Welcome to Croatia

City walls of Old Dubrovnik

For many Europeans, Croatia is sailing heaven. Or at least it was.  Since Croatia has grown in popularity so have the fees associated with sailing in their territorial waters.  In some places they even charge you a fee just to drop your anchor!  For many folks that is just a bit too much.  For those reasons Croatia was not on our radar.  We thought maybe we would just do the touristy thing and fly over for a quick visit.  So, so glad we did not do that.  

Entering Dubrovnik Port

 We finally got our weather window we were waiting for and off we went.  By the time we were able to check out of Italy it was two in the afternoon.  For the first part of the afternoon and evening there was decent enough wind and we were doing over 6 knots.  By the middle of the night though the wind died off completely.  We arrived in Dubrovnik at nine am and went to the customs quay to get checked in to the country.  

City Walls of Dubrovnik

Although we prefer to anchor out we went to the marina across from the customs quay as we were done for the day.  Tired and needing a nap we got tucked into the marina and got caught up on some sleep.  

The Stradun (main walkway)

In the end we decided to stay an extra day at the marina so that we could go to see Old Town Dubrovnik.  Medieval Dubrovnik is an UNESCO world heritage site.  It is a magnificent city fortified with massive stone walls that surround the Old Town - the outer walls are an impressive 13 to 20 feet thick!  The old town also has some well preserved 16th century architecture that contrast with all the modern shops and restaurants now lining the main street (Stradun).  

 

Dubrovnik

Down many of the tiny, narrow streets that exemplify the city you will now find accommodations for visitors. We did not walk the city walls on this trip but that is the plan on the return trip.  On our way back down the coast we will spend some more time in Old Town Dubrovnik as we most definitely have not given the city its due. 

Old Dubrovnik port

 After our return trip, I promise to post photos of the historic buildings and the city walls.  Dubrovnik is stunning - a giant step back in time.  We are so very happy that we decided to sail to Croatia after all as our first impressions are very good!