Dubrovnik, Croatia Guide

Dubrovnik is renowned for being one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in the world. It is a fascinating, attractive city steeped in rich history and culture, with incredible architecture of terracotta roofs, Baroque churches and winding narrow cobbled streets.

Dubrovnik’s position on the Dalmatian Coast allows for a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with over 250 days of sunshine a year. The warm, dry summers from June to September are perfect for enjoying the many local beaches with the pristine and calm Adriatic sea being beautifully warm to swim in at this time of year. Retreat to your luxury villa to wind down after a day exploring.

Wander around Dubrovnik’s Old Town surrounded by sturdy fortifications that stretch for almost two kilometres, soak up the history as you admire the Gothic and Romanesque architecture, the ancient walls and the stunning turrets and towers that frequent the city.

Dubrovnik, a beautiful city located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 7th century. Originally founded by the Byzantine Greeks, the city was known as Ragusa and quickly became a thriving trading center due to its strategic location between East and West.

In the 13th century, Dubrovnik declared independence and established itself as a powerful maritime republic, with its own government, laws, and currency. The city flourished under this rule, becoming a major hub for trade, art, and culture. It was also known as a safe haven for refugees, providing shelter to those fleeing from war and persecution.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Dubrovnik reached its golden age. The city became a major player in Mediterranean trade, with its powerful navy controlling the sea lanes and its merchants establishing colonies in other parts of the world. This prosperity also led to the construction of magnificent buildings and fortifications, which can still be seen today.

However, Dubrovnik’s golden age came to an abrupt end in 1667 when a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, including many of its important structures. The city was quickly rebuilt, but it never fully regained its former glory. In the following years, Dubrovnik fell under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

During World War II, Dubrovnik was occupied by the Italian and German forces. However, it managed to survive and was later incorporated into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In 1991, Dubrovnik and the rest of Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, leading to the Croatian War of Independence. After the war, a major restoration and reconstruction effort was undertaken to restore Dubrovnik to its former glory. The city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and has since become a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful coastline.