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 the 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 visits. 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.
Travel Guide:
DubrovnikPass.com
AdriaticLuxuryHotels.com
KonobaDubrava.com
WineryBotaro.com
Bota-Šare.hr