Dubrovnik, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a city that
truly defies time. Enclosed within her ancient limestone walls, polished
marble streets, and baroque architecture; terracotta rooftops gleam
against the backdrop of the deep blue Adriatic Sea. While the Old City’s
beautifully preserved medieval grandeur draws adventurers from
around the world; there’s a guarded elegance beyond its stone gates
and the ever-watchful eye of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik.
Perched on the slopes, just steps from the UNESCO Old City of
Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior was my quiet, yet luxurious sanctuary with a
front-row seat to the Adriatic. From my sea-view room, I watched the
morning sun spill across the walls of the ancient city and settle on
Lokrum Island, just a stone’s throw away.
I began my walk early in the morning as I climbed the walls high above
the rooftops of the iconic Old City. The light cast a golden hue over the
stone ramparts as the city slowly stirred to life. Below, narrow
alleyways echoed with the quiet clatter of café conversation and
shopkeepers preparing for a long, tourist filled day. From this height,
Dubrovnik feels both intimate and grand, it is an architectural marvel
framed by the sea and mountains.
The medieval city unfolds like a living postcard. Once a formidable
stronghold, the city’s ancient walls and battlements were built to
protect against invasion. Vigilant sentries once patrolled the city walls,
scanning the horizon from towering lookouts. Today, those same stone
paths offer breathtaking panoramic views, as visitors walk in the
footsteps of soldiers long passed, immersed in the centuries of history
that linger in every stone. Dubrovnik’s rooftop world is no longer just a
place of defense; it’s alive with vibrant cafés and open-air restaurants.
It’s a place where cannon-studded walls now frame unforgettable
sunsets, and every step tells a story.
After a day of wandering Dubrovnik’s cobbled streets, alleyways and
rooftops, I returned to Excelsior to sink into the spa’s Steam bath,
Roman bath, and Finnish sauna; melting away the remainder of day’s
fatigue. A swim in the luscious indoor pool felt as if I was floating
between the centuries. Nikoleta, my amazingly talented massage
therapist, artfully swept away the last of my lingering stresses and
concerns. Staying at the Excelsior wasn’t just luxurious it was deeply
grounding, a graceful pause between discovery and reflection.
My next adventure would take me to Ston, a historic town located
about an hour’s drive north of Dubrovnik famed for its medieval walls
and salt pans. Nestled on the Pelješac Peninsula, it’s also renowned for
oyster farming in nearby Mali Ston Bay, offering visitors rich history,
natural beauty, and unforgettable coastal flavors. Be sure to visit Bota
Šare for some of the freshest seafood and perhaps what was the best
oyster I have ever eaten.
Nestled in the lush Konavle Valley just outside Dubrovnik, Winery
Botaro delivers a truly authentic Croatian wine experience rooted in
over 600 years of family tradition. Guests are invited to sample estate-
grown wines and house-made delicacies like local cheeses, cured
meats, and traditional sweets, offering a delicious glimpse into the
region’s rich culinary heritage. Together, these highlights capture the
spirit of southern Croatia—timeless, authentic, and unforgettable.
The rich history of Croatia isn’t just preserved—it’s lived, felt, and
shared with everyone who wanders. Dubrovnik pulses with creativity,
flavor, and quiet grandeur, yet time seems suspended as if the city were
both living and eternal, unchanged and forever-evolving all at once.
DubrovnikPass.com
AdriaticLuxuryHotels.com
KonobaDubrava.com
WineryBotaro.com
Bota-Šare.hr