Dubrovnik, a gem on the Adriatic coast, offers more than just stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking views. This practical traveler’s guide explores the city’s rich culinary traditions and provides insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Gastronomy
The surroundings of Dubrovnik have long been renowned for their organic products—olive oil from Skoj, Dalmatian prosciutto (pršut), truffles, seafood, Pag cheese, and both red (Plavac, Dingač, Postup) and white wines (Pošip). A special mention goes to the “nectar of the gods,” Dubrovnik Malvasija.
Dubrovnik is home to one of Croatia’s most famous restaurants, which also ranks among the top ten most romantic restaurants in the world — Nautika (https://www.nautikarestaurants.com/restaurant-nautika/)
This establishment has hosted countless celebrities, including Italian designer Valentino, French footballer Michel Platini, film and showbiz personalities like former 007 agent Sir Roger Moore, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, British singer Bryan Ferry with his sons, Owen Wilson with his companions, numerous politicians including Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the Japanese Prince and Princess Akishino, and even Pope John Paul II, for whom a special menu was created, which can still be partly ordered (for example, “Saint Peter’s fish”).
The restaurant is located in the Pile district, in a former 19th-century maritime school, offering a stunning view of the Bokar Tower and Fort Lovrijenac. The cuisine is local, Croatian, with the best dishes being fish-based, along with imaginative desserts.
Nautika only serves dinner, which starts at 6 PM and lasts until after midnight. The cost per person is 100-120 euros (excluding drinks). It is recommended to book a table in advance.
There are two ways to book:
Officially: Send an email or contact by phone in advance.
Unofficially: Visit the restaurant the day before dinner and ask the manager to add you to the guest list. In this case, you’ll have to adapt to the available time.
It’s advisable to book a table on the open terrace, which offers a pleasant atmosphere and a romantic view of the harbor and fortresses. For large groups (around 20 people), there is also a private room on the second floor.
The same owner offers lunches at the neighboring restaurant Dubravka 1836, located opposite Nautika, or at the Panorama Restaurant on Mount Srđ.
Surroundings
Not far from Dubrovnik are the Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) and the Lokrum Nature Reserve Island. While guidebooks often mention ancient ruins from the Roman Empire, many of these sites are somewhat unimpressive. The islands are worth visiting primarily if you want to swim and stroll through park areas. For example, on Lokrum, wild rabbits and peacocks roam freely in and outside the Botanical Garden. There’s also a small bay known as the “Dead Sea,” which is popular with children due to its shallow waters.
If you’re tired of the crowds in Dubrovnik, you can visit the small town of Cavtat, located south of Dubrovnik. It offers peaceful surroundings, small bays for swimming, and a picturesque promenade.
Where to Swim
The best beaches around Dubrovnik are on the Lapad Peninsula (Copacabana Beach), Lopud Island, or the rocky bays of Lokrum Island. If you don’t want to travel far, you can swim at Banje Beach, close to the Ploče Gate.
Where to Stay
For comfort and convenience, consider staying in the Ploče area, at Excelsior. Grand Villa Argentina will be a good choice after renovation. Both are just a 10-minute walk from the old town along a coastal road with stunning views of Lokrum Island, where you’ll find charming pastry shops offering fresh baked goods. On the opposite side of the old town is the Hilton Imperial. It’s no more than a five-minute walk to the city walls, though its main facade faces a noisy square.
A bit off the beaten path is the elegant Bellevue Hotel, offering stunning sea and city views. At the base of the cliff on which the hotel is perched, there’s a beach. For a more intimate experience, you can also rent a villa.
What to Buy
Did you know that the French word “cravate” (necktie) originally meant “Croat” (croate)? In the 17th century, the French were particularly fond of the Croatian military uniform, which featured elegant “neck scarves” from which modern neckties evolved, becoming popular at the French royal court. Today, a chain of stores called “Croata” in Croatia sells elegant neckties, scarves, and shirts.
From Dubrovnik, you can bring back candied lemon or orange slices (arancini), wines, and dark chocolate (from Kras Shop). For jewelry lovers, treat yourself to earrings (rećini), cufflinks, and decorative buttons (puce). In the historic pharmacy, you can purchase cosmetic products.
