Dubrovnik Old Town
I know that it’s winter and very cold in Europe right now, but can I keep dreaming about last summer in the Mediterranean?
After a week of sailing near Zadar, Danny and I took a mini road trip southbound along the Adriatic coastline. He drove. I navigated slept. (Hey, a girl needs her beauty sleep!)
When this sleeping beauty awoke from her slumber, we had arrived at the enchanting seaside city of Dubrovnik in the very south of Croatia.
They call it the Pearl of the Adriatic, and after four blissful days there I completely understand why. Dubrovnik is a beautiful place oozing with history and culture and a laid-back way of life - it's the kind of holiday you never want to end.
And it's the kind of place that looks amazing in every photograph. On our first day, we explored the Old Town, starting from the Old City Gate. Are your pupils ready to dilate again and again as each photo pops on your screen?
Great, let's go! Open Sesame!
The paved pedestrian mall straight ahead as you pass the gate is Placa Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street full of souvenir shops, restaurants and gelato stores.
As soon as we arrived at Stradun, I went and bought myself a very nutritious breakfast.
Energised with my sugar hit and just a little over excited, it was time to go exploring.
We spent the morning getting lost in the cobblestoned alleys that sprawl off Stradun.
It seems crazy to think that only twenty years ago, this beautiful city had been under siege for seven months during the break up of former Yugoslavia.
Strolling around today, you would never guess that there had ever been a war. There has been significant reconstruction work to repair the damage and the medieval architecture is now looking more impressive than ever.
Speaking of impressive views, we climbed up the stairs to the City Walls.
From the ramparts, you can see the most stunning views of terracotta roofs with the shimmering Adriatic sea in the background.
Later that afternoon, we stumbled across a sign promising to lead us in the direction of 'Cold drinks with the most amazing view in the world’.
What were two thirsty tourists to do in a situation like this?
You guessed it. We may as well have been Hansel and Gretel blindly following signs to the wicked witch's house.
Instead of a gingerbread cottage though, we arrived at a little hole-in-the-wall which took us through to Buza Bar. What do you think of this place for some delightful afternoon beverages?
Turns out they weren't lying about the most amazing view in the world, eh?
This cliffside bar was also a perfect viewing point to watch daring young souls cliff jump into the pristine sea.
Don't tell anyone, but I am a total chicken when it comes to cliff jumping. Even watching total strangers do the jump made me feel anxious.
Luckily, I was served a refreshing alcoholic beverage to calm my nerves down. A perfect end to the day.
