Page 32 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE

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