Dubrovnik and Cavtat: Jewels in the Croatian Crown

There is a reason why Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic. Situated on the Dalmatian Coast, along what is dubbed the Croatian Riviera, this city is steeped in history and culture, has a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and a stunning shoreline.

Fortified Wall City of Old Town Dubrovnik
Fortified Wall City of Old Town Dubrovnik

A wide boulevard known as the Stradun runs through the 1400 year-old medieval walled town.  Paved with limestone that is so polished, it looks like marble. In fact, it can be quite slippery underfoot. No vehicles are found in the old town.

The Stradun in Old Town Dubrovnik
The Stradun in Old Town Dubrovnik

Cafés and shops line both sides of the Stradun which is spotlessly  clean. People both live and work on the Stradun. While the ground floor houses shops and cafés, the upper floors of the Baroque style stone buildings are reserved for living accommodations. These outdoor cafés are super places to sample local fare, people watch, and soak up the local culture.

Sidewalk Café along the Stradun in Dubrovnik
Sidewalk Café along the Stradun in Dubrovnik

Narrow alleyways veer off from the Stradun and more of the Dubrovnik’s charm can be found around every corner.

Old Town Dubrovnik
Old Town Dubrovnik

One of the most recognizable landmarks is the Clock Tower at the end of the Stradun. It sits adjacent to the Sponza Palace and Saint Blaise Church.

Clock Tower in Dubrovnik
Clock Tower in Dubrovnik

A colorful array of street performers and buskers can be found inside the old town.

Busker/Street Performer in Dubrovnik
Busker/Street Performer in Dubrovnik
Busker/Street Performer in Dubrovnik
Busker/Street Performer in Dubrovnik

If you are a fan of the “Game of Thrones” series, you might catch some of the filming that occurs in the midst of thousands of tourists.

Filming the Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik
Filming the Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik

You might even be lucky enough to hear some Croatian music and see costumed dancers perform regional dances.

Regional Costuming, dancing and music in Dubrovnik
Regional Costuming, dancing and music in Dubrovnik

It’s possible to walk the walls of the fortified city; however, it was really warm on the day we visited Dubrovnik and there were thousands of tourists milling about so it was quite crowded both on the ground and up around the walls of the town. So, we decided to forego the climb and walk and found there was more than enough to see on the ground. If I return to Dubrovnik, I would go to the old town early in the day and walk the walls then.

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

A drive outside the old town of Dubrovnik, along the sparkling Adriatic Sea, reveals some stunning scenery.

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

A stop for a fabulous panoramic view of old town Dubrovnik is a must.

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

Beaches are a draw to the Croatian Riveria and hotels dot the shoreline.

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

We headed along a road high above sea level on the short drive along the Croatian Riviera to Cavtat. All along the route, there were stylish mega yachts dotting the blue Adriatic with the backdrop of many small islands.

Near Dubrovnik
Near Dubrovnik
Along the Croatian Riveria between Dubrovnik and Cavtat
Along the Croatian Riveria between Dubrovnik and Cavtat

Cavtat, a small harbour town, is about 20km south of Dubrovnik. It is less crowded than Dubrovnik.

Cavtat
Cavtat
Cavtat
Cavtat

Water activities play a major part in the life of locals and tourists alike.

Cavtat
Cavtat

A walk along the charming seafront promenade in Cavtat reveals many luxury yachts docked in this picturesque town.

"Tango" Yacht Docked in Cavtat
“Tango” Yacht Docked in Cavtat

Be prepared for jaw-dropping luxury yachts.

"Lucky Me" Yacht Docked in Cavtat
“Lucky Me” Yacht Docked in Cavtat

The tiled roofs are a characteristic trait in Cavtat.

Cavtat
Laundry Day in Cavtat
Cavtat
Cavtat

Colorful Bougainvillea grows everywhere, even up the sides of buildings and forms a lovely contrast against the old stone buildings with their tiled roofs.

Cavtat
Cavtat
Cavtat
Cavtat

Several sidewalk cafés circle around the harbour and it’s a lovely way spend a few hours in this delightful little Croatian town

Cavtat
Cavtat
A visit to charming Dubrovnik and Cavtat, Croatia