No visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without a visit to the famous Old Town – a town which is entirely surrounded by a medieval wall and various different forts. The wall was built in the 10th century to protect the city from attack from Serbia and it extends 2km around the edge of the city.
It takes about 2 hours to walk all the way round, so make sure you do this walk in the morning or early evening! I decided to walk the whole of the city walls at midday on one of the hottest days of my life and it almost killed me. Fortunately, there are cafes around the walk with seriously overpriced bottles of water that probably saved my life!
The view of the city walls from outside Dubrovnik.
Views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the city wall.
As well as the walls themselves, another form of protection was provided by the separate fortress known as Fort Lovrijenac. Lovrijenac was the most important part of the defence system for western Dubrovnik, defending against attacks from both land and sea. It is now used as a theatre in the summer.
Fort Lovrijenac
Whilst walking the city walls, there are beautiful 360 degree views of the deep blue adriatic sea, as well as the jumble of red rooftops of the Old Town buildings.
The Old Town as seen from the city walls.
Dubrovnik Old Town
Old Town
Old Town ruins.
At certain points along the wall, you can see the nearby Lokrum island, about 600 metres off the coast of Dubrovnik.
Lokrum island and the Old Town.
Towards the eastern side of the walls there are panoramic views of the Old Port. The quaint and pretty harbour still shows what it would have looked like in the Middle Ages when this was one of the busiest ports of the Adriatic. There are a number of small boats, and in the morning locals still go out into the bay to fish. Here is also where you can catch a boat to one the small islands close by.
Dubrovnik harbour.
Dubrovnik harbour
One of the more dangerous activities that you can take part in in Dubrovnik is cliff jumping. Dubrovnik has twice hosted events in the World Series Cliff Diving Competition, and there are spots along the way where you can watch those who are brave enough jumping into the sea below.
Cliff jumpers.
The walls of Dubrovnik are open everyday between 8am and 7pm, and it costs 70 kuna to enter.
Posted by .
In July 2011 I left England for what was supposed to be a one year trip around the world. Within a few months of leaving I knew that a year would never be enough. I now work online and travel permanently, seeking misadventures in unique, beautiful and fascinating places. Read more.
I'm here to show you how not to travel. Since I've been on the road I've been "poked" during a massage in Bangkok, punched a scammer in Shanghai, been attacked by monkeys in Bali, sat next to a dead woman on a boat in Laos and so much more. I call these The Incidents and you can see a full list of them here.
Right girlie, that’s it, I’m going to have to unfollow through jealousy. Ouch – these photos make me wanna jump on a plane to your right now =)
Toni recently posted..30 Days and counting until Africa – ahhhhhh!
Hahahaha, would be awesome if you were here! Croatia rocks!
These photos are absolutely beautiful. The water is so blue!
Danielle recently posted..ATV Riding in the Desert [Bucket List Edition]
Thanks Danielle, I was surprised at how blue the water was, it was amazing!
Wow, looks like an amazing place. Beautiful photos!
Kris Koeller recently posted..Tour of the Roosevelt Homes in Hyde Park, New York
I loved it there, was definitely sad to leave!
Great place! The habour looks like a place to sit back and take a deep breath and relax.
Just a quick suggestion with the camera settings. The 550d tends to slightly over expose so I always set it to -1 ev. This will help improve contrast in bright locations like Dubrovnik.
Looking forward to more photos!
Ken
pokeken recently posted..IMG_1528_FB
It was really chilled out. Would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t been exhausted and dripping with sweat!
Thanks for the tip! :D
Beautifully red!
fotoeins recently posted..Berlin on Christmas Eve, Christmas in July (14)
:)
So this is the long walk that almost killed you??? Sounds like an amazing walk and site to see. I love all the pics… so pretty!!!
Jaime recently posted..Golden Showers in Brussels!!!
Yes, it was!! It was gorgeous there, just wish I hadn’t done it in the middle of the day!
These are some awesome pictures. The one of the Adriatic sea is absolutely beautiful. I see you keep adding to your Not Top 10′s. :)
Bob Crunch recently posted..A How-To Guide for Landscaping
Hahaha, can’t stop adding to it at the moment!
I regret not visiting Croatia when I travelled Europe, looks beautiful. Will probably try to visit some day.
You definitely should, Jim, I love it here!
Croatia is often overlooked for more popular destinations, but it is such a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. Glad you had a great time, love your pics!
Thanks! I loved Croatia :)
So you paid the 10 euro? I managed to talk the security guy into letting me up for free :)
Ian [EagerExistence] recently posted..Birthdays away from Home
Dubrovnik looks amazing! I love exploring cities with medieval architecture – I secretly think I was a princess in a past life!
Probably one of the best “old towns” there is anywhere. The water is always the perfect tint of blue.
Kurt W recently posted..Negombo, Sri Lanka
Fantastic photos!
Ed Rex recently posted..Travel Blogs that Oozed Awesomeness – Jan 2012
Love the photos – I made the same mistake when I walked the town walls back in July. Kept meaning to go up in the morning or evening but in the end, ended up doing it at midday on my last day in Dubrovnik. Still amazing though :)
Kerri recently posted..Sun, Fun and Sails in Santorini
Amazing pictures, I so want to go to Dubrovnik, not sure what I’m waiting for!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs recently posted..Israel Diaries: Ashkelon & Ashdod