Dubrovnik, Croatia
Initial Thoughts: My first impression of Dubrovnik was of pure white. I was amazed by the never ending white stone – the buildings, the columns, the cobblestones, the churches, the clock towers, the city walls. All radiant white under the blinding sun. The beauty of the city shone brightly as the white surfaces contrasted perfectly against the terracotta orange roofs, the startlingly blue sky and the countless shades of teal in the Adriatic.
Best Moment: My clearest memories of Dubrovnik are the beautiful views I saw from above. My favourite day was spent exploring the city walls and gazing down at the ancient city below. The UNESCO World Heritage designated old city is fully enclosed by the 800 year old walls and it is possible to complete a circuit in about 2 hours (give or take a hundred photography stops!). Dubrovnik is best experienced early in the day to avoid both the crowds and the heat. My morning visit was a photographer’s heaven with nearly empty walls, crystal clear skies, sparkling water and gorgeous red roofed buildings.
Take Away: On one rainy day, I visited the both Maritime Museum to pore over Dubrovnik’s illustrious seafaring past and the Dubrovnik Museum to learn about the city’s gruesome past. After having explored the well-preserved city on foot, visiting the museums allowed me to better understand the complex history of Dubrovnik. Learning about the very recent siege of Dubrovnik which in 1991 caused the death of 114 people and damage to more than 50% of the historical walls, gave me some much needed perspective. I found myself thinking of Croatia as a highly developed, peaceful, European country but the legacy of the recent wars must be respected. I was inspired by Dubrovnik – first to photography its beauty, and then to admire the resiliency of its people.
See more photos of Dubrovnik on the Global Locavore Facebook page!
Now It’s Your Turn: Who am I kidding, I know you’ve already packed your bags for a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia! Not only is it a gorgeous, historic city, it’s the main filming location of everyone’s favourite TV show – Game of Thrones. You can’t imagine how many times of yelled out “I’ve been there” during a scene and then pulled out a photo to prove it. I’m certain you’ll be adopting this same (not at all annoying) habit once you visit Croatia.
How will you know about the historic sights, the museum entrance fees and the yummy restaurants while in Dubrovnik? My honest recommendation is to buy the Lonely Planet Croatia. I never travel without a Lonely Planet and wholeheartedly encourage you to buy one before visiting a country for the first time.
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Dubrovnik is for sure one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to in my life. You are right on the money here Lauren! I was there in 2011 and I had no idea what I was coming to when I arrived. It blew my mind!
Such beautiful colours, and not just white (and red). Great idea about visiting the museum, we get so much more out of a trip if we know more about the history don’t we.
Hi Heather. Thank you so much! Smaller, local museum are such a great resource and I recommend visiting them when possible. 🙂
What a fabulous city for photos! Wow, I am impressed with the architecture, The rooftops and boats add a wild dab of color.
bettyl – NZ recently posted…marshmallow skies
Absolutely! I love that the boats are so bright against the blue. I always felt like the boat owners must have done that for my viewing pleasure. 😉
Awwww lovely place! I love the rustic colours and yes the whiteness! And that water is just the bluest! #photofriday
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Thank you so much for the comment Merlinda. I think there is something to be said for encouraging standard design in cities. One of the reasons Dubrovnik is so beautiful is the repeating colours and patterns – especially the orange roof tiles!
I really love the pictures you took, and you were smart to see the city walls in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat! Having studied abroad in Dubrovnik and now living here, there really is so much rich history, yet it does cause a lot of struggles for the local community. My recommendation for anyone visiting is to get to know some locals and venture outside the old town (lapad area, Mlini, Zupa area), and also to take a day trip to Cavtat!
Thank you so much for sharing your insider’s point of view. I always wonder how local people adapt to huge tourism waves. It must have some benefits but also lots of annoyance! I didn’t see too much of the area around Dubrovnik but I did spend a few weeks exploring the islands & the coast and I can definitely confirm there is so much to see in Croatia.
Lovely photography and the colors have a Santorini blue and white feel. I hope to visit someday.
Ooo! You are so right. I haven’t been to Santorini, but from the photos I’ve seen they have a similar feel. I think I need to get myself over to Greece!
Gorgeous pictures! I really enjoyed this post and got to the end all too soon. You have some great shots and they are all so clear.
Thank you so much Ruth. It makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed the post and the photos.
I so want to go to Croatia! What gorgeous colours! How can you not fall in love with this place!
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Right? I loved Dubrovnik but also fell in love with the islands dotting the coast. Visit both if you can! Thanks for the love Aditi.
Wow!! You have definitely captured it’s beauty!! I sooooo want to travel here, honestly it’s on my list but you have really shown it off to it’s full potential – the colours are striking! And yes, I’m a Game of Thrones fan and will also be adopting the same annoying habits! Great post!
Thanks so much Angie!! It’s a beautiful city and one well worth visiting – just be prepared for crowds. Unfortunately, with popularity comes increased visitors, but as long as you know what to expect you will still have a great time! 🙂
This is beautiful! I also love to see cities from above whenever possible – and this looks like one worth seeing!
Yes! I was thinking the same thing the other day – that I should really splurge on my next trip and go on a helicopter ride. It’s something I’ve never done and would love to do. 🙂
Wow your pictures are stunning! We went last year and I tried to get as nice of pictures as I could, but I was in a hurry to get out of the sun and the heat because it was quite extreme! We were dying by 10am so we left town and found a watering hole 15-20 minutes away from Dubrovnik! #CityTripping
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I totally understand! It is crazy hot in Dubrovnik due to the walls and reflective stone. I toured the walls between 7-9am and then went for a cooling swim in the sea for the rest of the day!
Amazing photos! I need to pay a visit to Croatia and rewatch Game of Thrones after that. I want to be shouting “I’ve been there!” while watching the show too!! #CityTripping
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LOL! Yes do it! Your friends and family will love you. Be sure to whip out your laptop and show them the photos too! I’ll never need an excuse to travel or watch GOT, but if you are looking for another one – consider going to Northern Ireland. It is both insanely beautiful and the setting for much of the North. So fun!
Wow some amazing photography, stunning #citytripping
Thank you so much!
really beautiful photos! Dubrovnik is indeed amazing:) #citytripping
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Thanks Tanja!!
What colorful photos! Croatia is VERY HIGH on my list of places to visit next!
Do it! And if possible visit some other Balkan nations too. I didn’t get to but I’ve been pining away for Montenegro ever since!
You’ve reminded me of what a wonderful place this was to visit – such narrow streets and yes definitely blinded by all the white! Beautiful photos too. #citytripping
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I’m so glad I was able to transport you back to Dubrovnik, if only momentarily! #photographygoals 🙂
These photos are too beautiful, seriously! I love your style of photography and editing, it transports me right there! I went to Dubrovnik a good few years ago and it is definitely a place I’d like to see again! 😀
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld recently posted…Two Weeks in London {In Verbs}
Thank you so much Marcella! That’s really kind. The ultimate goal of travel photography is to transport the viewer so I’m overjoyed you felt that way with these photos.
Your photos of Dubrovnik are beautiful!
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Thanks kindly!
Dubrovnik is pretty much on top of my bucket list right now! If only flights were cheaper from Tromso 😉
Ugh! I know – imagine what is it like from Toronto? Why is airfare so expensive? ?
Gorgeous shots!!! I was just in Dubrovnik last month, and the city completely seduced me. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photography – it totally brought me back!
Thanks so much Courtney. I’s so glad you had a wonderful time in Dubrovnik!
I really enjoyed your photos of Dubrovnik. I think you need to make an effort to learn at least a bit of history in every city you visit. Some cities are beautiful and picturesque but the history helps you to put things in perspective.
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Thanks for the insightful comment Ruth.
Did you stay in the old town or outside? I would love to visit some day but only if I stay in the old town part. Just to feel the magic! Perfect post!
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Hey Isabel. I was so lucky! I stayed right inside the old town in an apartment that was actually built into the walls! One set of windows looked down over the city and the other set looked out over the harbour. It was pretty magical. I was there for four days and I found that to be plenty. I’d recommend visiting Dubrovnik for a couple of days and then spend whatever remaining time you have either on the islands or inland. I hope you get to go someday soon!
It is such a beautiful city – I have only visited once, not long after the war finished and the country opened back up to tourism. You could still see some of the scars of the fighting, in the bright red new tiles replacing the faded originals in the roofs as well as chunks of stone missing. But it was absolutely wonderful to wander around and somewhere I’ve wanted to revisit for the past 15+ years (especially every time I spot it on Game of Thrones). One day! Your photos are just tempting me more and more. #citytripping
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Oh that is so interesting that you were there right when tourism began. I was very moved by the remnants of war that I saw, so I can only imagine how strong the sensation must have been right after the war. I found that even though Croatia is such a popular destination to visit now, it still felt unpolished. I mean that in a good way – it didn’t feel too sales-y or pushy. Hopefully that feeling can last!
STILL want to go to Croatia! Was it obvious where GOT filming was or did you have a tour/inside info. I love a Lonely Planet….always handy…except we have several countries on our bookcase which we have yet to visit…bought by my over-enthusiastic husband! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
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I didn’t take a tour and just guess/googled the spots after the fact actually. I would probably recommend taking a tour if you like city walking tours (I sure do!) as I’m sure they would tell you all kinds of cool insider details!
Every single one of your photos looks like a postcard! You seriously help Dubrovnik glow! This is one city/country that I really regret not getting to during my time in Europe, but I know I’ll be back. With photos like this you have me planning out my trip already! Thanks for linking up for #wanderfulwednesday! 😀
You are too kind! I feel the same way about the Balkans – I didn’t get to see near enough, but I know I’ll be back one day!!
Great photos! I can almost feel that Dubrovnik warmth – which is very much needed in this cold and rainy London
Yes! That’s a lovely part about travel photography – being magically transported somewhere else for a brief moment. On cold Canadian winters this is a gift!
Loved Dubrovnik, it’s hard not to! However I feel the recent past is swept aside somewhat by the tide of tourism. We would do well to remember those events were not that long ago. Anyway, on a much lighter note.. can you believe I was there with friends who do not eat seafood.. shocking.
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I need to go, you make it sound so perfect. I have family throughout Croatia also!
I loved my time in Dubrovnik in 2012 but I think I definitely need to go back and find these great restaurants I’ve heard about. I think I just had bad luck and kept finding myself at places that were rather ‘meh’. One of my favourite things to do in town though was swimming off the walls and at Banje Beach. 🙂
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What a beautiful place! Thanks for the photos ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Amazing photos! Dubrovnik has been on my bucket list for a while and now I can’t wait to get to visit there 😀
I just spent a week in Croatia and I felt in love with Dubrovnik. It is so charming! The city is so white, so pure, so clean… I loved it!
I have not yet been to Croatia. You’re photos look amazing. Thanks for sharing and great to connect. Lorelle 🙂
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Great work!