In preparation for my departure to the warmer temperatures and sun of the Southern Hemisphere in a few days, I’m taking you back to Dubrovnik in late August today. I hope you’re ready for some insanely blue skies and rays of golden sunshine, as our long weekend there over the UK bank holiday featured practically perfect weather. I last visited this picture-perfect Croatian town in 2007, post a whirlwind two week Contiki bus tour. My memories were mainly based around snoozing on the balcony of my apartment or on the beach in the sun, so I was excited to be more adventurous this time around. Top of my list was climbing the steep path up Mount Srd for panoramic views of Dubrovnik.
Our view from the city up to the top
As you’ll soon learn if you stay anywhere but the very centre of Dubrovnik, the town is built onto a steep hillside, and climbing multiple sets of steps to visit anywhere is part of a holiday there. We were going to take this a bit further by ascending the Ropeway path, which fortunately is not made of ropes, but instead snakes its way steeply up Mount Srd. Given the extremely warm temperatures we decided to make a comparatively early start and headed off before 8am.
Gabrielle ready to go
We made our way through the sleeping town and up to the start of the path proper on the main road of Jadrana ceska. It was lovely to see Dubrovnik in such a peaceful mood before the crowds awoke from their slumber or were disgorged from the cruise ships. Even from just above the town the views were lovely.
This way to the top!
Once we hit the path proper, we began our serpentine trek up the hillside. We were wearing sneakers and carrying water, both of which were key on this walk. The path was sometimes steep, usually rocky and occasionally loose rocks or gravel made finding our footing interesting!
Jamie sporting a super-appropriate Croatian colours shirt
There was plenty to distract us from the steep ascent – how great are these views? In addition, at each bend we came across a different panel depicting Christ’s Stations of the Cross, showing the stages of his journey from sentencing to crucifixion and burial.
Even though we’d left early, the heat was already building as we headed up the hill. I was dreaming of diving into those beautiful blue waters as soon as possible. Fortunately the views just kept getting better to distract us.
Well yes, there is an easier way to get up – this is the cable car to the top!
Made it!
All the hiking was worth it with these stunning views from the top. We rested our achy legs and admired the panorama over the city, perfectly showcasing the city’s fortifications. We also took the opportunity to check out the view of the mountains on the other side and chat to some locals.
Curious and gorgeous!
As well as admiring the views there’s also a museum tucked away in the fort at the top of the mountain. The museum illustrates the history of the Croatian War of Independence. Given our hot hike, we chose instead to take advantage of the shady cafe and the lookout.
Thirsts quenched, it was time to head back down to ground level to meet the rest of our group for breakfast. Tempted as we were (not) to walk back down, we opted for the super speedy cable car.
Would you take the hike or the cable car? Have you visited Dubrovnik?
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