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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Be prepared for jaw-dropping luxury yachts.

The tiled roofs are a characteristic trait in 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.

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