A Walking Holiday Based In Dubrovnik

Would you enjoy a holiday that includes a taste of local culture and the opportunity to do a little walking? In Croatia, the capital city of Dubrovnik makes a great base from which to explore the local area. Known as the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ by Lord Byron and as ‘paradise’ by George Bernard Shaw, it will not take long once you have arrived in this medieval city to realise why. An acclaimed UNESCO site, Dubrovnik has become a very popular tourist destination and a lovely place from which to do some walking in Croatia.

Highlights of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is certainly beautiful and is an easy place to spend a few days. The winding streets and tiny alleyways are fun to get lost in and the buzzing cafes and hidden away restaurants offer perfect places to take a break. The city is completely surrounded by its impressive fortified walls, with the main entrance located by the Pile Gate. Inside the walls, climb the hidden away staircases leading up to some sublime views of the stunning Adriatic and the city beyond, or make your way to the Old Port for a taste of the traditional. The Modern Art Museum is also worth a visit, as is the stunning Dominican Monastery.

The walls themselves are dotted with towers and fortresses that still appear to protect the city within. Although the city is steeped in history and appears to nurture its past with a warm embrace, today's Dubrovnik is very much a part of modern Europe, with plenty of fashionable boutiques, funky cafes and trendy bars.

The Local Sights

Dubrovnik is close to some of the country's most stunning countryside and, with the many popular Mediterranean Islands of its famous archipelago close by, there are plenty of opportunities for walking. In Croatia, hiking is a popular pastime and the islands make wonderful places to explore on foot. In the spring they are covered with wild flowers, lavender and heather and blessed with the typically mild Mediterranean climate. Although temperatures are hot, the cooling sea breeze makes walking in Croatia at any time of year a pleasant and comfortable experience.

These beautiful and relaxing islands are all easily reached by ferry from the mainland and it is possible to visit for a day trip or stay for a few days. Each island is individual and special in its own right but all have well appointed walking trails and off the beaten track places to discover. Take the time to scratch beneath the surface and you may make some wonderful discoveries.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday walking in Croatia to the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.