DUBROVNIK HOME FROM HOME
It’s justifi ably called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and become a magnet for the jetset, but what does the Croatian city of Dubrovnik offer home hunters, asks Christopher Nye
DUBROVNIK? It’s not one of the world’s biggest
cities, but it is one of the most beautiful. Dubrovnik is a medieval walled city on Croatia’s Dalmation coast, home to just over 40,000 people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walls have successfully protected the city from marauders on a sometimes dangerous stretch of coast for more than a thousand years, towering above the Adriatic sea, and within them are charming (and steep) cobbled streets with architecture from every dazzling era. It attracts some three million
tourists every year, mainly in summer, including visitors via cruise ships and
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private yachts – fl otilla holidays are especially popular around Croatis’s beautiful islands. But although Dubrovnik itself may get crowds thronging its narrow streets, the coastline to either side is gloriously empty. It is also unspoilt by cheap development, strongly protected, and offering some of the most beautiful beachfront in Europe, little changed for centuries, let alone since George Bernard Shaw visited in 1929 and called it “paradise on Earth”.
HIGHLIGHTS The Old Town Although Dubrovnik is a city that you’ll never get tired of, you’ll need to visit away from the summer crowds to enjoy it to the full. Under those characteristic red roofs are Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, some wide avenues and squares that fi ll with fruit and veg stalls on market day which give way
to smart pavement cafes at night. Behind are the narrow streets full of arty bars and cool shops. This is the “pearl of the Adriatic”, restored to full glory following heavy bombing during the 1991 war. And if World Heritage Site wasn’t praise enough, the buzz this summer has been the hit TV drama Game of Thrones which was being fi lmed on its ancient streets.
Beaches The “Dubrovnik Riviera” is where cliffs, woods, beaches and clear water combine in one of the most stunningly beautiful coastlines in the world. Even better, it has been protected from overdevelopment. With the crystal clear water perfect for diving and snorkeling, you can explore the caves within the limestone cliffs.
Yachting Dubrovnik is one of the world’s top cruise line destinations, with some 850,000 passengers arriving each year. It’s also a popular venue for the mega yachts – Rupert Murdoch spent three weeks cruising this coast this summer. There are islands to visit off the coast, including secluded bays and nature reserves.
Nightlife Dubrovnik is a party city, with tremendous bars including Buza, recommended by USA Today as the best seaside bar in Europe (yes, it’s pronounced “boozer”). Dubrovnik is part of the circuit for the world’s top DJs: Fat Boy Slim played there this summer and Beyoncé has been seen in the clubs. The city also has orchestras and cultural events all year, including a summer arts festival and a fi lm festival.
GETTING THERE British Airways, easyJet and Wizzair,
all fl y direct from London airports to Dubrovnik. Monarch fl ies Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham to Dubrovnik, BMI Baby fl ies from East Midlands and Jet2 fl ies from the above as well as from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and Newcastle. From Calais it is a 2000km drive or you can go via Italy and take a ferry. Via Italy is also the best option by train, via Paris,
Only 15 minutes from the old town of Dubrovnik A fully managed resort investment
Apartments fully furnished to international 5 star standards
HOME FROM HOME
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