Despite my flight to London being around 5 pm (ish), the last day in Dubrovnik would end around 3 pm, when we had to go to the airport. I need to make the most of it.
I was told that Corpus Christ is also a public holiday in Croatia; like it is in most catholic countries. And this year it was exactly that day, on May 26th.
The city also would be crowded not just because of it, but due to the cruise ships that arrived at Dubrovnik the night before.
Avoiding visiting Dubrovnik when the cruise ship season starts is nearly impossible. They have a huge season from May to October.
However, it’s highly recommended to check the local port authority website to see which days of the month receive most of the people arriving from these ships in town.
Anyway, it was another day with fabulous weather in Dubrovnik (a bit redundant to say the least) so we kept the morning schedule enjoying breakfast outdoors. You can’t go wrong with Eggs Benedict! It was divine, of course. A bit of catching up about how amazing it was to walk in the walls the day before and we were ready to face the old town again.
Shopping in the Old Town
Another trip by the hotel’s Vaporeto speedboat to town is scheduled for 10 am. Here we go again but this time for some shopping.
I bought some souvenirs the days before but I had some kune to be spent, so I thought about two essentials: olive oil and a bottle of a local liqueur called teranino. Some pearls of the Adriatic that I needed to bring back to the UK with me.
The narrow streets of Dubrovnik reveal all kinds of establishments that can be possible to be imagined. From boutiques to jewellery and souvenir outlets. This city is prepared for tourism. And they make the most of it also so using Games of Thrones, Star Wars and all kinds of things featured there.
That particular day was a very busy one in Dubrovnik. It was too crowded and sometimes it is impossible to imagine so many people sharing those narrow streets. Or even Stradum couldn`t cope with so many people around.
Not the best day for shopping or sightseeing, in my opinion, but it was good to have the help of some “locals” to spot some good shops around.
The open market at the Gundulic Square is a compulsory stop to anyone visiting Dubrovnik.
It’s the place to find all the famous flavours typical of the city. From dried figs and orange to lavender bags to put in your closet. It’s the paradise of souvenirs in the open air!
The outlets are also incredible sources to know more about Croatia itself. Most shoppers can communicate in English and they are keen on explaining a bit more about the products and local culture. Fabulous!
One of those shops was Clara Stones, where I was introduced to the art of creating jewellery pieces with red coral, a traditional Mediterranean ornament. Just gorgeous.
Another shop that caught my eye was the one where I bought some organic cosmetics made by Sapunoteka . It is a new brand for me and in a long conversation with the girl in the shop about skin products and typical Croatian brands, she introduced me to these beauties.
I wasn`t allowed to take photos inside this shop but believe it or not, the name of this place is Handmade Souvenirs. Simple as that. And I will be back there for more, as promised.
Another great purchase came also from the historical streets of Dubrovnik when I spotted a lady selling her knitting work on a table under the shadow.
She didn’t speak English well but with the help of her catalogue of prices (with currencies in Euro and kuna), she made a deal that day and I brought back a beautiful tablecloth to my mom.
That lady made me think that the old model of doing business in the ancient streets of Dubrovnik still suits the city well. It’s much more authentic, to be honest.
In the same street is located the beautiful boutique of Duchkas. A concept shop that can be an excellent place to find a quirky present for family and friends back home.
They have the most incredible t-shirt stamps in Dubrovnik. Handmade jewellery, beautiful stationary and recyclable bags are other fine items spotted there. Every single product in this shop is made by Croatian designers. It’s a must go!
Another lovely place to go is the Old Pharmacy in the Franciscan Monastery founded in 1317. The pharmacy is still open for business and you can find beautiful skin products there.
After the shopping time, I took a taxi back to the hotel and it was a ride to find out more about what people think about the tourist industry in town. They love it. However, the taxi driver was more curious about Brazil than the cruise ships that are regularly boosting the local economy.
Lunch al fresco
Back to my room, I had some time to take more photos and make a video of the room itself which will be posted when I write the review of the Villa Dubrovnik hotel.
Food time. And we were introduced to the new area of the hotel. It’s outdoor, with tables facing the beautiful Adriatic sea and the chef cooking right next to you.
Just a perfect spot for a hot day like that one when all you need is a perfect seafood salad that matches perfectly with some good white (Croatian) wine to celebrate the three days of indulgence in Dubrovnik life.
Tour of the hotel
It was time to say goodbye to Villa Dubrovnik, so I had a mini-tour (by myself) in some of the facilities of this luxurious hotel. Just in case you feel tempted to stay there this summer. Or any summer. Just saying!
As I didn’t have time to enjoy my spa treatment I had a wonder in this fabulous space. As well as I visited the swimming pool and fitness room in the hotel.
It is all well-equipped and as most of the spaces in the hotel were upgraded, it is clear that Villa Dubrovnik has stepped forward once again as one of the most stylish boutique hotels in Dubrovnik.
NB: I was a guest at Villa Dubrovnik during the three days of in Croatia. It made my stay in Dubrovnik not less than outstanding. You can read more about this amazing travelling experience here and here.
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