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The Independent

The Pearl of the Adriatic: From cuisine and culture to nature and history, discover Dubrovnik

There are few places more magnificent than Dubrovnik; its combination of breathtaking beauty, rich, storied history, and well-preserved medieval architecture has long drawn curious travellers, as well as location scouts who have immortalised its allure in films and television series from The Last Jedi to Game of Thrones. Set aside the glittering Adriatic Sea, this stunning UNESCO city is truly the product of its past; it's been ruled by the Greeks, the Byzantines, the Republic of Venice, and the French and Austrian Empires, and what you'll find here today is a mix of majestic architecture from all these eras, from its medieval walls, to its Baroque cathedrals and churches. There's nothing quite like taking a stroll down the Stradun, the city's spectacular main street, paved with polished limestone slabs. Here, you can marvel at landmarks such as the Pile and Ploče Gates at each end, both the large and small Onofrio Fountains, and the striking bell towers which loom over the landscape. City highlights Another unmissable experience is to walk Dubrovnik's wonderful City Walls; as you meander along their ancient stone steps, you'll pass turrets and forts, and even a couple of secret, hole-in-the-wall cafe bars. It's well worth stopping at one of them to take in the incredible panoramic views over the city's distinctive, terracotta-tiled rooftops, and out across the sea to the tiny nearby island of Lokrum. Take a short boat trip here for its lush botanical garden, paraded by vocal peacocks, a saltwater lake, and a Game of Thrones exhibition, complete with the actual Iron Throne. Another fascinating sight is Lovrijenac fortress, which sits just outside the western wall on a promontory overhanging the Adriatic. It also used to serve as a theatre, and plays are still performed at this dramatic location today. More must-sees include the 14th century Rector's Palace, a stunning Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance construction which was once an official government building. Nearby, is the equally elaborate Sponza Palace, a former customs house designed in Venetian style, which has also been used as a mint, treasury, armoury and bank. For a fun taste of daily life, head to Gundulićeva Poljana, a buzzy open-air market in a small square close to the Rector's Palace, where you can find all sorts of souvenirs, crafts and local produce. This area is also brimming with restaurants, offering tantalising traditional Croatian dishes such as brudet – a delicious fish stew, black risotto – a rice dish coloured with cuttlefish ink and made with fresh shellfish, there's also zelena menestra – a hearty mix of cabbage, meat and potatoes, and octopus peka, slow-cooked under a metal dome. Exploring further afield If all this has whetted your appetite for adventure, head twenty minutes south to Župa Dubrovačka, an area of outstanding natural beauty. There's a variety of stunning beaches, from sandy family-friendly options like Kupari and Plat to secluded coves, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Offering crystal-clear water and scenic promenades, most of them feel more relaxed and less busy than those close to Dubrovnik. You can also indulge in a wide range of watersports such as snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Elsewhere, explore tiny but traditional villages, which have kept their heritage – you might even spot locals wearing their charming folk costumes. And don't forget to stop by an authentic konoba, these family-run taverns are known for fantastic regional food and wine; brave a shot or two of rakija, the local brandy, if you dare! Finally, head to Konavle, positioned at the very south of the evocatively-named Dubrovnik Riviera. A picturesque region informally known as 'Dubrovnik's countryside', it's comprised of forest-carpeted mountains and lush, green valleys where you'll find charming rural architecture, ancient traditions and crafts, plus olive groves and vineyards. Make a beeline for Cavtat, a captivating coastal town with a handsome boardwalk, a handful of churches and museums, and excellent seafood restaurants. For compelling views, walk up to the Sokol Fortress, perched on a 25m high crag over the Konavle valley, or explore the rugged terrain on a hike, by bike, or even on horseback. And don't miss the chance to try the local wines, particularly Maraština, a full-bodied white, and Plavac Mali, a rich, flavourful red. Now, toast your visit to all these beautiful parts of the Dubrovnik Riviera!