3 weeks island hopping around Croatia.
Part 1 Dubrovnik, The Pearl of the Adriatic.
We started three weeks of island hopping in Croatia with a stay at Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.
This red-roofed jewel of a city nestling by a crystal clear sea is a mere two-and-a-half hours flight from London.
A policeman’s wife taxied us from the airport and with a nice welcome to her beloved home delivered us to our accommodation.
Villa Klaic is a small B&B clamped high on the hill overlooking the town and the sea beyond.
We were met in the warm, scented darkness by convivial host Milo.
The former soldier settled us down in chairs, put cold beers in our hands and told us how friendly and safe the place is.
Our room was clean and tidy with AC, a TV and access to a small swimming pool.
After a continental breakfast of cheese, meat, bread and fruit we went online and booked ourselves two Dubrovnik passes for 35 euros each and headed down town. These passes are valid for 1,3 or 5 days and give you free entry into some of the buildings and museums within the Old Town, unlimited bus use, and a discount on the cost of the cable car and ferry to Lokum
As we were perched so high, a great many steps led down to the old town.
It was not so bad descending, but ascending later in 29c heat was something of a challenge. You need to be fairly fit for the task and keep your eyes on your feet.
Google says it was a 20 min walk but doesn’t take incline into account so a short 80 meters is 1 metre forward but 2 metres up, the walk was closer to 30 mins
The old town is fringed with what is said to be Europe’s best preserved city walls.
Our pass gave us access and, amid a throng of tourists from all over the world, we started our 2km circumnavigation.
Be prepared for plenty more steps, but it is worth it for magnificent views of the old city and sea.
From Pile Gate we strolled to Fort Bokar and passed by the Church of St Ignatius and the Jesuit Monastery and College.
It was then along to St Ivan Fort and on to the old port before sweeping around to Revelin Fort and on to Minceta Fort.
We did the exposed walk in some harsh, mid-morning sun – sunscreen and sun hats strongly recommended. As is making sure you have enough water; there are plenty of clean water fountains around.
There are stunning views along the way, and it is one of those places where photo opportunities keep catching your eye.
At the end of the walk we visited the cooler confines of the Franciscan Monastery, a large complex built in 1317.
It consists of a monastery, church, library and pharmacy and is an interesting mix of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque style.
A library contains over 20,000 books, among them 1,200 valuable old manuscripts.
The pharmacy is reputed to be the third oldest still functioning in the world.
We next visited the former art studio of one of Croatia’s most famous contemporary artists, Duro Pulitika.
Ensconced in the city wall, it is home to a plethora of artworks dedicated to Dubrovnik and its people spanning centuries.
After the city walls we strolled along to nearby Fort Lovrijenac, where yet more steps lead you up to a fort with fabulous views of the old city.
Be prepared for high visitor numbers as this was a location for the filming of Game of Thrones.
After coming back down to the city walls entrance we snapped up some much deserved ice cream, slumped on a wall and slurped our icy treats as the tourists all poured in.
We then meandered back to our digs, climbing what seemed like a never ending flight of steps, and found we had clocked up seven miles in all in the punishing heat.
Later on we treated ourselves to a magnificent feast of lamb and potatoes at restaurant Konoba Pjatanca, which at 60 euros for two wasn’t cheap, but was certainly delicious.
Like a lovingly preserved classic car, Dubrovnik’s old city is a gloriously maintained relic which people flock to admire.
