Yesterday was perfect for Walking Dubrovnik’s Walls – crisp temperature, sunny sky, wisps of clouds, slight wind, and only a few selfie-taking tourists. Walking the walls is a “must” for visitors, but I waited a few days to learn Old Town’s layout.
The fee for the walk is 200 HRK ($30), good for one day only. Walking the wall takes 1.5 – 3 hours depending on how often you stop to take photos and admire the spectacular 360 degree views.
Glad I waited, as recognizing the fortresses and other major buildings made the walk more rewarding. The beautiful architecture reflects Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences, and the seascapes simply take your breath away. In the distance, I could see the tip of a snow-topped Balkan mountain peak in Montenegro.
My next project is visiting Dubrovnik’s beautiful churches and monasteries. Their crosses, bells, and cathedral domes are prominent from the walls.
I recommend the walk! No words can describe the magnificent views. Photos are good for sharing but the experience remains with you forever!
Later, I decided to visit unexplored suburban areas nearby. Old Town is its own unique, fascinating world but there’s more to Dubrovnik. Of course I got lost and contemplated calling Uber but toughed it out and dealt with my dilemma.
I shopped at the Tommy Market and it was difficult walking back lugging my bags up a series of ultra-steep steps. Locals provided different opinions on the right bus to take and where to catch it. One elderly lady was so sweet. She didn’t speak English but clearly understood what was going on and motioned to show her the bus number with my fingers. At that point I had heard, 3, 5, 7, 8, 1a, and 1b. I held up 8 fingers and she smiled and nodded her head – yeah, at last the right bus stop!
Finally caught the right bus but not without angst. I knew which direction, because my flat is on a hill below the cable car – an easy to spot reference point. Dubrovnik’s bus routes don’t show up on Google Maps, and pointing at my destination wasn’t an effective way to get directions. Most buses make a loop from Old Town but none of the routes seem straight forward, and stops aren’t always marked. Later I learned that the 3 and 5 buses get me to the same place :o( …
The area where I got lost is Luka Gruž on the west side near the Port of Dubrovnik. There are interesting ships in the harbor. I walked there previously with my head in the clouds. Now I know how to get there and will return to continue exploring.
More later…
You have a great eye with the camera.
Thanks Don – not sure if it’s my eye or that this place is so beautiful any photo would turn out well! :)