Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and city center have inspired writers, rulers, and artists for centuries; once you step into the city, you will understand why. With the preserved city walls, palaces, and beautiful churches you will feel as if you have traveled through time into centuries of the past. Another added plus for Dubrovnik is its importance in literature, art, and trade which has raised the city into UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 1979. Given all of its history and beauty, Dubrovnik seems the perfect place to start your sailing adventure. However, before you sail away to other cities of Dalmatia, take the time to explore this old town with these must-sees.
Walk along the centuries-old city walls
The city walls offer two kilometers of views of Dubrovnik from above and the sea below. These old walls are perhaps the biggest reason many people visit the city, causing crowds of tourists to make sure to get there early to be ahead of the crowd! You can also view the walls by going outside of them. There are a few watering holes on the fortified walls and the clear waters of the Adriatic can be seen. Relax and enjoy a cocktail at one of their cliff sidebars while viewing the walls of the city and the beautiful ocean view.
Mount Srd
If you’re looking for more of a bird’s-eye view of the city and coastline, Mount Srd is the perfect viewing area. There’s a cable car from Petra Kresimira Street that can take you up to the mountain top. For those feeling more active, you can climb up the over 400-meter mountain and enjoy the scenic route throughout the climb.
Explore the ruins of Gornji Ugao Tower
For any lovers of history, the ruins are a must-see. These well- preserved remains of an industrial foundry were recently discovered under Fort Minčeta. The old factory had been used to cast bronze and make weapons beginning in the 15th century and used until the 17th century.
Discover Dubrovnik’s specialty foods
The foods of Dubrovnik are simple and rustic. However, they bring out the distinct flavors of the land and sea. One specialty of Dubrovnik is hard sheep milk cheese that is matured with and stored in olive oil. This cheese production has been used for many centuries, originally made from a local sheep breed known as ruda. If you prefer sweeter things and are looking for a dessert, try rožata, the local version of creme caramel and flan.
Island Boat Trips from Dubrovnik
Lokrum
Lokrum is one of the most popular boat trips from sailing Dubrovnik, at only 0.5 nautical miles away. The island of Lokrum is a fertile, green land with a historic botanical garden which is its most popular attraction. While on the island, you can relax on the rocky shore of the Mediterranean, taking in the sun or going for a quick swim.
Elafiti Islands
After exploring Dubrovnik, head along the Northern Coast and sail seven nautical miles to the Elafiti Islands. This small archipelago is made up of several islands; Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan being the bigger islands and ten smaller islands. The Elafiti Islands were named after the Greek word for “deer” due to the high population of deers at one point in time. Elafiti offers its visitors a beautiful look at nature, perfect for relaxation.
Pelješac Peninsula
If you’re looking to travel further from Dubrovnik, Pelješac Peninsula is the perfect destination. Most of the sights and activities on the Peninsula are located in the historic town of Ston or the port town of Mali Ston. Mali Ston offers delicious oysters that are a must-try for visitors! Wine lovers will fall in love with these two towns; this is a prime winemaking region of the Peninsula. Sail along the Peninsula, taking in the sun and sea breeze as you stop along the shores to try some of Croatia’s most famous red wines. The vineyards along the coast, such as Dingač Winery, offer fantastic views of the sea below the slopes. If you’re not a fan of wine, the Peninsula produces other great foods and drinks such as liquor, cheese, and olive oils.
One of the main attractions of the Peninsula is the west coast beaches. Stop by the Prapratno cove to relax on the sandy pine tree-lined beach. There’s also a family-friendly pebble beach, Trstenica. For the more adventurous sea lovers, try windsurfing in Viganj along the Northwest coast. If you’re interested in sitting on your boat and enjoying the sun while at sea, there are plenty of options for anchorages including Luka Bay in Loviste, Mali Ston, and Orebic.
Korcula
Off the Pelješac Peninsula coast, there lays the island of Korcula. A perfect sailing spot with the soft winds that gently blow through the Pelješac channel. The island also offers several coves and bays for anchorage to spend the night or enjoy a cooling swim throughout the day. The island itself is a great spot for wine lovers, with vineyards that offer some of the finest white wines in Croatia including pošip and Grk varieties.
While on the island make sure to stop by the old Venetian town of Korcula before laying on the beaches with a glass of wine. After viewing the old town, some of the favorite beaches of Korcula include Orlandusa, Zitna, and the pebble beach of Bačva. When you finish exploring the other islands Croatia has to offer, you can make your way back to Dubrovnik and enjoy the city's walls a little more before traveling back home.