Summer in Dubrovnik: Sun, Sea, and History

The sun, sea and flavours of the Mediterranean

There are many things to experience in Dubrovnik, but perhaps the best way to start is with local gastronomy. Dubrovnik cuisine is based on the classic Mediterranean diet, with a few specificities you must try. Be sure to try the oysters – an irresistible combination of salty freshness and tenderness. Fragrant sweet figs represent the Mediterranean at its best, and you will find them prepared in many different ways: fresh, dried, in desserts, and as the basis of various cakes. Every bite in Dubrovnik represents a story of a passionate love for food and the preservation of a long and rich gastronomic tradition.

Do you know what Dubrovnik is particularly known for? It is renowned for the salt that has been harvested in this area for four thousand years using the sun, sea and wind!

The salt comes from the nearby town of Ston, home to the oldest active saltworks in the world, which, along with the city of Dubrovnik itself, was a key place in the Republic of Ragusa. The reason for that was salt, once a valuable and expensive raw material that brought a third of the Republic’s income. The monumental walls from the 14th and 15th centuries, similar to those in Dubrovnik, which protected the saltworks from attack, also show the importance it held.

Excursions to the paradise oasis: Elaphiti Islands and cursed Lokrum

For those looking for adventure, we recommend day excursions to the Elaphiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan are part of the eight islands and five islets near Dubrovnik. Koločep, the closest island to Dubrovnik, abounds in a dense pine forest that descends to the sea rocks, and the azure sea is full of fish and shellfish. The island is known for its coral and rich history, with numerous monuments from antiquity. Lopud, an island of sandy beaches, enchants with its beauty and cultural heritage, represented with fortresses, churches and summer houses with works of art. Šunj Bay on Lopud attracts visitors with its unique sandy beach, while Koločep delights, offering silence, Mediterranean scents, and crystal sea.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Lokrum Island. It’s great for a day excursion, just be careful! You can’t take anything from Lokrum, not even a peacock feather or a leaf from the botanical gardens. Dubrovnik residents claim that all of it belongs to the island and will only bring misfortune to the person taking it.

Dubrovnik: the city of walls, cats and historical landmarks

The history of Dubrovnik is full of interesting facts, such as the fact that the first quarantine in the world was established here. The historical city walls bear witness to the glorious past of this city as a mighty maritime power. One of the sweetest stories of Dubrovnik includes its cats that freely roam the streets and have become an indispensable part of the local charm. The people of Dubrovnik keep them safe and fed. Anastasia the cat lived to be 18 years old, and when she died, the people of Dubrovnik said goodbye to her en masse. They even called her the Duchess and considered her a part of the city’s legend.

Dubrovnik and Trsteno Arboretum as a film backdrop

Fans of the popular TV show “Game of Thrones” will recognise Dubrovnik as the backdrop for the royal city of King’s Landing. A walk through the streets will quickly reveal the exact locations from the TV show, and for those who want to know more, there are also special guided tours.

One part of the popular TV show took place in the Trsteno Arboretum, the oldest monument of garden architecture in Croatia. Trsteno Arboretum is known for its historical gardens and collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants and was protected as a natural monument in 1949. You can reach it by bus from the city all season long. With its 25 hectares, the Arboretum contains a Renaissance park with a summer house, a neo-romantic park from the turn of the 20th century, an old olive grove, and natural vegetation of forest and macchia with coastal rocks. Within the Arboretum, there is also the chapel of Saint Jerome from the 17th century, an old olive mill, an aqueduct from the 15th century and a baroque fountain (which appears in the TV show!) with the Roman god Neptune and nymphs.

The Arboretum contains 465 cultivated and 510 wild species, making it a unique monument and part of natural and cultural heritage.

Ready for adventure and pleasure? Book your accommodation at Maistra and let Dubrovnik enchant you!