Photo by HappyV/ Wikipedia.org
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 center of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Its population was 43,770 in 2001. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Understand
The city of Dubrovnik/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 centers 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. 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 15 top luxury hotels in Croatia, 9 are located in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountain. A multitude of typical towns and excursions include: The Elafiti Islands, the attractive town of Cavtat, Mljet Island, Korčula Island and Peljesac Peninsula. The neighboring towns of Kotor in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina also make for intriguing day trips.
Get in
By plane
Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is located about 20 km to the south of the city. There are flights from Zagreb for approximately 60 EUR round trip including taxes.
* Croatia Airlines is the Croatian flag-carrier and Dubrovnik is one of its hub airports. Numerous flights operate both domestically (numerous times daily to Zagreb, seasonal to Osijek, Zadar and Pula) and internationally to the UK, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
* Aer Lingus flies from Dubrovnik to Dublin in the summer season.
* Hapag Lloyd Express flies from Stuttgart, Hanover and Munich to Dubrovnik.
* Estonian Air flies every Wednesday and Saturday from Dubrovnik to Tallinn.
* British Airways fly from Gatwick at competitive rate.
* Thompsonfly from Luton and Flybe from Birmingham are good charter options.
* Iberia flies from Madrid, Barcelona, and other Iberian cities directly to Dubrovnik.
* EasyJet to Dubrovnik from London Gatwick, Liverpool, Berlin Schoenefeld, Paris Orly, Milan Malpensa and Geneva. Additionally they have routes from London Gatwick, Bristol, Milan Malpensa and Geneva to Split.
* Ryanair from Stansted to Zadar, from which an 8 hour bus ride will get you to Dubrovnik.
EasyJet and Ryanair also fly to Bari in Italy from where there is an overnight Jadrolinija ferry to Dubrovnik.
Flights are also often available to Paris Charles De Gaulle, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam and other major European cities.
From the airport, taxis are available but not inexpensive (about 200kn). Reliable bus service to the Old City is available through Atlas, and will meet all scheduled flights, with the drop off location in the Old City at Pile Gate or the bus station in Gruž. While there are a great many pensions and the tourist office at the Pile Gate location, most hotels (with the exception of the Hilton) are not located there. Pile Gate does happen to be major city bus stop though, with buses quickly taking people to nearly any location in the city including the main swath of hotels on Babin Kuk. Tickets can be bought on the bus or more cheaply from the newsstands at Pile. Vendors will understand 'bus ticket' (or 'autobusne karte' in Croatian) as they see a great many tourists through this location.
By train
There is no train to Dubrovnik, although you can take a train to Split and then travel by bus to Dubrovnik. The bus station in Split is located right next to the train station on the wharf.
Alternatively, one can take the train from Sarajevo or Mostar which heads to Ploče on the Croatian coast, and travel the last section (under 2 hours) by bus. The scenery is spectacular, and the trains aren't normally crowded. Ploče is the closest railhead to Dubrovnik.
By car
The trip from Split is a beautiful journey along the coastal roads 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 six hours.
By bus
The new bus station is located in Kantafig, northern part of the city, a distance from the old city (near the northern approach and the Tudjman bridge), with domestic and international departures, as well as services heading to the airport (check times with Croatia Airlines). To get there, use the local bus service (operating around every 15 minutes, e.g. bus Nro 7) to take you into the Pile Gate (entrance to old town). The bus station has an enclosed waiting room, ticket office, and tourist information - though be advised of people trying to offer a private room in their home as accommodation as soon as you get off the bus - often these can be a good deal, though check the location with these people on a map before walking with them or you may be some distance from the bus station, or the old city.
It is a fairly long journey, but it is possible to take a bus directly from Zagreb. These take up to 12 hours, and some run overnight, but the bad climate control on the buses and the cramped conditions make for an uncomfortable night. Alternatively, if you are already on the Dalmatian coast buses run directly and every hour from Split to Dubrovnik, a journey that takes 4 and a half hours and costs upwards of 100 km, depending on the operator. Some busses follow the big high roads (eg. A1) while others use the low roads along the coast, which are more scenic but a bit slower.
Other international services operate to cities such as Trieste in Italy, and there are daily services to Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herceg Novi and Kotor in Montenegro.
Costs As of Jan 2009, Kotor, Montenegro costs 100 kn, Mostar, Bosnia costs 78 kn. The Airport bus costs 35 kn. When traveling into Montenegro and the Airport sit on the right hand side (not behind driver) for best views, and vice-versa for the return. Traveling to Bosnia, sit on the left hand side (behind the driver) for best views.
A departure listing for the international bus station is available at the website of the city bus operator: http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/
On all intercity buses you pay a separate fee for luggage. This fee of 2 € per piece of luggage is paid to the driver upon boarding. Some drivers are rather picky about being paid in exact change in the correct currency (sometimes a local currency, at other instances requesting to be paid in Euros) and sometimes also refuse to be paid in small coins. So keep some change ready.
By boat
* Jadrolinija runs ferries down the coast from Rijeka. Calling at Split, Stari Grad, Korčula and Sobra on the way. Journey time is up to twenty hours, so consider getting a cabin. The restaurant serves up some decent food at surprisingly reasonable prices, but bear in mind that the 22% tax is not included on the menu. While the journey is scenic, there is nothing in the way of entertainment so come prepared with a good book. http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2
* Jadrolinija also offers nightly crossings to and from Bari, Italy but either the dull engine vibration or the swaying of the boat from high winds are likely to keep you awake. http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2
Get around
The old town is completely pedestrianizd and easily small enough to get around on foot - some of the streets are a little steep though!
By bus
If you are not staying in the 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 just in case. Timetable available here.
http://www.libertasdubrovnik.com It costs 8kn (just over 1 euro) for tickets bought at any kiosk, or 10kn bought on the bus; ticket valid for 1hr. At selected kiosks (including the international bus station) you can purchase a day pass for 25hr. This pass is valid for 24 hours of unlimited travel on the city bus network, starting from the first validation.
Car rental
There are several "brand name" car rental companies such as National, Budget, and Avis available at the Dubrovnik airport. Other options include:
* A Marker Car Rental-Dubrovnik, Tel +385 91 739 75 45, Airport and Downtown.
* Car,Van,Motorbike-Motorcycle,Scooter, Oldtimer and Buggy Rental-Pile Gate Old Town +385 91 739 75 45
* Izzi car hire Croatia
* Kompas Rent a Car, Kardinala Stepinca 52, ☎ +385 20 436 541, fax: +385 (0) 20 436 571) http://www.kompasrent.hr
See
The Montenegrin Navy heavily bombed Dubrovnik during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995. Almost all of the damage has been covered over but if you look closely around the old town you can still see the damage from mortars in the cobblestone streets and bullet marks in the stone houses.
* Roland's Column A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column.
* Bell Tower
* Sponza Palace, Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Host’s historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. Open 10AM-10PM.
* 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.
* War Photo Limited, Antuninska 6. An exhibition center of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world-renowned photojournalists. Open 9AM-9PM
* Pile Gate, at the beginning of the Placa Thoroughfare (Stradun) (Old town).
* Placa Stradun (Old town). The Stradun (Placa) is the central street of the city of Dubrovnik
* Big Onofrio´s Fountain In the entrance of the old town
* Old Port, (Old town)
* Old City Walls 8-19. Walk on the walls around the old town, great views
* Fort Lovrijenac The monumental fort rises above 37 meters 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.
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.
* Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Kneza Damjana Jude 1, +385 20 323 459, M-Sa 8AM-8 PM, Su 11AM-5:30 PM. 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.
* Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha). Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.
Church of St Ignatius
Photo by Chigra/Wikipedia.org
* Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College. Beautiful Baroque church located on a small hill within the old city.
* Dominican Monastery This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik. Open 9AM-6PM.
* Church of St. Sebastian
* Serbian Orthodox Church and Museum of Icons
Museums
* Franciscan Monastery Museum Placa 2, 9AM-6PM. Check out artifacts from one of the world's oldest pharmacies.
* Sigurata Convent Museum Od Sigurate 13,tel: +385 20 321 467, Opened upon request.
* Synagogue and Jewish Museum Zudioska 5,tel: +385 20 321-028 Open: 10AM-8PM
* Dominican Monastery Museum Sv. Domina 4,tel: +385 20 321 423, 9AM-6PM. Paintings and artifacts from Dubrovnik's past.
* The Sponza Palace Museum (Museum of the State Archives)
* The Rector’s Palace Museum Pred dvorom 1,tel: +385 20 321 437, 9AM-6PM. Artifacts, paintings and furniture dating back from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic.
* The Treasury of Cathedral Kneza Damjana Jude 1,tel: +385 20 323 459, 9AM-6PM. The Treasury has 138 reliquaries, which are carried, around the city during the Feast of St Blaise.
* Maritime Museum St. John Fort, tel: +385 20 323 904. Open: 9AM-6PM
* The Home of Marin Drzic Široka 7,tel: +385 20 420 490, M-Sa 9AM-1PM and by appointment. Memorial house of Marin Drzic, one of Croatia's most famous writers.
* The Museum of Icons (Serbian Orthodox Church) Open: 9AM-2PM
* The Etnographic Museum (Rupe Granary) Open: 9AM-6PM
Do
* Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Music and theatre festival held since 1950 from 10th July to 25th August.
* Walk down the Stradun and enjoy a drink at a cafe on the main through fair of the old town.
* Dubrovnik Film Festival, International film festival held since May 2003.
* Libertas Film Festival, Film festival held from August 25-30.
* Julian Rachlin and Friends Festival, Festival of chamber music
* Walk the City walls. The main entrance to the city walls is near Pile Gate. Open: 8AM-7PM.
* Dubrovnik Tourist Guide, Walking tours in the Old Town and other tailor-made tours in Dubrovnik region. Led by Dubrovnik Tour Guide Denis, licensed guide with great knowledge and experience in conducting the tours. These tours can be tailor-made for you. Denis is a licensed tour guide in Dubrovnik and you can book him directly denisdubrovnik@yahoo.com.
* 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 fires that were 12m 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".
* Climb Mt. Srđ. This 412 m (1350 ft) peak has excellent views of the city of Dubrovnik, the harbor, and the Dubrovnik Highlands region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The top of the hill has a modern radio tower, some older fortifications damaged in the war, and a memorial to some of the war dead.
* Take a ferry to Lokrum, which houses a monastery, a fort with great views of Dubrovnik, botanical gardens, and a naturist beach.
* Lazareti Frana Supila 8 (Ploce, just out side of the east entrance to the Old town), ☎ 385 20 324 633 Old quarantine hospital serves as a cultural center 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 20-50KN Concerts cost 40-100 KN. A nightclub is open here from 10PM to 4AM and will cost you about 30 KN.
* Banje Beach. A well located pebble beach.
* Lapad Beach. A sandy beach where you can relax in the shade of the numerous trees.
Sailing
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) that 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 04:00 PM). Take your time doing yacht check in. Familiarize 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 groceries 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 (although the prices are usually much higher there) or you can order from yacht provisioning services that usually deliver the products to the marina at no extra fee.
In Jam Yacht Supply online provisioning catalog 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.
Some of charter agencies operating from Dubrovnik:
* Adria Coral
* Aurora Maris
* Discover Dubrovnik
* Ultra Sailing
* Way point
Buy
There are many local artisans who specialize in domestic crafts. Popular purchases include: handmade tablecloths, linens, and napkins. Many merchants claim that the necktie was invented in Croatia. Another local specialty is little dolls dressed in local garb.
The pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery creates hand creams and other toiletries based on ancient recipes.
While wandering around the Old Town, you will come across many shops that sell Croatian goods such as wine and textiles.
Eat
There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and quite acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious. Remember that Dubrovnik, more so than the rest of Croatia, is well aware of its status as a tourist hot spot, and prices reflect that knowledge. Finding true value in the Old Town of Dubrovnik is very difficult, and finding a meal outside of it can be nearly impossible.
Budget
* Fresh* Vetraniceva 4, (8th street from Pile Gate). Serves inexpensive wraps and smoothies.
* Nishta, Prijeko 30, +385 92 218 8612, [28] Dubrovnik's first (and only) vegetarian restaurant, with vegan and gluten free options available upon request. Located at the top of the first set of stairs on Palmotićeva, which is the third street on the left when walking from Pile gate.
* Taj Mahal, within the old city. Offers a variety of Bosnian/Eastern cuisine such as Cevapcici u lepinji, baklava, and tufahi. The wait can be quite long, and vegetarian options are often sold out.
* Lokanda PeskarijaNa ponti bb, Dubrovnik, +385 20 324-750, Traditional Dalmatian appetizers and meals, you get your meal in a large black pot, in fisherman's style.
* Marco Polo, Lucarica 6, near St. Blaise church. Good traditional food served in a small outdoor courtyard.
* Mea Culpa Široka Street, One of the best pizzerias on what is becoming a 'pizza street'.
* Poklisar Ribarnica 1, (in the old harbour) +385 20 322-176. Limited but good menu, including pizza - and some very enjoyable live piano music.
* Spaghetteria Toni Nikole Bozidarevica 14, +385 20 323-134. A small Italian style restaurant in the old town with outdoor seating. They serve a wide variety of pasta.
Mid-range
There is a variety of good, well priced restaurants around the city.
* Restaurant Dubravka Brsalje 1, +385 20 426 319. On Pile Gate. Has one of the best sea views in Dubrovnik. High quality service and food.
* Arka, Gundulićeva poljana. In the heart of Old Town. Dalmatian cuisine in an excellent location. Has some good vegetarian options. The baked moussaka especially is worth a try.
* Domino Steak House Od Domina 6, +385 20 323 103. One of the best for a variety of ways of serving steak. Also serves traditional Dalmatian fare.
* Proto Siroko Ulica, Old Town, a bit up-market, but good seafood.
* Konoba Atlantic, Kardinala Stepinca 42, +385 20 435-726. Tasty Italian food and inexpensive wine. Try the lobster and prawn ravioli.
Splurge
* Porat Restaurant & Terrace Marijana Blazica 2, +385 20 320-320. - Restaurant in Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik hotel with warm Mediterranean colors and spacious terrace, just outside the Pile gate. Offers international and Croatian cuisine
* Nautika Brsalje 3, 385 (0) 20 44 25 26 Restaurant located just outside the Pile gate to the Old City, on the waterfront. Great views of the sea and Old City. In the evening the main courses start at 200 KN, and the starters are at a similar price. Pay attention to the menu-- prices switch from kuna to euro throughout.
* Gils, Sv. Dominika bb, +358 20 32 2222, fax: +358 20 32 2220, Restaurant located near the Ploce gate. A new and rather over the top venue located in the Old town of Dubrovnik with nice views of the old harbour. The restaurant offers ultra modern French cuisine and a wine & digestive cellar, while the lounge bar promises fresh cocktails and funky DJ music.
Drink
The most popular hard alcohol in Croatia is home made rakija. This is a very strong distilled drink made from a variety of fruits. Examples include sljivovica (made from plums), loza (made from grapes), and orahovica (made with walnuts). All are quite strong and, like most hard liquors, have an unappealing taste to some people while others find them quite enjoyable.
There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks like Coca Cola. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers (though the price is very attractive with some being as low as 10kn or 1.5 euro per liter) as it can sometimes be of low quality.
There are numerous cafes throughout the Old Town and the entire city with prices varying according to the location (particularly, those located on the Stradun are by far the most expensive but you are paying for the ambiance as well). Most cafes serve a wide variety of drinks all day.
* Buža, Iza Mura. Found by following a sign that simply says ‘cold drinks’ you enter through a hole in the wall on the south side of the Old Town. The tables and chairs are set out on the side of the cliff and the beers are served in bottles and plastic cups. This is lovely in the evening, when the sun is setting and you gaze over at island of Lokrum. Eclectic chilled out music plays unobtrusively in the background. There isn’t much in the way of shelter (apart from some palm leaves) so Buža won’t open in bad weather.
* Fresh*, Fresh* is 'the favored drinking and hookup spot for the backpacker set'- New York Times. Check out their 2 for 1 Happy Hour. Indulge in 3-liter beer and cocktail towers. Free internet and wifi access.
* Club Latino is really the only dance club/lounge in Dubrovnik and it is located right outside of the Old Town, by the Pile gate.
* Lazareti - if you are into house and techno music, you'll enjoy Lazareti on the eastern entrance of the Old Town, by the Ploce gate. Also, during the summer, there are lots of electronic music happenings there and on the open air around the city.
* Nonenina, Pred Dvorom 4, +385 91 333 0601 Chill music fills this lounge bar at night, making it a great place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.
* EastWest, Frana Supila bb (At the beach at the Ploce gate), ☎ +385 20 412 220, Beach club and nightclub. In the day you can have drinks in the lounge chairs, at night you can party in the nightclub. Free entrance until midnight
* D'vino Wine Bar, Palmoticeva 4a, ☎ +385(0) 20321223, D'Vino Wine Bar has an impressive selection of fine domestic and imported wine available by the glass, bottle, and in tasting servings. With over 100, D’Vino has the largest selection of wines by the glass in Dubrovnik. It has a very intimate, romantic atmosphere, which is a change of pace from other bars in the city.
Sleep
Visitors on a budget in Dubrovnik need to remember two important points at all times:
Prices are higher than they would be in most other places in Croatia, simply because you're staying in Dubrovnik
Most private room options claim to be very close to the Old Town. One notorious guesthouse advertises itself as being 20 minutes' walk from the Pile Gate. In reality, the walk itself may be about 25-30 minutes, excluding a very steep hill climb. The total distance is thus closer to 45-50 minutes. Many accommodation providers will take it very personally if a guest reviews their experience negatively - abusive Emails and phone calls are not uncommon.
As well, there are many four star hotels that offer a more affordable alternative to the opulence of the five-star hotels.
Contact
With the influx of tourists Internet cafes in Dubrovnik are becoming increasingly popular. A half hour rate is relatively inexpensive at approximately 10-20Kn (1.5-3 Euro)
Stay safe
Dubrovnik is a very safe city, though the usual precautions should be taken to protect yourself from robbery.
Stay legal
When entering a port, it is international protocol to hoist a flag meaning "Ready for inspection by customs." However, Croatia did not adopt this custom, so it may be advisable to inquire what is the equivalent signal before sailing to a Croatian port.
In Croatia you are always required to have your headlights on while operating a motor vehicle (car, scooter, etc.)
If you are stranded, have car troubles, or need help contact HAK - Hrvatski Autoklub, (+385 1 987)
The streets in the old town can be quite slippery, as people walking over them have smoothed them down for centuries.
There have been some allegations of blond women being victims of attempted abduction by men identifying themselves as police officers. These complaints have been aggravated by the disappearance of Australian backpacker Britt Lapthorne. Women backpackers should use common sense while traveling and avoid walking alone late at night.
Cope
Keep in mind that there are few ATM's outside the Old Town.
Unfortunately, you may come across bed bugs in Dubrovnik. You can't get hydrocortisone there, so bring your own.
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, accommodation etc) 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.
Get out
There are many destinations within Croatia that can be accessed from Dubrovnik with popular attractions including Split and the Plitvice Lakes National Park as well as the capital, Zagreb that is approximately a 10-hour drive away.
A popular shopping destination for locals, Neum in Bosnia offers many cheap goods for frugal travellers. Buses heading between Split and Dubrovnik will often stop for a short while here to collect supplies etc.
Montenegro Daily buses operate from Dubrovnik through to Kotor Budva or Herceg Novi. Busses depart around 8am and the bus arrives back around 5-6pm, making it possible to do a day trip from Dubrovnik to see the spectacular scenery in Montenegro and the city of Kotor. There are also additional local buses, which operate through to Herceg Novi, but check times.
*Ston is known for oysters and old salt ponds still in use.
Trsteno 15. Century summer residence with renaissance garden.
Mostar in Bosnia makes a good two-day trip by bus from Dubrovnik. The ride will take about 3 hours. The city has a much stronger Turkish feel as opposed to Dubrovnik's Italian.
Sarajevo is worth visiting as it is considered by some as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
A boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands (Kolocep, Sipan, Lopud) is well worthwhile, with plenty of places to swim, fish or relax
Medugorje Visit the Shrine of Medugorje for a religious experience.
Mljet island. Green island with lakes and monestries.
Go on a wine tasting tour to Peljesac peninsula
• Based on work by Ian Sergeant, Marc Heiden and Candace, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.
• Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0.
