Dubrovnik Cruise Guide

Dubbed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' by wayward Scottish poet Lord Byron, this former city-state (historically known as Ragusa) fully deserves all the superlatives heaped upon it. Contained within perfectly preserved medieval walls, the pedestrian-only old town is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Backed by limestone mountains that give way to the azure waters of the Adriatic, it is packed with elegant terracotta-roofed palaces and baroque churches. 

With an economy based on shipping, wealthy Dubrovnik kept its freedom for centuries, staving off attacks from both the Venetians and the Ottomans. In 1667, the city was rebuilt following a terrible earthquake. Repeatedly shelled in 1991-1992, during the war of independence, today Dubrovnik is once again a world-class tourist destination. 

Cruise ships berth in Gruz harbour, 3km (2 miles) from the old town.

All of the main attractions are conveniently located within the pedestrian-only old town. Begin by walking a complete circuit (2km/1.3 miles) of the walls for a bird's-eye view of  Dubrovnik's historic buildings. The main thoroughfare, marble-paved Stradun (also known as Placa), forms an axis joining the two entrances to the old town, Pile Gate and Ploce Gate. Here, top sights include the Franciscan Monastery with its medieval cloister and one of Europe's oldest pharmacies, the Rector's Palace, once home of the nominal head of the republic, now housing the City Museum, and War Photo Limited, a chic modern photography gallery dedicated to the suffering caused by war.

Few people want to leave Dubrovnik, but some cruise companies offer half-day excursions to the seaside resort of Cavtat, the tiny car-free island of Lopud, or the Renaissance gardens of Trsteno Arboretum.

Highlights
• City Walls
• Franciscan Monastery
• Sponza Palace
• Dominican Monastery
• Rector's Palace
• Church of St Blaise
• Naval Museum
• Aquarium
• War Photo Ltd

Dubrovnik tourist information centres
Old town: Siroka 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tel: +385 2032 3587.
Website: www.tzdubrovnik.hr 

Opposite Gruz port: Obala S Radica 27, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tel: +385 2041 7983.
Website: www.tzdubrovnik.hr

In the old town, you'll find several tasteful shops selling typical souvenirs, including locally produced wine, rakija (a potent spirit) and olive oil, plus paintings by local artists, and traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, woodcarvings and ceramics.

The Adriatic coast is renowned for its seafood dishes, including risotto, shellfish and brodet (fish stew served with polenta). Fresh fish is barbequed and served with olive oil and lemon. Regional wines are excellent.

The Mediterranean cruise season runs from late April to late October. Peak season in Croatia is July and August, when all the main destinations are very hot and very crowded. Try to visit in May/June or September/October to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather.

Dubrovnik.

2km (1.2 miles).

5-10 minutes.

Croatia

GMT + 1.

Kuna (K) = 100 Lipa.

Croat, written in the Latin alphabet.

South Dalmatia, Croatia, near the borders with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.

43,770.

Republic. Proclaimed independence from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991.

Roman Catholic Croats, as well as small communities of Eastern Orthodox Serbs, Protestants, Jews and Muslims.

People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport. When visiting churches and monasteries visitors should dress appropriately - shoulders and legs should be covered for both men and women.

Tipping: 10% is expected.