Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic, draws over a million visitors each year. But for travel writer Lilly Douse, the city offered more than just a checklist of sights. Her journey combined deep dives into history, active adventures on the sea, and a taste of authentic Croatian cuisine.
Walls that tell a thousand stories
Lilly began in the heart of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. There, she met the CEO of Rewind Croatia, who guided her through the cobbled lanes and revealed the stories behind the formidable medieval fortifications. The walls, stretching nearly two kilometres, are punctuated by five fortresses and sixteen towers—a testament to Dubrovnik's strategic importance as a trading hub in the Adriatic for centuries.
Walking the ramparts, Lilly learned how the Republic of Ragusa, as Dubrovnik was once known, navigated its position between great empires, building a maritime economy that made it one of the region's most prosperous cities. The guide's anecdotes brought the stones to life, from the clever engineering of the walls to the daily rhythms of medieval merchants.
Paddling the Adriatic
Leaving the historic centre behind, Lilly joined X-adventure for a kayaking trip along the coast. From the water, the fortified walls rise dramatically, offering a perspective that few visitors see. Paddling past the old harbour, she took in the sheer scale of the defences, which have protected the city since the 12th century.
The kayak tour was followed by a boat trip to Lopud, one of the three inhabited Elaphiti Islands just off the coast. There, she explored the famous Blue Caves, where sunlight filters through the water to create an ethereal glow. A swim in the clear Adriatic was a refreshing break before heading back to the mainland.
A taste of tradition
Back on land, Lilly visited Restaurant Konoba Pjatanca, a family-run establishment that prides itself on preserving Dalmatian culinary heritage. There, she learned to prepare peka, a slow-cooked dish made under a bell-shaped iron lid. The technique, which involves placing meat and vegetables in a pan and covering it with the lid, then heaping hot embers on top, is a centuries-old tradition that requires patience and skill.
Lilly joined the kitchen team in preparing the dish, learning how the peka's gentle heat transforms simple ingredients into a rich, tender meal. The experience was more than just a cooking lesson—it was a window into the region's food culture, where meals are often social events that bring families and friends together.
Staying in style
For her stay, Lilly chose the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, a historic five-star hotel just steps from the Old Town's gates. The building, dating back to 1897, has been meticulously restored, blending fin-de-siècle elegance with modern comforts. Its location made it easy to explore the city on foot, yet offered a quiet retreat from the crowds.
Facing fears above the city
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Lilly ended her trip with a zip line ride on Mount Srđ, which overlooks Dubrovnik. The Panorama Zip Line course features two parallel lines, each 250 metres long. Despite admitting a fear of heights, she embraced the adrenaline rush, soaring above the terracotta rooftops and the shimmering Adriatic. The panoramic views from the top—of the old city, the islands, and the open sea—were a fitting finale to her Adriatic adventure.
For those inspired by Lilly's journey, Dubrovnik offers a blend of history, nature, and gastronomy that is hard to match. Whether you're walking the ancient walls, paddling the coast, or savouring a peka, the city leaves a lasting impression. And if you're planning your own European adventure, consider a camper tour of the Adriatic coast for a different perspective. For more on the region's appeal, see how set-jetting has put Dubrovnik on the map.
