ZigZagging Our Way Through Europe
Our last day in Dubrovnik and, although we have explored much of this walled medieval city, there is still so much more. As we left our apartment, we walked down the narrow cobblestoned street that connects to the Luža Square and the Stradun leading to the Old Town Pile Gate entrance.
Today we plan is to explore Dubrovnik from outside the Old Town walls. Exiting through the Pile Gate and leaving the pedestrian only cobbled streets behind us, we were immediately faced with modern civilization – a plethora of taxis and tour busses all clamoring for the same spots – tourist with luggage coming and going, children in tow. We thought of turning around and returning behind the walls that shielded us from the invading throng. Zaštiti nas od opsade!
Coming back to reality, we turned into a park-like setting just off the crowded, traffic jammed Brsalje Street.
Surprisingly, and in spite of the congestion occurring just steps away, the park was uncrowded with an amazing view of the massive city walls on our left, the Adriatic Sea in front of us and the Lovrijenac Fortress to the right.
Now refocused on exploring outside the walls of the old city, we set out for the 10 minute walk to Ul. Kralja Petra Krešimira and the Zagreb Cable Car station.
Constructed in 1969, the ride takes only four minutes to reach the 412m high landing point on the Hill Srd overlooking the City of Dubrovnik, the Old Town, and the Adriatic Sea with its numerous islands.
In addition to the amazing views, a snack bar, restaurant and souvenir shop are located at the summit as well. Tickets can be purchased in Croatian kuna or by credit card for 200Kn / €27 for adults and children over 4 years old starting at 30Kn / €4.
Returning to the base, we were faced with the option of taking a ferry to Lokrum Island, an outer island in the Adriatic Sea situated just 600m off the coast of Old Town Dubrovnik. Uninhabited, it is popular for its dense forest, hiking trails and botanical gardens as well as the 19th century Fort Royal Castle.
Having walked an average of 19,000 steps each day up and down hills and stairs (according to our Fitbit and Apple Watch trackers), we decided to pass on hiking the island and instead chose to spend the afternoon relaxing at the Banje Beach Club with a few piña coladas.
A sandy oasis complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas, exotic canopied bamboo beds as well as on-beach cocktail and food service and views of the super yachts anchored offshore …
… it is the perfect spot to relax in luxury while enjoying the crystal clear (but cold) Adriatic Sea. By night, it transforms into a beach side nightclub with the resident DJ open until 4:00 am.
After a relaxing afternoon on the beach and dinner at Segreto Pasta & Grill, we ended the day with a spectacular fireworks display to announce the opening of the 73rd Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
The festival is one of Croatian’s oldest and runs for 47 days through 25 August. The fireworks display was followed by a free, open-air performance on the Luža Square by the Four Tenors, a favorite Croatian group.
With our day coming to an end, we look forward to our next Croatian adventure!
Have you been to Dubrovnik? Tell us about it!
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