Page 32 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE
P. 32

D DUBROVNIK, CROATIAUBROVNIK, CROATIA



                                                                      ool, sunny weather greeted us in
                                                                      Dubrovnik, a welcome contrast to
                                                              C our previous visit during last
                                                              August’s sweltering heat and overflowing
                                                              crowds. We skipped a repeat walk on the
                                                              famous city walls this time and instead
                                                              wandered through the narrow, picturesque
                                                              streets of the old town. These are a
                                                              photographer’s delight, perfect for vertical
                                                              shots of the steep alleyways that climb
                                                              past cafes and curio shops toward patches
                                                              of blue sky.
                                                              Dubrovnik, once a powerful maritime
                                                              republic, is a city steeped in history. Its
                                                              strategic coastal location made it an
                                                              important trading hub. The charming broad
                                                              harbor, where our ship’s tenders
                                                              transported us to and from shore, offers
                                                              stunning views of the city’s iconic stone
                                                              fortifications that rise from the sea. It’s
                                                              easy to imagine how it once bustled with
                                                              merchants and sailors from across the
                                                              Mediterranean.
                                                              Its popularity continues, especially among
                                                              “Game of Thrones” fans who flock to see
                                                              the many filming locations. This fame has
                                                              also brought the same challenges as other
                                                              popular European destinations - how to
                                                              manage swelling tourism while preserving
                                                              the charm and history that draws them. As
                                                              today proved, visiting outside the peak
                                                              season definitely makes for a more
                                                              pleasant experience for tourists and city
                                                              residents.



















            32   WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING  2025
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