Dubrovnik - the Pearl of the Adriatic (4th Stop)

So, we're already at the end of our time in Sarajevo, but we still owe you a post about our last stop - Dubrovnik. Actually, we had decided against Dubrovnik in advance because it's a bit off the beaten path. But after hearing so many great things about the city, we decided to stay there for one night.

The way too early bus ride from Split started at 5:15 am and took about 5 hours, as we had to get off at the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This ride was also very varied, as it mostly went along the coast of Croatia. From the bus station, we had to take a local bus to the Old Town, where our hostel was located. The first sight of the impressive city walls already impressed us. We enjoyed walking through the narrow streets to our hostel. There's a small cafe or restaurant on every corner - and football is everywhere.

We believe Dubrovnik is rightfully called the most beautiful city in Croatia. Surrounded by breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes and offshore islands, the harmonious Old Town with its city walls and fortifications is particularly impressive. Dubrovnik was formerly known as the Republic of Ragusa and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The city was one of the centers in the history of the development of the Croatian language and literature. For centuries, Dubrovnik was an independent city-state with important trade relations in Southern Europe. Even today, they insist on their independence, which is why the motto 'Libertas' can be found everywhere (e.g. on the buses).

Actually, we wanted to do a Free Walking Tour, but we waited in vain for the guide to arrive. So we decided to explore the city on our own. After a nice walk and ice cream at the pier, we decided to go up to the city walls and walk around the top. We think the quite high entrance fee is definitely worth it. You have a beautiful view of the whole city, the sea behind it, and the fortresses. Moreover, there are hardly any people here, so we could take photos and enjoy the view in peace. Afterwards, we were allowed to visit the Lovrijenac Fortress outside the city walls with our ticket. The climb was worth it as well. In the evening, we watched the Germany - France game in an Irish pub near our hostel... no further comment on that.

What wasn't so important to us, but naturally deserves a mention, is Game of Thrones. True fans will definitely recognize some locations in the city (see pictures?). But the visit to the city is definitely worth it not only for GoT fans.

We'll try to keep you better informed from now on... so the post about Sarajevo is coming soon ;)