When you talk about Croatia, you first think of Dubrovnik. And there are enough reasons for that. But for us our happiness, more than the stories, was about traveling back to the sea. We love water and the excitement was quite at it’s peak, after seeing the pics of this beautiful destination. And we loved the idea of traveling on to Dubrovnik.
The reception at ‘The Loop Hotel’ had arranged our car drop to Zagreb airport at a very reasonable price. A little less than what we had paid to reach here couple of days back. We entered, I talked around a bit and then immediately classified it as a category A+++ airport. The criteria? Just one. It had a smoking room in the departure lounge 💕. And when the lady at the Croatian Airline check-in counter waived off a kilo or two from our checked in luggage, I fell in love a second time. No no, not with her. With Croatia.
The flight landed almost half an hour later than the scheduled arrival, probably because the weather was not too good. But when we landed the sky was clear and blue. Dubrovnik Airport named Cilipi Airport is located at Cilipi, approximately fifteen and a half kilometers from Dubrovnik city center. The best and most economical way to reach town is to avail of the Airport shuttle bus which leaves for the main bus station at Gruz Port normally every half an hour and takes around thirty to forty minutes. The first stop is at Pile Gate in front of Old Town where you could get down depending on the location of your place of stay.
But for us the journey took more than an hour because of the sudden change in weather and heavy traffic just before reaching town. The sky had become dark again, the rains came down heavily and soon it cleared a bit too as we alighted and walked to our guest house amidst a slight drizzle, five minutes away from the nearest bus stand. It was past five in the evening when we reached.
Situated in Old Town district, Guest House Raguz apartment offers accommodation with a sunbathing terrace. It is about fifteen minutes relaxed walk from Old Town and just a ten minutes walk to the center of Dubrovnik. There are no food options within the guest house but few good eating options like Caffe-Pizzeria El Toro and Nevera Beach Restaurant are within five minutes walk. Also there are other restaurants, bars, cafes, bakery, 24 hour shops all within a few minutes walk and also next door a departmental stores, where you would find enough options for your breakfast. The owners Inka & Evan are a very nice and simple elderly couple, who are not too good when it comes to speaking English but we managed and they made it up with their hospitality.
We love nature and if you too, you would fall in love with the place. Let’s take you around.
As we sat on this terrace with it’s beautiful view sipping our cup of coffee, the calmness and peace of the place was mesmerizing. Our long awaited trip to Dubrovnik was now real.
Dubrovnik has a long history but in the last century with the fall of Austria-Hungary in 1918, the city was incorporated into the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. When in 1929 Yugoslavia was divided among nine Banovina, the city became part of the Zeta Banovina. In 1939 Dubrovnik became part of the newly created Banovina of Croatia.
During World War II, Dubrovnik became part of the Nazi-puppet Independent State of Croatia, occupied by the Italian army first and by the German army after September 1943. In October 1944 Yugoslav Partisans occupied Dubrovnik, arresting more than 300 citizens and executing 53 without trial. This event came to be known, after the small island on which it occurred, as the Daksa Massacre. Communist leadership during the next several years continued political prosecutions, which culminated in April 1947 with the capture and imprisonment of more than 90 citizens of Dubrovnik. Under communism Dubrovnik became part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia and Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia till the fall of Yugoslav rule. In 1979, the city joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
In 1991 Croatia and Slovenia, which at that time were republics within Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, declared their independence. At that event, Socialist Republic of Croatia was renamed Republic of Croatia.
The rain had stopped. The blue sky was visible in bits and pieces. So it was time for us to do what we always love to. A relaxing walk to explore. Walking around through the neighborhood on to nearby Pera Cingrije street, we decided to venture to the closest beach just two hundred meters away, Bellevue Beach. Come take the walk with us and get lost in the beauty of Dubrovnik.
As we reached back to our hideout, it was time to sit back, relax and marvel at these beautiful cool views from our terrace sit out before moving out for dinner.
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Dubrovnik. The Old Town, the mountains, the sea, the beaches, the islands and much more fun to come your way as you travel with us. And then visit a few of the top Balkans destinations.
Come experience God’s magical creations.
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WOW looks like you had an amazing time! I have been waiting to visit Dubrovnik for some time now. We were planning on visiting this year until Covid19 hit. I almost feel i was there with you can saved me the trip 😉 Old town looks so beautiful. I cant wait for the day we can visit this stunning city
Ahhhh we were hoping to make it here this year!!! But you just got me so excited for when we finally do get to go! And we might have to expand our trip a bit!
I drove to Croatia from Poland last summer but I didn’t make it to Dubrovnik as it was a bit too far! But I do have to visit that stunning city one day! The guest house you stayed at have such a wonderful view ! Amazing choice ! I love the history of that town too it’s so interesting!
Dubrovnik., definitely does make an impact through your post. I loved the vibes emanating from the article and the visuals . But i like the vibes of the guest house where u were staying the most
Yes Sumit. Dubrovnik is very special. And the guest house though small was very pretty and the owners really wonderful people.
I was meant to visit Dubrovnik this summer…. mostly just wanted to explore the UNESO World Heritage town and marvel at its history. I’m hoping I can visit soon when things settle. Thank you for the beautiful tour!
Being a Game of Thrones addict is one of the motivating factors that lead me to visit Dubrovnik. It was so fun to see King’s Landing!!! Other than that, Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to. I’ll surely come back! Thanks for the tips xx
Really nice blog on Dubrovnik! I have never visited the place before, but after reading your blog it’s really fascinating to find the historical aspects of the place and natural beauty of the place. It is really awesome to find that this place is UNESCO listed of World Heritage Sites. I only relate Dubrovnik with King’s Landing from Game of Thrones. Need to visit the place soon.
It is very informative post! So detailed and inspiring. It is great that you gave so many information about Dubrovnik history. I think you had an amazing adventure during your trip. Dubrovnik is still on my list, so I hope to see all this amazing places you write about.
My number one goal this year is to explore Europe more especially Eastern and Central Europe. Your post has convinced me that Croatia should be my 1st stop. I love the history you clearly explained l. It’s always great to understand the past of a place before visiting.
Thanks Bolupe. Happy to note.
Croatia looks like a dream. Those gardens are so inspiring. Makes me want to step up my gardening game! Thank you for also sharing a bit of the history of Croatia and how it was tragically impacted during WWII and after.
Thank you Kate. Love that you enjoyed. Croatia is truly beautiful.
I planned for Croatia if this pandemic would not have gripped us and it is good that atleast through post, I am doing a virtual tour of this place. It is good that your hotel Loop Hotel has arranged your airport pickup. Also Guest House Raguz looks a wonderful and quaint boutique style stay. The terrace with so many flowers and splendid view for evening tea is really perfect here.
I have always heard such good things about Croatia and it was fun to read your post. I really liked your reason to fall in love with Croatia at the airport, not the first though. The sun bathing terrace of the guest house and the views are so heart warming. Nature, sun, blue and lots of flowers, all of it makes me happy too. Perfect for a great holiday.