Each year thousands of Swedes flock abroad to enjoy summer holidays. Lately Croatia, and Dubrovnik in particular, has become a favourite among travellers – and who can blame them?
With a magnificent Mediterranean climate, 260 sunny days per year, and protected nature, Dubrovnik offers the opportunity to explore historical sites, museums, and galleries, all within a stone's throw of beautiful beaches and deep turquoise seas.
Enhance your holiday with a tour of the city and its surroundings, indulge in exquisite gastronomic specialties or attend sports events that will invigorate both your body and soul.
History haven
To start off, don't miss out on the top 10 architectural sights that will make you fall instantly in love with Dubrovnik – City walls, Lovrjenac Fort, numerous churches, and Stradun, just to name a few!
History is alive in every part of this city, where the past and present intersect. Dubrovknik is a museum – but also a live stage. Every nook and cranny hides a treasure.
Dubrovnik is surrounded by 1,940 metres of unique medieval ramparts preserved in their original form, and open to visitors as the city's flagship attraction. The wall, which has been protected by UNESCO World Heritage status since 1979, has become famous in modern times as King's Landing in Game of Thrones.
Dubrovnik is a destination bursting with culture, as witnessed by its many festivals, prestigious art happenings, major open air events, excellent artists and athletes, and, last but not least, its architectural treasures.
Summer onstage
Dubrovnik in the summer is overflowing with street performances, international festivals, and virtuoso concerts at the most beautiful city venues.
Culture, arts and architecture are inseparable parts of Dubrovnik. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival, for instance, has been recognized as one of Europe's five most distinguished cultural festivals.
Are you a Shakespeare fan? Dubrovnik has a special treat in store: Midsummer Scene – a new festival for the international audience visiting Dubrovnik every summer. Each year it takes place at Fort Lovrijenac, and this year audiences will get to experience the famous tragedy Hamlet in a new way. The title role is played by actress Helen Millar, examining the classic character through a female perspective
Inspiring islands
While the city is magnificent, Dubrovnik is so much more than that. Take a boat ride and explore the many surrounding islands. The Elafiti Islands, Zaton, and Orašac are all hosts to wonderful summer music programmes offering tourists a true taste of Mediterranean melody, folklore, and traditions that have been cherished for ages.
Enjoy pristine nature, oustanding accommodation, sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, and mouth-watering local cuisine aon the islands of Lopud, Koločep, Šipan and other small villages surrounding Dubrovnik.
All aboard: Adriatic adventures
Speaking of the islands around Dubrovnik, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized by their beauty. After a pleasant but strenuous sailing trip, a berth in a marina with all facilities will come in handy, whether you merely need to restock with water, fuel and food for the continuation of your sailing, or you are in need of some service.
Explore hidden bays with crystal clear water, swim and relax, get a good night's rest under the starry sky, and enjoy stunning sunrises and dramatic sunsets.
For diving enthusiasts
A look at the fascinating submarine world in the reflected sunlight is amazing, and the soothing silence is mesmerizing. The southernmost part of Croatia, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and the city of Dubrovnik abound in remains of shipwrecks, so this part of the Croatian coast is increasingly on the hitlist of both recreational and professional divers.
Don't hesitate to dive in and explore the stunning beauties of the Adriatic sea.
Autumn charm
The autumn in Dubrovnik is often called an Indian summer because late September, October and November are often ideal for holidays. The blue sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the temperature is perfectly agreeable for lounging on a sunny beach. But it's not quite as crowded as the summer season – meaning you can be king of the clean, smooth pebble beaches.
Fantastic food
And the year wouldn't be complete without the delicious Good Food Festival (October 20th-23rd). The four day programme will include several presentations of culinary specialties of the region, games for children, tastings of regional wines, and other activities such as “dinner with a famous chef“ and workshops on how to prepare a typical Dubrovnik sweet “gulozece”, and the “Eat & Walk“ gastro tour.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit this beautiful city, you won't regret it. Dubrovnik will take your breath away in any season.
A number of different airlines offer direct connections from Sweden to Dubrovnik Airport, making it even easier to take a leap in the right holiday direction.
So head on down to Dubrovnik. You've got to see it, taste it, feel it – to believe it.
This article was sponsored by the Dubrovnik Tourist Board. All photos: Dubrovnik Tourist Board.
By S.T.A.R. Digital Group
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