SUNSET SERIES: DUBROVNIK
PERHAPS A SMALL KNOWN FACT, THE ADRIATIC SEA IS THE BLUEST POINT ON EARTH AS SEEN FROM SPACE. WHILE IRISH WRITER, GEORGE BERNARD SHAW PENNED “THOSE WHO SEEK PARADISE ON EARTH SHOULD COME AND SEE DUBROVNIK.”
Put the two together and you have the recipe for some fantastic vistas. Dubrovnik has been referred to as the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’; highlights include impressive medieval forts, churches, monuments and palaces.
WITH THIS BACK DROP, YOU ARE HARD PRESSED NOT TO FIND A GREAT SUNSET BUT WE’D BE REMISS IF WE DIDN’T OFFER A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES.
CAFE BUZA
We have to mention Café Buza. It is a favorite of many Dubrovnik visitors. The café and bar span the cliff with seating areas along different levels. Finding Café Buza can be an adventure. It is located on the south side of Old Town and you need to locate a wooden sign with an arrow that says “Cold Drinks With The Most Beautiful View”. If you have a taste for a little more adventure and stamina for steep steps, inside Café Buza look for a hidden set up stairs among some jagged rocks. This path leads down to the water’s edge. You can cop a squat on one of the rocks, drape your feet in the water and enjoy the sunset’s light show outside the “buzz” from the bar above.
Enjoy the pageantry of golden light as it reflects off the azure blue of the Adriatic and off the marble cliffs which serve as the wall for this great city. At the corner, notice Saint Blaise carved into the cliff side as he guards this heavenly display and protects the city within.
CAFÉ BAR BARD
Café Bar Bard is not as widely known as Café Buza, however, it offers opportunities to bask in the warm glow of the sun, swim in the sea below and perhaps avoid a larger crowd. It’s not easy to find. You have to go to the back of Old Town and access the Café via a small door in the City Wall. Tables and chairs are perched on the outcrop of rocks facing the Adriatic Sea. Your wait-staff may use the steps to obtain your order but don’t be surprised if you see someone leap across the rocks to get to your table. As Café Bar Bard is only a few hundred meters down the city wall from Café Buza, you will see the same spectacular symphony of light as the sun sets on the horizon. Once the sun has set, don’t be dismayed. Another light show is about to begin. Enjoy your stroll back through Old Town. As the city settles into darkness, the street lamps and light from surrounding windows flood the streets reflecting off the marble buildings and walks bathing you in a magical glow.
SUNSET CRUISE
If you are a fan of sunset cruises, you will not be disappointed in Dubrovnik. Your choice is either speed boat or yacht. As you drift across the Adriatic, you can soak in the views of Old Town and the City Wall. Clearly in sight is Fort Lovrijenac (Saint Lawrence Fortress) which is often referred to as the Dubrovnik Gibraltar. The fortress stands to 37 meters of sheer rock. First records of the fort date back to the 9th Century. For any fans of the HBO Series Game of Thrones, you will recognize this fort as Red Keep in King’s Landing. Also from the water, you will get great views of Lokrum Island. It is reported that King Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked on this island following his 1192 crusades. In 1859 the Archduke of Austria purchased a 12th Century Benedictine Abbey on the island and transformed it into his summer palace. This island certainly has retained its royal connection.
LAPAD
If your lodgings are in the Lapad region, you should not miss a sunset from Lapad Beach or the Lapad Promenade. Lapad Beach, referred locally as Uvala Lapad is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. There is a promenade that connects the bayside beach to the end of the peninsula. The walk is peppered with cafes, pastry shops and creameries that lure walkers to simply sit down and enjoy the views. If you are willing to venture on, you will be treated with breathtaking views of the Dubrovnik archipelago – the Elaphite Islands. As the sun sets below the horizon, the islands take on darker hues backlit by the glowing sky.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT JOURNEYS TO DUBROVNIK?
There are so many different ways to visit Croatia and experience the local sights and sounds. PA Travel can assist you by offering an array of tours, cruises and custom packages that spotlight Eastern Europe and tours around the Adriatic. We specialize in finding the travel package the meets both your taste for adventure and your budget. You will quickly discover why we’re recognized as one of the top American Express Travel agencies for ten (10) straight years. Contact a PA Travel agent today.
