When most people think about holidaying in Europe, their minds often wander to the likes of France, Greece or Italy; I am guilty of that sometimes as well. But Europe has so much more to offer than just those three Mediterranean countries. It is time to stretch our legs, slap on some sunscreen and explore the other wonders of Europe.
The country that this article is dedicated to, is one that has grown popular in recent years thanks to the hit HBO TV show Game of Thrones, which was filmed there. Yes, you guessed it—Croatia! With crystal clear azure seas, pebbly beaches, historic architecture, towering mountains and rocky canyons— there is so much to see and explore here.
If you are the kind of traveller that likes to truly immerse yourself into the destination, I suggest visiting Croatia during the offseason, that is from October to April. Not only are the rates more budget-friendly, but it also gives you the chance to actually experience life in Croatia without the hustle and bustle of tourists. You can visit the coastal towns and interact with the friendly locals, spend your days sunbathing and swimming at empty beaches, visit World Heritage sites, or go hiking in the breathtaking forests. Split, Hvar and Zagreb are perhaps the most popular destinations to visit in Croatia and should definitely be on your places-to-visit list, but today we are going to walk you through the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik was once the capital of the sea-faring Republic of Ragusa, and in a way, it still acts as a port where thousands of people from all parts of the world visit. With beautiful tilled streets, old baroque houses and a litter of world-class restaurants, pubs and hotels— Dubrovnik has it all. If you think that this extraordinary old Balkan town looks amazing in pictures, just wait till you see it in person!
The Old Town is the true beating heart of Dubrovnik. It is the perfect example of Croatia’s culture and history, after all, it stands like a town out of time. The best way to take in the beauty of Old Town is with a bird’s-eye view. Hop on one of the cable cars just outside Old Town at the Dubrovnik Cable Car station and watch as the terracotta roofs become smaller and smaller until you have a view of the blue Adriatic and the entire region.
The few other must-visit spots in Old Town, like the Pile Gate, the Church of St Ignatius of Loyola with its spectacular white arched columns and painted dome, and the Gothic and Renaissance Rector’s Palace.
Standing proudly in Gundulić Square is a stunning 17th-century baroque building that was once home to Dubrovnik’s aristocratic family Pucić. And now, it can be a home away from home for you! The Pucić Palace, Dubrovnik’s premier luxury boutique hotel, offers you a chance to live like royalty while in Croatia.
Originally built in the 17th century, the hotel still retains its timeless renaissance ambience with wonderful Venetian oil paints and fantastic ancient decor that looks as if it belongs in a museum. Of course, the hotel is now complemented with the finest modern amenities such as wifi and air conditioners to name a few.
There are 17 luxury rooms and two amazing suites that you can pick from depending on your party. Each of the rooms is named in honour of famous Croatian poets, artists, and musicians, and styled with antiques. From Italian and Turkish furnishings to polished olive wood floors along with antique rugs and velvet drapery— each of the rooms exude grandeur.
Some of the large bathrooms feature walls lined with thousands of beautiful Romanesque Italian mosaic tiles. Relax and unwind after a long day walking through Old Town in the royal porcelain lined copper baths. And don’t miss out on the heated towel racks and luxurious Bvlgari amenities that include plush cotton robes and slippers.
If you are in Dubrovnik on a romantic vacation and in the impromptu mood to tie the knot, the chapel at the heart of the Pucić Palace is the perfect place to do so! You can end your special day with a fairytale worth candlelight dinner on their terrace from their in-house restaurant La Capella that features meals inspired by the sea and Croatian landscape.
For those of you who enjoy lounging at the beach, you are in for a treat. The hotel also offers their guests access to their private stretch known as Bnaje Beach. Here you can dip your toes in the water or spend the day reading a book in the sand under an umbrella and watch back to the hotel as and when you wish. So you see, the Pucić Palace is just the perfect luxury boutique hotel to stay at when in Dubrovnik.
I hope you get a chance to slide on your walking shoes and explore all the marvellous nooks and crannies of Croatia for it is truly a sight to behold!
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 33 August, 2021
