How To Spend a Sunday in Dubrovnik Like a Native

Dubrovnik is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations, and given its small dimension, you’ll typically discover yourselves wanting to flee the crowds. To actually expertise town, you could assume like a neighborhood and plan your day correctly.

As locals, we attempt to keep away from crowds as a lot as doable and hunt down peaceable spots each time we will. Even on this small but bustling vacationer city, we nonetheless discover methods to take pleasure in a quiet, enjoyable day. So, right here’s the way to spend a lazy Sunday in Dubrovnik like a neighborhood.

A Sunday in Dubrovnik Like a Native

Early Morning in The Outdated City

Throughout the heat summer season months, the important thing to experiencing a Sunday in Dubrovnik like a neighborhood is to begin your day as early as doable to take pleasure in a tranquil morning espresso earlier than town wakes up.

Begin your day by heading to the Outdated City by both Pile or Ploce Gate, two of the primary entrances. At these early hours, you’ll discover supply vans supplying eating places with contemporary groceries, making ready for one more busy day. 

One factor Croatians completely must do each day is take pleasure in a protracted, unhurried espresso. 

Whereas many European nations function at a quick tempo, we want a extra spontaneous and relaxed method, and irrespective of how busy the day will get, espresso time is non-negotiable; it’s for the peace of our souls.

An excellent spot on your morning espresso is true on the primary road, Stradun, beneath the bell tower. Whereas some might name it a vacationer lure attributable to its greater costs, within the early morning, you’ll be able to typically catch a Completely satisfied Hour for espresso.

Right here, you’ll be able to soak in the great thing about Dubrovnik’s beautiful structure and watch locals heading to mass or staff busily organising for the day.

As you sip your espresso, hear for the regular strikes of town’s iconic bell tower, the place Maro and Baro, the 2 bronze figures, have been hanging the bell for the reason that fifteenth century. 

These beloved figures, generally known as Zelenci (the Inexperienced Ones) attributable to their aged patina, have lengthy helped residents hold observe of time. Many Dubrovnik locals don’t even must test their watches. They’ll inform the time just by the sound of the bell.

Half-Day Journey To Lokrum Island

Begin Early

Despite the fact that Lokrum Island is commonly really useful as a must-see for vacationers, it’s additionally a beloved retreat for locals. Each native has their very own rock, an unofficially reserved sunbathing spot the place they anticipate uninterrupted leisure. 

Lokrum is at its finest within the morning hours, so goal to catch the 9 AM boat from the Outdated City. The following departure isn’t till 10 AM, however after that, boats depart each half hour, which means the island begins to get busier.

For one blissful hour, you’ll expertise the island with minimal crowds, permitting you to search out your individual quiet nook to benefit from the peaceable morning ambiance.

When you arrive, the prettiest morning spot is Portoc, situated to the left as you step off the boat. This rocky seashore space is ideal for locating a secluded place the place you gained’t be disturbed. 

Beat The Noon Warmth

Round noon, when the warmth intensifies, head towards the Lifeless Sea, a small saltwater lake on the island. There, you’ll discover a shaded bar providing one other espresso or perhaps a cocktail, together with fast bites like sandwiches and burgers. 

The comfortable chairs with snug cushions make it a super place to learn a e-book, watch the island’s freely roaming peacocks, and take heed to the soothing sounds of crickets.

For nature lovers, Lokrum’s Botanical Backyard is price a go to. It boasts an enchanting assortment of unique crops, together with towering palm bushes, cacti, and eucalyptus, a lot of which have been introduced over by seafarers within the nineteenth century. 

Some say the Benedictine monks who as soon as lived on the island planted the primary species, and their well-known curse nonetheless lingers over Lokrum, warning those that attempt to declare it as their very own.

An Island Cursed By Monks

Talking of legends, the Benedictine Monastery is likely one of the most intriguing spots on the island. The monks inhabited Lokrum for hundreds of years however have been pressured to depart within the early nineteenth century after Napoleon’s military seized the island. 

Based on legend, on their remaining evening, the monks positioned a curse on Lokrum, strolling in a solemn procession with upside-down candles, warning that misfortune would befall anybody who tried to take possession of the island. 

Through the years, many who tried to personal Lokrum suffered unusual fates.

Uncover Lokrum’s Secrets and techniques

So as to add a little bit of thriller to your go to, attempt to discover the archway within the rock that opens as much as the ocean. It’s one of the vital photographed spots on the island. 

It’s not simple to search out, although, because it’s tucked away and requires some scrambling over rocks to succeed in. However the effort is totally price it. 

Want a touch? It’s someplace close to the Lifeless Sea, so in the event you’re already there, take into account yourselves shut. Remember that you may need to put on water footwear for this journey.

For a cooler a part of the day, take into account taking a brief hike as much as Fort Royal, a fortress constructed by the French throughout Napoleon’s occupation. 

Sitting on the highest level of the island, it presents breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. The fort was strategically constructed to supervise maritime routes, and whereas it’s now in ruins, it stays an enchanting place to discover. 

The climb is properly price it, particularly within the late afternoon or round sundown, when the warmth is decrease and the golden gentle over the ocean makes the view much more magical.

For Sport of Thrones followers, Lokrum Island is dwelling to the well-known Iron Throne, the place you’ll be able to snap an image and really feel like a ruler of Westeros. 

Lokrum Like a Native

However past sightseeing, Lokrum presents loads to do; you could possibly simply spend the entire day right here. For a extra energetic expertise, you’ll be able to lease kayaks or paddleboards to discover hidden coves. 

Many locals additionally deliver their households for a full-day picnic, packing sandwiches and selfmade meals to actually profit from their time on the island. 

There are many stunning spots to take pleasure in a picnic, whether or not at a desk beneath the shade of pine bushes or just sitting on the grass, soaking within the peaceable environment.

One of many native favorites is a straightforward deal with: pate with contemporary tomatoes, typically loved as a snack whereas spending time on the seashore. 

Whether or not you like wandering round, sunbathing on the rocks, or just gazing on the infinite blue of the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum is simply quarter-hour from Dubrovnik’s Outdated City however seems like a world away.

Night in Dubrovnik Outdated City

Most locals will let you know that the most effective spot is Dolce Vita, a beloved gem identified for its creamy gelato. If in case you have a candy tooth, you may even find yourself ordering their well-known pancakes. However don’t really feel responsible; they’re a neighborhood custom.

This is only one strategy to spend a Sunday in Dubrovnik like a neighborhood: having fun with sluggish mornings, escaping to nature, and savoring easy pleasures that make life right here really particular.

Adriatic Vacation spot Professional & Dubrovnik Metropolis Host