Croatia © timitalia

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik is a very popular destination for cruise passengers. With its historic old city and picturesque coastline, this 'Jewel of the Adriatic' is a common stop on Mediterranean cruises and is fast becoming one of the most sought after highlights on a Mediterranean cruising adventure. Relaxed, historic and picturesque, Dubrovnik is a great city to explore on foot and welcomes nearly a million cruise passengers each year. The city also enthrals tourists with one of the most picturesque old ports in the world, making Dubrovnik's old harbour the touristic centre of Croatia.

This medieval walled city boasts some exciting and ancient attractions, such as the Stradrun, a marble-paved pedestrian stretch of the old city, the Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio's Fountain, Sponza Palace and the Dominican Monastery.

Cruise ships dock at Gruz Harbour in a suburb of Dubrovnik, while smaller ships are usually permitted to dock in the Old Harbour, which is located in the heart of the old city and is almost impossibly picturesque.

Contact

Dubrovnik Tourist Office,Svetog Dominika 7
Tel: +38 5203 12011

www.tzdubrovnik.hr

Transport

The city is located very close to the port and getting around by foot is a feasible option in the old city, which is closed to cars. Many cruise ships provide free shuttles to the city from Gruz Harbour, and local buses can be found just outside the pier gates. Numbers 1a, 1b and 8 go into town. Exact change is usually required. Taxis are available from the pier but are naturally much more expensive than the buses; it is a good idea to agree on a fare before setting off.

Attractions

Dubrovnik has a beautiful old town with marble streets and plenty of monuments, ancient buildings and fountains to see. Cruise passengers should consider visiting the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, the Dominican Monastery, the Rector's Palace, the Fort of St. John Maritime Museum and Aquarium, among other things. Walk the great wall for exquisite views and photo opportunities of the city below.

Restaurants

Pizzeria Castro - popular eatery serving pasta and pizza dishes

Lokanda Peskarija - seafood eatery with outside tables

Porat - located in the Hilton Imperial Hotel and serving local Dalmation cuisine

Best Dish

seafood risotto

Shopping

Shopping around the pedestrian old town is fun and many great bargains can be found along the marble-paved streets of the Stradun. Local artists sell their watercolour and oil paintings in local markets, where other interesting souvenirs can also be bought. Popular Dubrovnik souvenirs include embroidered tablecloths and linen, Dalmation wine and delicious preserves and dried fruit. If in search of more conventional designer gear, head to the Lapad Shopping Center where all the usual international chain stores can be found.

Best Buy

Crocheted doilies, embroidered tablecloths

Excursions

Kayak round the Adriatic

Take a boat to Cavtat

Sunbathe on Banja Beach

Walk the wall that encircles the city

Visit Lokrum island