Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is one of the most beautiful walled cities in the world, a UNESCO jewel of marble streets, baroque churches and terracotta roofs jutting on a rocky promontory into a turquoise sea. Its mighty medieval ramparts, almost two kilometres round and walkable in full, encircle the car-free old town, and the whole glowing ensemble has drawn crowds and film crews alike.

What to look for

• The city walls - the walk around the almost two-kilometre ramparts.
• The marble Stradun - the polished main street of the old town.
• The old port and views - the harbour and the panoramas over the roofs and sea.
• The cable car - the ride to Mount Srd for the classic view from above.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn for warm weather without the peak crush; July and August are hot and mobbed, and cruise days flood the old town. Early morning and evening are the loveliest and quietest times.

Practical notes

It is extremely popular and cruise ships disgorge huge crowds by day, so the old town can be shoulder-to-shoulder in peak season; go early, late, or out of high summer. Prices are high, and the walls charge a steep fee. Its fame from screen adds to the crush.

Nearby

The islands of Lokrum and the Elaphiti are a boat trip away; the Montenegrin coast is close.