Walk the length of Dubrovnik’s eighth-century
wall in about two hours
46
winter 2016
CAA Manitoba
Shop for fresh produce and olive oil at Dubrovnik’s Placa market
Established as a trading port in the
early Middle Ages, the city boasts limestone defense walls that have protected
it since the late eighth century, and
which have earned it a UNESCO World
Heritage Site designation.
It’s a must to stroll along the top of
Dubrovnik’s walls, which can take 90
minutes to two hours, depending on
crowds and the need to stop for a
coffee or beer along the way. The walk
reveals numerous cafés, B&Bs and a
look at local life—comprised mostly
of older folks, as the younger set have
moved beyond the city walls to newer
neighbourhoods and enclaves.
Inside the walls, a walking tour
takes us up and down endless
staircases, through narrow lanes like
the popular “restaurant street”
(Prijeko Street) and to the Jewish
Quarter. Down more stairs and we’re
back on Placa, the main street of the
Old City, where tourists are buying
souvenirs of olive oil and lavender,
lining up for gelato in the shadow of
St. Saviour Church or wandering the
quiet enclave of a nearby Franciscan
monastery. Our guide shows us Fort
Lovrijenac, and shares the locations
where Game of Thrones is filmed.
Leaving behind the crowds of
Dubrovnik’s Old City, our last night is
spent on a boat cruising the harbour.
As we take in the view, we offer up a
toast to this country, which presents
palate-pleasing vintages, a wealth
of European history and a taste of
Dalmatian hospitality. Paradise in the
21st century.
wall: Holger Mette/iStock; Market: ivanMateev/iStock
to come taste our Croatian oysters.”
We’re taken to the oyster farm via
boat and we encounter oysters of all
sizes dangling on strings in the salt
water. Quickly harvested and shucked
by one of Sare’s farmers, the coastal
delicacy slides across my palate,
accompanied by its briny sea scent.
It’s followed by lunch on the terrace
at Bota Sare, which turns out to be a
Bacchanalian feast: grilled octopus,
steamed mussels, lobster and shrimp,
and copious chilled glasses of Croatian
Posip, a popular type of white wine.
After making our way back to the
Dalmatian mainland, our coach takes
us through hillsides covered in vineyards. There’s time for a quick wine
and a liqueur tasting at Vina