Dubrovnik, Croatia - Dubrovnik Old Town and Reservat Lokrum

Story and Photos by Helen Simmons

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

My Dublognik...

Having recently returned from a three day trip to Dubrovnik in Croatia, I must say that having little pre conceived idea or expectation, I was most pleasantly surprised. I will admit that the reason for my visit was for a good old fashioned hen party and not from some deep burning, culturally driven desire to explore the historical land of Croatia. (From this, of course you will grasp both the caliber and level of class maintained by the ladies with whom I like to frequent…)

Getting Down to the City Gritty…

Dubrovnik Old Town provided the backdrop to our stay and what a beautifully picturesque backdrop it was. Built entirely within walls, every street and alleyway is lined with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops. Maze-like, it is almost impossible to walk the same street or see the same view twice. Not content with checking the city out from within its wall confines, you can pay to walk along the city’s perimeters from the top for a small price of around £9. If your thirst for visual satisfaction is still unquenched at this, you can even take a cable car up the nearest mountain (you won’t need to look far for a mountain) and look even further down into the walled city also costing around £9.

Ha-Kunas-matata

Despite being part of Europe, much like England, they also still carry their own local currency of Kunas. Either’s use is acceptable however it would be my strong recommendation to use Kunas as, perhaps unsurprisingly, you do seem to get slightly more for your money.

Are You (boat) Tripping?

As recommended to me, and proven to be a very popular activity in the city, there are various boat trips you can take to discover nearby islands. Reservat Lokrum (Lokrum Reserve) is the island to which I myself hopped with the aid of a cute and compact yet comfortable sea vessel. 'Fascinating' does not come close to an adequate description of this island. Seemingly desolate and unpopulated, the island even from twenty feet away still, lacks any obvious life or ambiance aside from the mere existence of trees. Upon slightly further examination
(…stepping off the boat…) this island opens up, albeit most subtly, into a wonderland of hidden cafes, secluded lakes, mountain top sea views, flat stone beaches, forest restaurants and dozens of routes and ways to walk around the island. With the boat ferrying back and forth every half hour, this £7 (approx) round trip ticket is an indubitable necessity.

Travel Croatia.

GOatia! Is all I would have left to say on the matter...