Dubrovnik to Kotor – two of the most breathtaking coastal cities in the Balkans, nestled between rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters. Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, boasts a rich history and stunning architecture that has captivated visitors for centuries. Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a charming town with a fascinating mix of medieval and Venetian architecture, nestled at the end of a picturesque bay. These two gems of the Adriatic offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you in awe. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through these two enchanting cities and show you why they should be at the top of your travel list.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Malkit and I visited Dubrovnik with four of our friends, and I have to say, it was an unforgettable experience. The views of the Adriatic Sea were simply breathtaking, whether we were walking along the top of the city walls or taking the cable car up to the summit of Mount Srd. We also spent some lazy afternoons lounging on Ladap Beach, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and soaking up the sun.
And the food – wow! Dubrovnik’s seafood and traditional Croatian dishes were some of the best I’ve ever tasted. We enjoyed fresh seafood on a terrace overlooking the sea and indulge in local delicacies at several restaurants. All in all, Dubrovnik was the perfect destination for a trip with friends – we made some incredible memories that will stay with us for a long time.
Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled on the banks of the stunning Bay of Kotor, lies the charming town of Kotor, Montenegro. With its breathtaking mountain scenery, well-preserved medieval architecture, and fascinating history, Kotor is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The town’s winding streets, fortified walls, and picturesque squares are a testament to its rich cultural heritage, while its vibrant culinary scene offers a taste of modern-day Montenegro. Join us on a city tour of Dubrovnik & Kotor, as we uncover the secrets of this enchanting town and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
A Stunning Coastal Adventure with Friends
After attending a wedding in Istanbul, we decided to take a flight to Croatia to explore the stunning Adriatic coast. We were eager to soak up the sun, enjoy the crystal-clear waters, and indulge in the local cuisine. Our first stop was Dubrovnik, a city known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. We spent our days lounging on the beach, admiring the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, and trying traditional Croatian dishes.
From there, we took a day trip to the charming town of Kotor, Montenegro, which was a highlight of our trip. The scenery of the Bay of Kotor, with its rugged mountains and picturesque old town, left us in awe. We also enjoyed the local food scene, trying Montenegrin specialties like cevapi and fresh seafood. Our trip to the Adriatic coast was a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
As of Jan 2023, the currency of Croatia is the euro. Our taxi ride from Dubrovnik Airport to Lapad Beach cost us 40 € by taxi. A visa is not required for US passport holders for temporary tourist and business trips for up to 90 days during a six-month period, starting from the day of the first entry. If you’d like to know more about Digital Nomad Visas, Short Trips for Business and Tourism, and Temporary Residence in Croatia please check U.S. Embassy in Croatia website.
Day #1 Lapad Beach
Wow, what an adventure! My friends and I took Turkish Airlines‘ direct flight from Istanbul to Dubrovnik from the brand new Istanbul Airport. We couldn’t wait to explore the beautiful coastal city, and we found the perfect spot to stay – a stunning Airbnb on Lapad Beach that was just 22 km away from the airport. Although we were initially considering staying in the old town, we soon realized that most of the reviews mentioned issues with noise and transportation.
That’s when we decided to escape the hustle and bustle and find a place to relax. And boy, did we hit the jackpot! Our Airbnb was an incredible terrace apartment with an unbeatable view of Lapad Beach and the most breathtaking sunsets we had ever seen. It was the perfect base for our Adriatic adventure, and we couldn’t wait to see what else Dubrovnik had in store for us!
Our taste buds were in for a treat as we headed to our first dinner at Restaurant Tramuntara. The trendy and chic setting, combined with a breathtaking sea view, made for an unforgettable dining experience. The passion for food and the desire to impress their guests was evident in every dish served. The welcoming and professional staff added to the exquisite experience by helping us choose the perfect pairing of high-quality local wines to complement our culinary choices.
The terrace overlooking Lapad Bay provided the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with delectable food and great company. We spent the rest of the night sipping on local wine (we purchased snacks and drinks from Studenac Market and Tommy) and soaking in the stunning views, feeling grateful for such a magical start to our Croatian adventure.
Day #2 Old Town Dubrovnik
Our second day in Dubrovnik was nothing short of magical as we met our private tour guide, the lovely Dubravka, in the Old City of Dubrovnik. We were in awe as she took us through all the major sites, including the Franciscan monastery with the oldest pharmacy in Europe dating back to 1317, Stradun Street, Sponza Palace on the main square which miraculously survived the devastating earthquake of 1667, the Church of St. Blaise, the Rector’s Palace, the Cathedral of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, and the harbor.
Dubravka’s insider knowledge of the town’s hidden side streets and curiosities made our tour even more fascinating. It was clear that going with a local guide was the best decision, as she knew all the secrets, stories and interesting things about the town. I highly recommend taking Dubravka’s Hearth of the Medieval Dubrovnik tour in the morning and then spending the rest of the day exploring the old town at your leisure. Dubrovnik is truly a gem, and I can’t wait to go back and discover more of its secrets.
Day #3 Kotor
On our third day of vacation, we were excited to explore Kotor, Montenegro. To make the most of our time, we asked Dubravka to arrange a private tour. So, on day #3 our driver picked us up from the Airbnb in a luxurious Mercedes van. It was a short 93 km drive from Lapad Beach to Kotor, taking less than 2 hours. Door-to-door private tour cost us around 400 € (65-70 € per person), including a private walking tour in Kotor old city.
We took a scenic drive on the southern Dalmatian Coast, passing through charming Adriatic villages and towns. One of our favorite stops was in the city of Perast, where we took photos of the stunning island of Our Lady of the Rocks.
As soon as we stepped foot in Kotor, we were captivated by the rich history and ancient roots of this enchanting place. Our tour guide took us on a journey through the City Walls of Kotor‘s old town, revealing a perfect introduction to the wonders of Montenegro for us first-timers. We were able to immerse ourselves in the untouched beauty of nature and the unparalleled culture of this magical land.
From the Sea Gate (Main gate) to the Clock Tower, and from Pima and Buca Palaces to the St. Tryphon Cathedral, we explored the Boka Navy Square, St. Luke Square, St. Mary of the River, and Northern Gate with Skurda River – all of which were the highlights of our 90 min tour. This private walking tour with a local licensed guide was included in our day trip package.
Of course, we indulged in another delicious meal at Restaurant PRŽUN. I recommend Arborio with saffron, Spagettoni with seafood, and Straccetti alla Romana. We also treated ourselves to some delectable Moscow cake and Irish coffee at Forza Cafe in the old town after lunch. Afterward, we continued our drive, taking in the breathtaking panoramic road that meandered through the Boka Kotorska Bay before boarding a ferry to the other side. We rode through Herceg Novi to the border, marveling at the incredible views of the Dubrovnik Riviera along the way. It was a truly unforgettable day, and we felt so grateful to have experienced the beauty of Kotor and its surroundings.
Day #4 Beach only
During our visit to Dubrovnik, my friends and I enjoyed exploring the old town, taking a walking tour, and dining at some amazing local restaurants. But on our last day, we decided to take it easy and spend the day on the beach. After a long day of sunbathing and swimming, we headed back to our Airbnb to freshen up. Instead of going out for dinner, we decided to order in and enjoy our last meal on the terrace.
We browsed through local restaurants and picked out a variety of dishes to share, from seafood platters to traditional Croatian dishes. To complement our meal, we also purchased some local wine that we had been wanting to try. It was the perfect way to end our trip in Dubrovnik, with good food, good wine, and good company on our beautiful terrace overlooking Lapad Bay.
Doviđenja (goodbye)! Until Next Time
Dubrovnik offers a unique blend of history, culture, scenery, and relaxation. Our trip was unforgettable, from exploring the old town with a local guide to taking a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro, and ending our vacation with a relaxing day at the beach. We highly recommend trying local cuisines, such as seafood and wine, and taking advantage of the breathtaking views from terrace restaurants. Don’t forget to explore the various activities, such as kayaking or cable car rides, to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Dubrovnik. Overall, Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
So why wait? Are you ready to embark on your own unforgettable adventure in Dubrovnik and create memories that will last a lifetime? Begin planning your journey today and share your incredible Dubrovnik adventure with us.