The Croatian paradise is a place to behold.
Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a stunning coastal city in southern Croatia. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, ancient city walls, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The city breathes in rhythms of the sea, with salty breezes carrying the scent of possibilities.
This week, KHAMSA touches down in the magnificent city of Dubrovnik and explores it with a detailed travel guide courtesy Christina Maroudias (@christinamaroudias on Instagram). The founder of CM Communications Middle East, a luxury PR and communications agency, Christina is at the forefront of bringing people and brands together in innovative ways, enhancing reputations and creating exciting brand exposure tailored specifically for her audience.
Dubrovnik’s charm is further enhanced by its lively cafés, restaurants, and markets, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking both history and natural beauty. Sun-bleached terracotta rooftops cast jagged shadows, and every corner seems like a still from a film you can’t quite remember. Indeed, a place where reality blurs, and you’re left wondering if you’ve stepped into a dream or a memory.
Top must-visit food spots?
Breakfast
“For breakfast, go to Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant. They have a choice of seating, either overlooking the Old Town Stradun, the main street in the stone town, or through to the other side where they have views of the beautiful harbour and marina. We loved people-watching there, and the coffee was exquisite.”
– Christina Maroudias
For Dinner
“For dinner, there are so many beautiful restaurants outside, where you can enjoy fresh, grilled seafood and vegetables – so divine! We loved Poklisar on the Old Town Harbour and Restaurant Lucijan in The Pucić Palace hotel on the edge of the Gundulić Square.
“Also, for a post-dinner sweet treat, take a little walk around the stone streets and stop at one of the many Gelato shops or Candy Stores.”
– Christina Maroudias
Best places for sundowners?
“Buža Bar is so beautiful. A little hole in the city walls leads down some stairs to the edge of the cliff, where they have a little bar, music and lots of steps and rocks to sit on. People can cliff-jump straight into the water from there too – the sunset is so stunning. Also, there is the cutest bar on the Old Town Walls called Caffe on the Wall – the perfect spot for drinks with views of Fort Lovrijenac and the boats below.
“Later in the evening, there are so many cute bars with live music – we loved Cele.”
Must-visit cultural spots?
Lokrum Island is so incredible – it is definitely a highlight. You can take a three-minute boat journey from the Old Town Harbour and stay until 8 pm. The water is crystal clear, and the rocks are so much fun, there are peacocks roaming the island and the most lush, green botanical gardens. There is hardly any Wi-Fi so it also served as a (well-needed) mini digital detox for the day.
We loved walking the Dubrovnik City Walls. It was so much fun seeing the whole city from above, and exploring the towers and fortresses – you feel like you are in Game of Thrones! At sunset, everything had a golden glow.
Best boutique hotels to stay in?
“We stayed in one of the stunning Adriatic Luxury Hotels, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, when we first arrived – it is so beautiful, with chic white sunbeds, and parasols. A few days later, we moved to an apartment within the Old Town, it was right in the centre – a two-minute walk from the Stradun and the Harbour – which was such an amazing experience.”
– Christina Maroudias
Underrated places?
“It is so nice to visit authentic and unique restaurants, and it makes such a change from the familiar names that we see in cities around the world. Just quite lovely to try something new.
“Also, the fruit market was truly unmatched – buy some nectarines and fresh in the morning and take them to the beach, the dream!
Must-pack items?
A good SPF 50 so that you can apply and then spend the whole day in the sunshine and swimming in the sea. And, as boring as it sounds, some comfortable shoes – we didn’t wear heels the whole time. There are quite a lot of steps and some slippy, windy streets. I was thinking about getting some aqua shoes for rock pooling and climbing, but I thought I would save my sister the embarrassment (will definitely be getting some next time!)
