TASTEscape: Dubrovnik

By far the most beautiful area of Dubrovnik, the Old Town has 1,400 years of history behind it and the architecture is some of the most impressive in Europe. Explore the streets and get a feel for the Croatian way of life.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is surrounded by 1,940 metres of walls dating back to medieval times which provide the perfect vantage point over the city and the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic. There are several fortresses built into the walls that are home to museums, cafés and even an aquarium, all of which offer amazing views of Dubrovnik’s red rooftops and the Stradun – the main street running through the Old Town.

If you’re a fan of jazz or just live music in general, a stop at this famous bar is a must. It’s the only place in Dubrovnik that plays live jazz every evening, and most nights the dancing makes its way out into the street, with locals and tourists alike appreciating the band. The terrace looks out over the cathedral, too, so you’ve got some beautiful architecture to look at while you groove along to the music.

The only open market within the city walls, Gundulić Square is home to an array of local delicacies and typical Croatian products that are perfect for taking home after your trip. Bags full of locally-grown dried lavender fill the air with heady, floral scents as you browse the stalls, and there are plenty of Croatian sweets and liqueurs to stock up on. The market is only open until 1pm, so get there early and enjoy the morning sunshine.

Being so close to the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic Sea means Dubrovnik is home to some truly incredible seafood. Paired with some local wine, there’s nothing quite like a meal in the city.

Octopus burgers, tempura prawns, local oysters... – if you’re a fan of fish and seafood then a meal at Barba is a must. The small, family-run restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, is very affordable and serves great local beer to go along with the dishes on offer. You can even leave your mark by writing a message on one of the wooden forks and adding it to the collection on the wall.

Oysters have been farmed at Mali Ston Bay – just an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik – since Roman times, and are famous the world over for their unique, clean taste. For one of the best experiences in all of Croatia, hop on a boat and sail out to the beds, where one of the farmers will catch, prepare and serve oysters as fresh as they can possibly be. Washed down with some local wine, it’s guaranteed to be the highlight of any foodie’s year.

Croatian wine has experienced a complete transformation over the past twenty years, going from relatively unknown and generic varieties to some of the most exciting in Europe today. The Pelješac Peninsula is where some of the best is made, and there are many wineries offering tours, tastings and incredible views of the valleys that stretch into the oceans below. The Frano Milos Winery is one of the most exciting in Croatia, making the most of organic local Plavac mali grapes.

Whether you’re more of a sun lounger or like getting involved in some activities on the water, Dubrovnik’s coastline and surrounding islands are one of the main reasons the city is so popular. Pack your swimming costume and enjoy the stunning weather of the Adriatic.

Seeing the abandoned Benedictine monastery on Lokrum Island is a sight to behold, and offers some of the best photo opportunities of any holiday I’ve been on. To get there, however, you have to take to the water, and the best method of transport by far is in a sea kayak. Paddling out to the island offers spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s coast, and after a few beers or a coffee on Lokrum you can paddle back as the sun sets.

Dubrovnik’s most famous beach is popular for a reason – beautiful sunshine, clean sand and the pale blues of the Adriatic Sea make Banje more like a Caribbean beach than a European one. As well as relaxing on the sand in the sun, you can hire a pedal boat (or even a jet ski) and explore the surrounding coastline.

Dubrovnik is home to many great bars, but Buza Bar is by far the best. Enter through the small gateway in the city walls, order a drink and take a seat while looking out from the cliff and across the ocean. Many come here to take part in a spot of cliff-diving, which is fascinating to watch, and it’s one of the few places in Dubrovnik that you can get a good look at the steep, striking cliffs that surround much of the city.