After climbing the City Walls of Dubrovnik, we’d heard all about the incredible views you can see by catching the cable car up to the top of the city. So we did just that. You take a cable car ride from central Dubrovnik up to the peak of Srđ mountain. From here, you get a panoramic vista across Old Town Dubrovnik, and across the Adriatic Sea to the island of Lokrum, the Elaphiti islands, and beyond. We timed it to catch the sunset from the top of the mountain.
Taking the Dubrovnik Cable Car
Just outside of Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the entrance to the cable car. Each car can take up to thirty people, and it makes speedy three minute runs to the top of Mount Srđ. The Dubrovnik cable car actually began back in 1969, but sadly it was destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence. In 2010, it was newly restored, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy the unique and beautiful views across Dubrovnik. Sunset is the best time to visit thanks to the beautiful pictures you can take from the top. The view on the way up is pretty impressive in itself.
We passed the sun beginning to reach golden hour over the tops of Dubrovnik’s iconic orange rooftops.
The Peak of Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik
At the top, you’re 405 metres above sea level. Firstly, you’ll want to enjoy the panoramic views across Dubrovnik and beyond, particularly at sunset. If you don’t venture beyond the viewing platforms built into the top of the cable car with its restaurant, you can’t really see anything at all. Instead, walk through the building and take a left. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even hire a buggy to explore a little further. You’ll be glad you did. It’s incredibly serene at the top of Mount Srđ, and we saw very few people up there with us.
As well as some beautiful views, and one of the best sunsets I’ve seen, there’s plenty to do at the top of the Dubrovnik Cable Car. Mount Srđ has an Imperial Fortress that you can visit. It’s home to the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence and provides some interesting insight to the devastating history of the city. It was actually built by Napoleon, and was completed on his birthday. Additionally, there’s a cafe and a souvenir shop at the upper cable car station for memoirs of the activity. You’ll also find the Panorama Restaurant for a delicious dinner with incredible views over the entire city and the Elaphiti Islands.
When the golden orb finally disappeared into the silky ocean, we headed back to our apartment to sleep.
Kayaking in Dubrovnik
The next day, we woke early and headed down to the coast to go sea kayaking. Sadly, due to a malfunction with my waterproof camera on our first day, I couldn’t catch any snaps. It was, however, an awesome experience. Plenty of tours head out from the Dubrovnik shores, and they include everything you need, from waterproof bags to bottles of water.
You get a tour around the city walls and past the island of Lokrum. Lokrum is supposedly bad luck, hence you can’t stay there any later than 8pm. I warn you now that the rowing is hard work, but you’re treated to a beach retreat located in a tiny cove. There, you can snorkel among fish, jump from cliffs, or simply relax with a sandwich. Throughout the tour, your guide will talk you through facts about the scenes you pass. After a spot of sunbathing and dipping into the sea at the same beach as the day before, we snacked on Croatian seafood pizza and lemon sorbet cocktails, before heading back to our home from home.
A Night in Dubrovnik Old Town
We got ready and set off for our last night in the city. Dubrovnik Old Town is even more magical at night, with its old buildings lit by the moon. There are old-fashioned lights fitted upon the walls of the main plaza, making the smooth flagstone pavement glisten.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Dubrovnik. Whether you prefer big, open courtyards with waitresses keeping the wine flowing, or those nestled down passageways with twinkling candles at each table. We opted for the latter, and stumbled across Zuzori Mediterranean Kitchen. I had some of the best sea bass I’ve had, while Jo went for the tuna.
After dinner, we wandered the Old Town. It’s so vibrant in the evening, with tourists exploring the local shops and gelaterias. We sampled the different flavours, before catching the entertainment in the main plaza. An operatic show was on with singing and acting, so we stopped to watch.
Just before leaving the city for bed, we stopped off at a cliffside bar after sneaking through a cave to find it. We enjoyed a lemon beer and chatted while taking in the night time view across the Adriatic. Leaving Dubrovnik the next morning was bittersweet. Although sad to leave such a beautiful city, we were so excited to move onto our next destination. Hvar, we’re coming for you!
Have you been on the Dubrovnik Cable Car? Which recommendations do you have for this incredibly historic Croatian city?
