DUBROVNIK - GENERAL INFO
Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia, the most beautiful part
of the Adriatic coast. Rich vegetation, beautiful lakes, rare
islands, white pebble beaches and the crystal clean sea, all make
this region to an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Dubrovnik Region is characterized by a typical Mediterranean
climate, with mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers. Tourism
as a tradition dates back to over one hundred years ago, with Hotel
Imperial being one of the oldest hotels in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is
now the administrative seat of Dubrovnik-Neretva county and while
travelling through this region visitors must take time to explore
the harmony between man and nature that is part of everyday life
here. Dubrovnik Region consists of numerous small "jewels" that are
worth visiting, small authentic villages, untouched islands and, of
course, the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the crown jewel of them all.
While staying in Dubrovnik in 1929., George Bernard Shaw said:
"If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik".
Good to know facts
When to visit Dubrovnik?
The magic of Dubrovnik, an imagination etched in stone, has evoked
the admiration of visitors since ancient times. The best period to
visit Dubrovnik is regarded to be from April to October. Peak
temperatures in high season (July, August) can reach 38°C (100°F),
and the water surface at that point reaches a comfortable 26°C
(79°F). High season presents obvious advantages for visitors looking
for fun and excitement, but also for those seeking to explore the
cultural life of Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Region since most cultural
events (Dubrovnik Summer Festival) take place during that period.
For those wishing to find some nice hidden place of peace and quiet
there are many places along Dubrovnik region; magnificent Konavle,
the picturesque Pelješac peninsula and the
islands Korcula, Mljet and Lopud, to mention just a few.
Spring starting in March can bring some rain showers but the colours
of the awakening nature are something we warmly recommend, together
with the opportunity to explore many picturesque townships and
villages along Dubrovnik Region.
Autumn months, September and October, are ideal for travel if you
want to relax and escape the usual tourist crowds. In the off-season
beaches are less crowded and the prices lower, however, the weather
remains stable and the sea is still enjoyably warm.
During winter season Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik region are somewhat
"deserted" by tourists, but that fact speaks for those who wish to
spend their vacation in a beautiful and peaceful environment. It is
wise to pack some warm clothing in spite of the mild Mediterranean
climate. The temperatures seldom drop below the freezing point
during winter, but some winds, especially the "Bura", tend to
"crawl" under your clothing no matter what you wear.
Travelling with children
Dubrovnik Region is generally considered to be a very safe
environment for children and kids will love the freedom they can
have on numerous beaches and along the countryside, just outside
towns, townships or villages. Don't hesitate to ask your host to
give you suggestions and instructions on the best locations. Many
resorts have some type of organized children programs, weather on
the beach or in the surroundings of the hotel, where you can let
them lose energy with minimum supervision. Since this type of
service is rather new in their offer we recommend that you check
with the respective resort or hotel upon booking.
Keep in mind that during summer pleasant and cooling winds often
tend to produce a misleading sensation about the sun strength, often
resulting in tourists forgetting to use sun-protection. From 11 a.m.
till 3 p.m. it's recommended to keep children in the direct sun only
for shorter periods and well protected.
Mosquitoes don't really present a problem during nights, but it's
best to have a mosquito repellent ready if you notice their
presence.
For the beach, you may want to consider some plastic shoes for
water.
In Dubrovnik nice pedestrian areas to walk and enjoy with your
family can be found in the part of Dubrovnik called Lapad. You can
climb on the Petka hill where a magnificent panorama can be enjoyed.
Another pleasant walk is starting from the bay of Lapad (Uvala Lapad)
along the sea to Hotel Neptun, following the seashore further to
Solitudo and back to Uvala Lapad. If you wish to explore the
countryside we recommend visiting Konavle valley (not far from
Dubrovnik) with numerous small roads through the beautiful
countryside. A picturesque park can be found at Konavoski Dvori,
where you can also enjoy in the restaurant by the same name that
offers local specialties.
If visiting the Old Town Dubrovnik with a small baby you will find
it more practical to have some accessory that will help you carry
your baby because stone floors, steps and struggling with a chair
will ruin most of the fun.
Climate
Dubrovnik lies in an area characterized by a typical Mediterranean
climate with mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers. The
average annual temperature is 17 C (62 F), with January being the
coldest (9 C, 48 F) and august the warmest (25 C, 77 F) month. The
average sea temperature from May to September is from 18 - 24 C (64
- 75 F), with sea salinity being approximately 38%. The number of
annual sun hours in Dubrovnik is 2629 hours per year, with average
precipitation of 1020,8.
The local cuisine
Dubrovnik and the whole region is extremely proud of its rich native
cuisine. Many restaurants prepare food in a traditional manner,
following old recipes. Don’t miss trying local specialties
including;
the brodet from eels or frog legs in Neretva River Valley, sea
oysters and other mussels in Ston, macaroni pasta from vreteno or
cukarini in Korcula, dried seafood dishes on the Elafiti Islands,
rozata or kontonjata in Dubrovnik, and pizzoto with green manestra
in Cavtat. read more...
Wines
All this delicious food must be accompanied by good beverage to
reach its culinary fulfillment. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean
climate and the rich and fertile soil, many high quality wines are
produced throughout the region. Some good choices include the wines;
Dingac, Postup, Grk, Poaip, Rukatac, Malvazija and Plavac. Be sure
to try domestic wines along the road as well. Many local producers
have road signs - just stop by and enjoy the traditional atmosphere
with a nice glass of fine wine. |