Dubrovnik - Jewel of the Adriatic

The ancient city of Dubrovnik on the southern coast of Croatia is known by many as the Jewel of the Adriatic. A recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, the city and its many islands attract tourists from all over the world.

Dubrovnik is a port town that has a rich maritime history, the walled city has retained much of the Croat traditions, with the city's Old Town remaining unchanged since the 13th century.

A popular destination for those looking to take in the beauty of the Balkan countryside and to explore a city steeped in history. Flights to Dubrovnik have become more widely available from more UK airports and with more hotels in Dubrovnik having been built in recent times, many more of us are choosing to head to the Balkan states in search of sun, sea and sand.

When visiting old Dubrovnik, you pass through one of four city gates, including the famous Pile Gate, the defensive walls stretch for over two kilometres around the city. Within these walls lie a city steeped in history, with hotels and cafes nestled in amongst the ancient churches and monasteries.

One of the centrepieces of Dubrovnik old town is the Onofrio Fountain, as well as variety of monasteries and churches. The city centre plays host to the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival - which showcases films, theatre performances and musical events from local and national artists. The festival helps attract thousands of visitors to the region each year. It is advisable to book hotels early and assure that you've allowed plenty of time to book your flights.

The coastal location of Dubrovnik make it a perfect destination for those seeking to participate in extreme sports - such as mountain biking and watersports. Indeed, the surrounding mountains are a popular haven for hikers and cross-country cyclists, allowing the chance to take in the beauty of the Croatian countryside whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the countryside.

The region is also popular with diving enthusiasts, with a variety of coral reefs and wrecks to be found off the coast, with many not having been discovered as of yet. Sailing and boat tours are also another draw for tourists who are looking to experience the crystal clear waters, and local restaurants and offer the chance to sample the taste of the ocean with locally caught fish.

If you're looking to holiday to the region, it can be worth taking the time to compare hotels and plan your Croatian experience in advance. So whether you're looking to take walks into the surrounding countryside or simply relax by the beach, there's something for everyone in the city that was once described as 'enchanting' by George Bernard Shaw and many others.