Dubrovnik County apartments - holiday apartments throughout Dubrovnik County

DUBROVNIK COUNTY

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is unique in the way it's been able to fuse history with modern life. The city centre is bursting with Medieval churches, historic plazas and priceless artwork, and the people move in and around their treasures on their way to the market or to work. The old city walls, nearly 2,000 metres of uninterrupted stone encircling Dubrovnik, are among the most emblematic sites. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, the walls are some of the world's strongest and most picturesque, and you shouldn't miss a walk on top of them (the view is amazing). Another can't miss spot is the Placa (aka Stradun), a long pedestrian boulevard that stretches through town and is lined with late-17th-century houses. The centre of the city's cafe culture, the Placa is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Several monasteries, a cathedral and the Rector's Palace round out the architectural wonders.

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Its natural beauty is unique too. With the Adriatic Sea at its feet, Dubrovnik is a natural destination for sun lovers, and the city's beaches are quite good. Even more spectacular are the islands that sit off the coast. Head to Lokrum or Kolocep, small islands with excellent beaches, lush vegetation and interesting historical monuments.

Historically an important port town, Dubrovnik was once the most important merchant centre on the Adriatic Sea. In its "golden age" of the 15th and 16th centuries, many of the city's most beautiful buildings were created. All that ended soon after with a decrease in maritime trade and a terrible earthquake in 1667 that destroyed much of the city. Dubrovnik was forced to rebuild itself then just as it has been rebuilding over the last decade, repairing war damage from the early 1990s. Some say the city looks better now than ever, and it's once again accepting visitors from all over the world.

Dubrovnik

With a typical Mediterranean climate, Dubrovnik is temperate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. You can swim in the Adriatic Sea from June until September (which not coincidentally are also the busiest months). For a break from the crowds, early autumn is a good time to come.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik International Airport is just 17km from the city centre. The country's national airline, Croatia Airlines connects the city to most major European destinations, either directly or via the capital, Zagreb. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to fly direct from London.

There are more scenic ways to travel though. You can arrive by train, though it stops in nearby Ploèe and you'll have to take a coach to the city. Ferries run regularly between Dubrovnik and other coastal Croatian towns, and they connect the city to Italy too. Motor-coaches from Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy are an option, as is driving in - the roads are in very good condition.

Dubrovnik

Right on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a haven for water sports (and beach lounging counts!) Sailing around the islands of the Elaphite archipelago, just off Dubrovnik's coast, is a unique experience. On a smaller scale, sea kayaking is an excellent way to explore these calm waters too. If you're certified, diving around the coasts of the islands is an option. Off the water, there is excellent hiking and rock climbing nearby.

For the culturally minded, Dubrovnik has a few museums worth a quick visit. The Rector's Palace holds many artifacts related to historic city government, while the Historical Museum gives a more complete view of Dubrovnik history. The Home of Marin Drzic is a unique theatrical museum, honoring one of the country's greatest playwrights.