Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic Sea, has been reclaimed not just as a Croatian treasure but also as one of the world’s treasures; a fact that was officially recognized when the United Nations declared this medieval town as a World Cultural Heritage site. Its fortresses, imposing walls surrounding the city, palaces, churches and small streets form a nice harmony with the nature and tell a history on their own. Although notably devastated by the 1667 earthquake, Dubrovnik has managed to preserve its gothic, renaissance and baroque charm. George Bernard Shaw, a famous Irish writer, once said: “Those who are looking for paradise on Earth should visit Dubrovnik”.
There are many ways to enjoy raw oysters on the half shell, whether on an intimate dinner in the high end restaurant or at a relaxed “shuck & suck” oyster bar next to the port. We would reccomend you the second option, a relaxed oyster bar in the shade of the Old Town stone. Take a break and with a glass of perfectly chilled wine enjoy in one of many benefits that Adriatic sea gives you.
Hedona´s tip: Plan to start the your dinner with this amazing apetizer
The Elaphiti Islands is a small archipelago consisting of several islands stretching northwest of Dubrovnik. The Elaphites have a land area of around 30 square kilometres and a population of 850 inhabitants. The islands are covered with characteristic Mediterranean vegetation and attract large numbers of tourists during the summer season due to their beaches and pristine scenery.
Of the thirteen Elafite Islands only three are inhabited: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.
Centuries ago, these islands were chosen by the Dubrovnik aristocracy for their summer residences.
Some of them still stand today unfaded in full beauty reflecting a rich history of the islands and their owners.
Enjoy exploring the little old-Croatian churches on the Island of Koločep, bathe on the sandy beach of Šunj on the Island of Lopud, visit the summer residence of the Skočibuha family in Suđurađ and walk the fertile Šipan field covered with olive groves and vineyards.
Hedona´s tip: Ask us for a quote of a romantic „Sunset champagne speed boat cruise“
History of Ston reaches back to 14th century. It is a Medieval small town with the longest stone wall in Europe (5,5km) and second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China. The walls were last used for defense in the 19th century. Its former value as a „salt city“ gets confirmed even today in the plants of the oldest active salt-works in the world. These salt-works have remained faithfull to the tradition and to the natural way of salt production which has not changed since remote ages. Tourists are especially attracted by gastronomic specialities of the region, primarily oysters, mussels and other seafood that makes the „Malostonski Bay“ famous.
Hedona´s tip: Best way to combine Ston visit is with wine tasting, rural househol or island Korčula visit. Ask us to make an offer just for you.
Dubrovnik Synagogue is the worlds oldest active Sephardic synagogue and the second oldest synagogue in Europe. It was established in 1408 by the Jews who came to Dubrovnik from Spain. A decree made by the government of the Dubrovnik Republic in 1546 allowed Jews to settle within the city ramparts. This officially marks the establishment of the Jewish Ghetto.
Unfrortunately the Synagogue was severely damaged in the disastrous earthquake of 1667 but due to careful reconstructions, today looks very much like it did 600 years ago. The Synagogue houses ceremonial objects from the 16th – 18th centuries and remarkably well preserved, historically significant interior. Part of these objects was displayed at the New York exhibition in 1993.
Hedona´s tip: Avoid the morning crowd and plan a visit in the late afternoon
The most beautiful view of Dubrovnik and surrounding islands can be enjoyed on the Mount Srdj above the town. The top of the hill can be easilly reached by the the Cable car. Entrance point of the Cable car is located right above the Old Town , in the area called Ploce. In less than four minutes you will find yourself at a height of 405 meters above the sea level. Enjoy in the amazing view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and take inforgetable photos.
Hedona´s tip: Best time of a day for a visit is the sunset
In only ten minutes a boat from the Old City Dubrovnik Harbour you will come to the Island of Lokrum, a special forestry reserve under UNESCO protection. A favourite bathing and excursion place in close proximity to the City, Lokrum is also the exotic and mysterious venue of many legends and stories. A small lake on the island called Mrtvo More (Dead Sea) is suitable for children and non-swimmers.
Walk to the highest point of Lokrum, the elevation with the star-shaped Fort Royal, built by the French in 1806. The place offers a magnificent view of the City, Cavtat and the islands.
The roads and walking paths of Lokrum will take you through the botanical garden with an interesting collection of eucalyptuses, cactuses and succulent plants to the remains of the 12th/13th century basilica, the 15th/16th century monastery with an atrium garden, and the summer residence of Maximilian von Habsburg from the 19th century with gardens and a park. You will be enchanted by the woods of holm-oak, flowering ash, Aleppo pine, the old olive grove from the time when the Benedictines ran the island.
Hedona´s tip: It is ideal place to relax and hide from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town
With its exquisite architecture, rich heritage and history preserved in every stone, Dubrovnik can proudly be described as a museum city. In Dubrovnik Museums you can find information on all segments of the politics, trade, diplomacy and every-day life. You can choose to visit Cultural History Museum, Maritime Museum, Rectors palace, Sponza palace, Rupe Ehnographic Museum, Cathedral treasure, Franciscan and Benedictine monastery Museum,Home of Marin Drzic, Museum of Modern Art, Visia 5D multimedia museum…
Hedona´s tip: Ask us to quote you the best price option for multiple entrance tickets
Cavtat is the ancient Epidaurum of the Adriatic Civitas Vetus, the predecessor of Dubrovnik a Medieaval town built on the slopes of a peninsula with two easily accessible bays. For centuries, its construction was based on the Dubrovnik principles of harmony. Each historical period is marked by the valuable works of some master. The cultural and historical story of its unique natural beauties can be retold uninterruptedly. Within the vicinity of Dubrovnik, and in a Mediterranean climate with exuberant vegetation, Cavtat developed into the cultural, social and tourist centre of Konavle.
If you take a walk on the waterfront absorbing the scents and sounds of nature, you will enjoy the quiet secluded bays and the exceptional cultural heritage. In the old part of town there is the house of Vlaho Bukovac, one of Croatia’s most important artists, which is also a museum, studio and art gallery. The Racic family mausoleum, a masterpiece by the famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, St. Nicholas Parish Church and the Rectors Palace Museum on.
Hedona´s tip: Ask us to sent you an offer for a private Cavtat and Konavle wine tour with personal guide and typical lunchCavtat’s waterfront are some of the most visited cultural and religious sights.
Take a unique opportunity to explore the southern surroundings of Dubrovnik; the picturesque Konavle valley squeezed between the mountains and the sea . Konavle is a narrow fertile ribbon of land which stretches all the way to the border with the neighboring Montenegro. It offers spectacular views over the deep valleys with many cypress trees, unique small villages pictoresque wineyards, charming wine cellars, restaurated water mills and much more.
Hedona´s tip: Ask us to sent you an offer for a private Cavtat and Konavle wine tour with personal guide and typical lunch