Dubrovnik Part 2

Today we sleep in because we can only be at the wall at 8 a.m.

For the equivalent of 30 euros, you can climb the city walls of Dubrovnik. It's very much worth it, we're almost alone, the weather is wonderful, and the view is priceless. But: it's hot and we're sweating out everything we have. The wall is about 2.5 km long, it goes up and down stairs... and many OOOhs and AAHs follow. But also the realization that I regret wearing a ponytail. My face is dripping with sweat!

Afterwards, we treat ourselves to ice cream - pistachio - and then we have to check out. With luggage and without a car, we leave the city center again, up stairs and more stairs, to get to the car and get our bathing suits... because we want to go to Lokrum Island. What's there? Beach, that's all I know ☺️.

By ferry, wearing a mask, you quickly reach the island. The island of Lokrum, off the coast of Croatia, is a green paradise with lush vegetation, natural pools, historic buildings, and rocky beaches.

It is one of the most important sights in Dubrovnik. Allegedly, Richard the Lionheart stranded here in 1192 on his return from the Crusades after having shipwrecked. As a thank you for his rescue, Dubrovnik received a generous donation, with which the first cathedral was financed. In 1963, the entire island was placed under nature protection and in 1976 it was declared a forest reserve. Lokrum is crisscrossed with signposted hiking trails that lead through the lush nature and to the sights of the island. Laurel trees, pines, cypresses, oaks, palms, and olive trees provide soothing shade, and the blooming magnolias emit a wonderful scent. And of course, we also have to go to the Iron Throne, one of the many Game of Thrones must-sees! It's really nice! We really like it here overall, and the cicadas are finally back. Oh, and there are a lot of peacocks with babies 😀.

But now we have to take the ferry to get back to Podstrana. On the way, we stop in Ston. The small medieval town of Ston, in the south of Croatia, is located on the Pelješac Peninsula and has the longest stone wall in Europe. With a length of 5.5 kilometers, Ston has the second largest preserved defensive wall in the world, after the world-famous Great Wall of China.

So I go up, just a few meters, without family company, because it's infinitely hot, the steps are steep and narrow... but the view is breathtaking.

Afterwards, I'm really exhausted, the day was intense... we have to be home in Podstrana by midnight. And tomorrow... we're not doing anything... just swimming, doing laundry, grilling... nothing more.

(Just to make it clear... Dubrovnik is expensive: parking is a costly affair... 24 hours and we're paying 75€😟)