Dubrovnik
We spent a lot of time in Croatia. For me it was a love from first sight when we went to Dubrovnik for first time, more than 6 years ago.
We traveled by car from Bulgaria to Croatia, but you can also use a plane, of course. Dubrovnik has a big airport that welcomes passengers from all over the world every day.
As in the other blogs in the Voyage section, I will not be spending much time on the tourist sights of the city, as everyone can find them on the Internet. I will tell you about some of the things that impressed us the most.
If you decided to go in Dubrovnik, I highly recommend you to take the lift to Mount Sred, which will take you to some really breathtaking views. From the 412 meter peak you will see the whole old town of Dubrovnik, and if the day is clear even the peaks of Montenegro.
It will be an ideal evening if you go at sunset to the peak (as we did), because the beautiful view will give you a truly romantic mood, which you can keep for dinner, if you visit the restaurant Panorama, located at the very top. The place is not pretentious, it is very suitable for an aperitif, a glass of wine, a cocktail or a fresh lemonade.
It is worth taking a walk around the old town of Dubrovnik, not just watching it from the above. The massive stone fortress wall that surrounds the entire ancient city will slowly take you back to the 16th century or (especially if you are a fan) to the Games of Thrones. It is exactly in the old town of Dubrovnik where many of the scenes of the one of the most popular series were shot. Paid tours are available and they will tell you in details where some of the most memorable scenes of Games of Thrones were filmed.
In Dubrovnik we were staying at a guest house near the beach (I will try to find the house for those who are interested – I can send it.) There are almost no big hotel brands in the city and much more common are small family hotels or guest houses. On the other hand, there is absolutely no lack of restaurants, but few of them offer really special food with refined interior and amazing views. If you want to pamper your senses, be sure to visit-
NAUTIKA RESTAURANT
According to some critics, this is the sixth most romantic restaurant in the world (I trust them). Whether it is because of the beautiful terrace, the attentive service or the unique octopus and the black seafood risotto they prepare – I can’tell… But once you’re there, enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean cuisine and the impressive Croatian wine (it’s really good – we replenish our wine stock every time we go to Croatia). It is difficult to describe the feeling and pleasure in words, because it is truly unique. Don’t forget to put on you your most beautiful dress (unless you’re a man- that might be a bit unusual) because, the restaurant is really worth it.
Another amazing place with a peaceful ambiance, superb service and thoughtful cuisine is-
ABOVE 5
You can find this restaurant in the Stari Grad Hotel and its old-fashioned and coquettish terrace sits at the top of the hotel оverlooking the walled city and Adriatic landscape. Above 5 is far from a tourist trap, instead offering an intimate, authentic dining experience away from the crowded streets of Dubrovnik. The menu offers exclusive local products, but for me the best choice for a dinner was the fresh catch-of-the-day. You will be surprised, but the place is also very suitable for the perfect brunch, because they offer wonderful breakfasts. You should definitely try their eggs Benedict or eggs Royale.
Dubrovnik has preserved much of the Balkan traditions and customs, but there is a different look, influenced by Italy, which I am sure will impress you. This city offers an incredible cultural mix. Part of the cuisine is directly related to Italian – for example, the traditional Sporki Makarili is the Croatian reading of spaghetti Bolognese.
As I mentioned above in Dubrovnik you can try and buy wonderful wines. From here you can also buy quality olive oil and olives. Due to the favorable climate, Croatia is one of the main producers of olives in Europe. The green olives are their trademark.
Locals speak English, because Dubrovnik is an extremely popular tourist destination, which has been competing with the cities on the French Riviera for years. The city is literally packed with travelers from all over the world who want to get closer to the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, exotic beaches, long history and Mediterranean delicacies.
Our trip to Dubrovnik was unforgettable. We had a wonderful week and as I was writing this I went back there and experienced again some of the great memories we keep from this magical place. Now I realise that it has been too long since our last visit to Dubrovnik and we should go back as soon as possible, and share with you more impressions and cool places to visit.
