although you can sit comfortably enough inside with the cheaper deck pass, interior temperature hovers at 60⁰F or below and makes for a chilly night even in the height of summer. Sadly this ferry seems quite overpriced: two adult single tickets plus a noisy, small interior 2-berth cabin costs €168.

[edit] Get around

Stradun

The Old Town can be comparatively difficult to navigate on first appearances, as it really is a warren of little streets. There are however signs at the entrances to many of these streets advertising what businesses, shops, restaurants and accommodation are to be found in that direction.

That being said, some of these signs appear to be either intentionally misleading or woefully out of date. For example, there is no office of any bus company within the Old Town, despite what the signs may say.

The city is completely pedestrianised and easily small enough to get around on foot, some of the streets are a little steep though.

[edit] By bus

If you are not staying in Old Town, it's relatively simple get there by bus, as just about every one leads to the Old Town. However, it might be advisable to get a timetable [8] just in case. It costs 12 kn (just over €1) for tickets bought at any kiosk,or 15 kn bought on the bus; ticket valid for 1 hr. At selected kiosks (including the international bus station) you can purchase a day pass for 30 kn. This pass is valid for 24 hr of unlimited travel on the city bus network, starting from the first validation. The easiest way to get from the Main Bus Station to the Old Town is by using the (mostly modern and A/C equipped) buses number 1, 1A and 1B, which circulate almost constantly. These buses can be boarded from the bus stop just outside the Main Bus Station. Apart from this, there is another bus service which comes inside the bus station and drops you directly at the Old Town. Schedules are available at the information counter of the Main Bus Station.

[edit] Car rental

In the off season, rates can be negotiated down by contacting the company in advance. You will get a better rate doing this than booking online directly. Local companies generally have cheaper rates than the multi-nationals.

• A Marker Car Rental (Airport Shuttle Service Dubrovnik), Svetog Djurdja 6-Pile Gate-Old Town, ☎ +385 91 739 75 45 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , fax: +385 20 418 730), [9]. Airport transfers, car, motorbike and scooter rental. From €32 per day.  edit

• Kompas Rent a Car, Kardinala Stepinca 52, ☎ +385 20 436 541 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , fax: +385 20 436 571).  edit

• EasyRent, Uz glavicu 7, ☎ +385 98 1952 114 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , fax: +385 20 773 953), [10]. Cars from €22 per day.  edit

• Oryx, ☎ +385 20 420 030 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , fax: +385 20 773 871), [11]. Cars from €22 per day.  edit

[edit][add listing] See

Dubrovnik was heavily bombed during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995. Almost all of the damage has been repaired; however, if you look closely around the old town, mortar damage in the cobblestone streets and bullet marks in the stone houses are visible.

[edit] Old Town

• Roland's Column, (in front of the Bell Tower). A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column. Ever since its foundation in 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is officially opened by raising a flag carrying the city's motto Libertus on Orlando's staff.  edit

• Bell Tower, (after the Ploče entrance to the city). On top of the tower are the famous 'Zelenci' (The Green Ones), bronze statues which strike the gigantic bell every hour. They have been recently replaced with copies and the originals are in the atrium of the Sponza Palace.  edit

• Sponza Palace, (West of the Bell Tower). Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. Open 10AM-10PM. 20 kn  edit

• Rector's Palace, Pred dvorom 1, ☎ +385 20 321 437. Formerly the palace of the Major Council, now houses a museum dedicated to the city's history.  edit

• War Photo Limited, Antuninska 6. Open 9AM-9PM. An exhibition centre of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world renowned photo journalists.  edit

• Pile Gate, at the western end of the Placa Thoroughfare (Stradun) (Old town). A convenient starting place for your stroll through the Old Town is the Pile Gate. Before entering the Old Town, Fort Lovrjenac, the first among many sites worth seeing in Dubrovnik, provides a good view of the Old Town and its wall.  edit

• Placa Stradun, (Old town). The Stradun (Placa) is the central street of the city of Dubrovnik and is the place where the old city comes to life. During the day, explore the shades of the peripendicular streets and alleys on its sides, and during the night, take walks up and down the Stradun with an ice-cream in hand. The uniform Baroque architecture of the houses in Placa, with shops on the street level and their 'knee-like' entrances, got its present-day form in the restoration of the City taking place after the disastrous earthquake in 1667, when a large number of luxurious Gothic and Renaissance palaces had been destroyed. The architectural design of Placa reveals effective solutions and the business sense of the Dubrovnik Republic in those difficult times. Today, Placa is still the shopping centre and venue of major events.  edit

• Big Onofrio´s Fountain. In the western (Pile) entrance of the old town, The fountain stairs are nowadays a favourite meeting place for local youth and where both the tourists and pigeons take rest and refresh themselves with cool water.  edit

• Old Port. The eastern part of the Old Town of Dubrovnik; some cruise ship passengers are tendered to the Old Port.  edit

• Fort Lovrijenac. The monumental fort rises above 37 m high rock. It changed roles in the course of history. The main purpose of its construction was defense, and the main idea was to protect the freedom of Dubrovnik.  edit

• Aquarium. 8AM - 9PM. 30 kn.  edit

• Visia Dubrovnik 5D Theatrum (history and culture), Poljana Paska Miličevića 4 (in the Convent of St. Clare, on the right side at the beginning of Stradun through Pile gate), ☎ +385 20 324-714 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , fax: +385 20 324-714), [12]. 9AM-8PM. Virtual reality technology guides visitors to Dubrovnik through the history and cultural features of the city and wider Croatia.  edit

[edit] City walls

Walk on the walls around the old town, great views. It is highly recommended to visit the walls during the early morning hours or the late afternoon hours during mid-summer months as it can become hot.

Dubrovnik is surrounded by City Walls which are 2 km long and for which it is famous all around the world. Through the history City Walls were protection from the enemy, today Dubrovnik City Walls brings the visitors from the whole world who want to see this city- museum. There are 3 entrances to the City Walls: on Stradun by the Pile gate, by fort Saint John’s and at the Custom’s House gate.

Within the City Walls you will see Fort Minceta and Fort St. John’s on the south-eastern side. Also, within the City Walls are Fort Lawrence at Pile and Fort Revelin at Ploce. Recommended licensed Dubrovnik private tour guide Denis ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) with great experience and knowledge in conducting private Dubrovnik walking tailor-made tours and other tours in Dubrovnik region. The main entrance to the City Walls is by the Inner Pile Gates. Recommended licensed Dubrovnik private tour guide Denis ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) with great experience and knowledge in conducting private Dubrovnik walking tailor-made tours and other tours in Dubrovnik region. Minceta Fort is one of the most beautiful cultural attractions in Dubrovnik. It is situated on the northwest side of the city inside the City Walls. It was built according to the design of Renaissance builder Juraj Dalmatinac. St. Luke’s Tower you can see walking along the landward side of City Walls up to Ploce Gate. St. Luke’s Tower has protected the entrance to the Dubrovnik harbour throughout the history of the city.

St. John’s Fort was constructed in 16th century and it is really worth of visiting- on its ground floor you can visit the Aquarium, and on first and second floor you can visit Maritime Museum. (more about it at the end of the page).

Bokar Fort is situated on the seaward of City Walls. It was designed by Florentine architect Michelozzi in the 15th century.

Hours: 8AM-7PM. Entrance fee to the walls: 70 kn for adults, 30 kn for children and students with an ISIC.

[edit] Churches

• Franciscan Monastery, Placa 2, ☎ +385 20 321 410. 9AM-6PM.. This beautiful monastery with Baroque Church, houses a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.  edit

• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Kneza Damjana Jude 1, ☎ +385 20 323 459. M-Sa 8AM-8PM, Su 11AM-5:30PM. This impressive building is in the Poljana Marin Držić. Supposedly, the original church was built with money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th Century.  edit

• Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha). Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.  edit

Inside the Church of St. Ignatius

• Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College, (On an elevated square close to the southern edge of the Old Town). Mass held in English daily at 11:00 in the summer.. Ornate Jesuit church, approached via a romantic baroque staircase modelled on the Spanish Steps in Rome (1738). Built between 1667 and 1725 by architect Ignazzio Pozzo, and like most Jesuit churches of the period was modelled on the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuits.  edit

• Dominican Monastery. Open 9AM-6PM. This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik.  edit

• Church of St. Sebastian, (by the Ploče gate). 15th century church built by the Ploče gate since St. Sebastian is the saint protector against plague.  edit

• Serbian Orthodox Church and Museum of Icons [Pravoslavna crkva i Muzej ikona]. Built from 1865-1877, stands behind impressive wrought iron gates. Houses a number of icons, mainly Byzantine and Cretan. Museum next to church has extensive icon collection. Church admission: free; Museum admission 5-10 kn.  edit

[edit] Museums

Some museums offer a discount ticket if you visit more than one museum. For example its 40 kn for the Rectors Palace, 45 kn for Rectors Palace and Ethnographic museum, and 50 kn for Rectors Palace, Ethnographic museum and Maritime museum. You can use these tickets on multiple days.

• Bukovac House (Kuća Bukovac), Bukovčeva 5, Cavtat, ☎ +385 20 478 646, [13]. 9AM - 1PM, 4PM-8PM, Sun 4PM-8PM. Closed Mon. Includes works by Vlaho Bukovac (1855-1922), one of the most famous modern Croatian painters. Part of the house is devoted to exhibitions of works by young artists.  edit

• Dubrovnik Natural History Museum (Prirodoslovni muzej), Androvićeva 1, ☎ +385 20 324 888. 9AM-4PM, closed Sa-Su. The collection of 100 year-old taxidermy specimens dates back to 1872 and may not appeal to everyone.  edit

• Franciscan Monastery Museum, Placa 2. 9AM-6PM. Houses artifacts from one of the world's oldest pharmacies. 30 kn.  edit

• Sigurata Convent Museum, Od Sigurate 13, ☎ +385 20 321 467. Upon request. Entry: 10 kn.  edit

• Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Zudioska 5, ☎ +385 20 321 028. This originally Sephardic Synagogue is supposed to be the second oldest still in use synagogue in Europe today. A permanent Jewish community here was founded at the end of the 15th century following the exodus from Portugal and Spain. The Jewish Ghetto was established in 1546 on Jewish street in the old town of Dubrovnik.The community flourished and included respected doctors, merchants and state representatives. Jews in Dubrovnik enjoyed relative freedom, but there were some restrictions on their activities at certain points in history. The Synagogue is tiny and delightful, with heavy velvet drapes and a richly painted, midnight blue ceiling. The museum contains valuable menorahs and Torah scrolls, alongside information on the history of the Jewish community in Dubrovnik.Entry: 20 Kuna  edit

• Dominican Monastery Museum, Sv. Domina 4, ☎ +385 20 321 423. 9AM-6PM. Paintings and artifacts from Dubrovnik's past. Entry: 20 kn.  edit

• The Sponza Palace Museum (Museum of the State Archives). Entry: 20 kn.  edit

• The Rector`s Palace Museum, Pred dvorom 1, ☎ +385 20 321 437. 9AM-6PM. Artifacts, paintings and furniture dating back from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. Entry: 40 kn.  edit

• The Treasury of Cathedral, Kneza Damjana Jude 1, ☎ :+385 20 323 459. 9AM-6PM. The Treasury has 138 reliquaries which are carried around the city during the Feast of St Blaise. Entry: 15 kn.  edit

• Maritime Museum, In St. John Fortress, ☎ +385 20 323 904. 9AM-6PM. Considering how vital sailing and shipbuilding were to the growth of the Dubrovnik Republic, this is one of the city’s most important museums. Entry: 40 kn.  edit

• Home of Marin Drzic, Široka 7, ☎ +385 20 420 490. M-Sa 9AM-1PM and by appointment. Memorial house of Marin Drzic, one of Croatia's most famous writers.  edit

• The Etnographic Museum (Rupe Granary), Od Rupa 3, ☎ +385 20 323 013. 9AM-6PM. Built in 1590, this is a fascinating building in itself, and the exhibits showcase the economic, cultural and spiritual development of Dubrovnik. The folk costumes and textiles give the best flavour of the region where folk culture is still celebrated. Entry: 40 kn.  edit

[edit] Beaches

beach

• Lapad Beach. (Lapad Peninsula) A car free, sandy beach area on the Lapad Peninsula, approximately 3.5 km from the old town, where you can relax in the shade of the numerous trees. At the end of a long pedestrianised street full of cafe bars and restaurants you will see many popular pebble beaches known as Lapad beaches. These beaches are really beautiful and well used. Lapad is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Dubrovnik and you really must visit it. If you take the headland path to the right hand side of Lapad beach, as you look at the Adriatic, you can walk along a charming little coast path with small concrete 'beaches' and ladders into the sea. These were put in during the Tito era and are ideal for one or two sunbathers. Walking further along is an excellent local fish restaurant - ideal for ending the day. The walk back is not particularly well lit, but perfectly safe.  edit

• Banje Beach, (Near the Old Town). A well located pebble beach. There's a concessioned part with an entrance fee, but also a public part which is always livelier and more relaxed. Great way to beat the heat in the middle of the town. Amazing view to city walls, Old Town Dubrovnik and the island of Lokrum. Beach volleyball, mini football or water polo. You can also enjoy lying on deck chair and having a drink.  edit

[edit] Other

• Stradun, Take a walk and enjoy a drink at a cafe on the main thoroughfare of the old town.

• Mount Srđ, For a great view of the town. There is a fortress on top which contains a small museum describing its history. There are several ways up:
  • Walk up the winding footpath to the fortress and large cross on the hilltop 400 m above Dubrovnik. Walking up from the old town takes about 90 min. The path is quite rocky so use suitable footwear.
  • Take the new renovated Cable car and you will be from Down station to Mountain Srđ in less then 4 min. Round trip ticket 87 kn.
  • Go by car via Bosanka village. Follow Jadranska cesta (D8) towards Mlini and drive past Dubrovnik. Turn left to Bosanka village and follow the road up the hill.

• Visit the Fortress Lovrijenac. It was an essential fortification to the defense of the city from both ground and sea attacks. In order to prevent possible mutiny by the commander of the fortress, the walls facing the city are only 60 cm thick compared to those exposed to enemy fire which were 12 m thick. Above the entrance to the fortress is an inscription that says "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" which translates to Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world.

Webcams

• Stradun webcam. [14]
• Ploce Gate webcam. [15]

[edit][add listing] Do

View of the City

• Cliff Jumping @ Cafe Buža. See listing for Cafe Buža in the Drinks section.  edit

• Lazareti, Frana Supila 8 (Ploce, just out side of the east entrance to the Old town), ☎ +385 20 324 633 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), [16]. Old quarantine hospital serves as a cultural centre for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, theater, film, night clubs and literature. The concert hall/bar is a very cozy place with a decent sound system. Gallery Galeriya Tutunplok is open daily 12PM-9PM. Films and theater showings range from 20-40 kn Concerts cost 40-100 kn. A nightclub is open here from 10PM-4AM and will cost you about 30 kn. Gathers a mostly alternative crowd.  edit

• Swim, Za Karmenom 1. for free. Swim in the Adriatic Sea below the old wall. In the harbour of the old town, go all around (right) along the wall, beyond the aquarium and there is a pier and some rocks where you can cool down on a hot summer day. Avoid stepping on sea urchins, which are commonly found on rocks in the sea water around Dubrovnik, especially if you are wearing no shoes. These are mostly found in clear water and are easy to spot.  edit

[edit] Sailing and boat trips

Dubrovnik is an excellent starting point for exploring southern Adriatic coast primarily Elaphite islands, Korcula, Pelješac and Mljet. There are many charter agencies where you can charter a sailing or motor yacht which are based in Dubrovnik. Majority of them operate from ACI marina Dubrovnik (42°40,3’ N 18°07,6’ E) which is based in Komolac.

When you charter a yacht through charter agency and arrive to designated marina there are a few things that need to be done. The most important thing is the yacht check in (usually Saturday around 4PM). Take your time doing yacht check in. Familiarise yourself with the chartered yacht and with the yacht equipment.

The rule of thumb is the more time you take for the yacht check in, the less time you will need for the yacht check out. After that you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation.

Don't neglect the grocery shopping because the sea is unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink. You can do the shopping in a marina however the prices are usually much higher there, or you can order from yacht provisioning services who usually deliver the products to the marina at no extra fee.

• In Jam Yacht Supply, [17]. Online provisioning catalog where you can order from a large selection of groceries and other products months in advance and everything you order awaits for you in the marina. This is convenient because it takes the load of you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday.

• Lokrum, Take a ferry to the Island of Lokrum which houses a monastery, a fort with great views of Dubrovnik, botanical gardens and a naturist beach. Preserved as a nature park this small island is reachable in 10 min in boat-time from the old city port. It offers unparalleled serenity, beauty and peace.

[edit] Festivals

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival, [18]. Music and theatre festival held since 1949 from 10th July to 25th August. Famous nationwide for its exquisite selection of drama, plays and concert of chamber music with more then 2,000 artists from 30 countries during 47 days of festival. Be sure to book in advance and don't miss a chance to see some of the open-air performances.

• Libertas Film Festival, [19]. Film festival held from August 25-30.

[edit] Cable car

• Dubrovnik Cable Car, Petra Krešimira 4. bb, 20000 Dubrovnik (The easiest way to come to the cable car is from the Old Town of Dubrovnik. On the northern side of the town there is Buža Street which leads you towards the exit from the city walls. From there you need to keep climbing towards the fireman station. Once you are at the fireman station, you need to cross the street on your right hand side and keep going straight. After few moments you will see cable car station on your right hand side.), [20]. 9:00-24:00. The original cable car was bombed during the conflicts and closed in 1991. It reopened to the public for the first time on 10 July 2010. The view of the Old City will rival that found on any postcard. There is a small shop at the top and Restaurant Panorama with new outside terraces, restaurant with best view. Directions to the Cable Car are difficult to find in the Old City. 80 kn round trip.  edit