The flight from Manchester was completely uneventful and landed in Dubrovnik on a pleasantly warm evening where we were met as arranged by our host for the first 3 nights. The pattern of our trips lately has been that we pre- book the first few nights and often the last night(s) also. The rest we sort out as we go along so as to retain maximum flexibility to adjust our plans as necessary.
On this occasion, we had booked 3 nights at Vlla Klaic based on recommendations on hostelbookers.com where the accommodation and particularly the owner, Milo, had received consistently good reviews. Using the wonders of e-mail we had corresponded with him and arranged for him to meet us at the airport. Milo spoke excellent English and imediately made us feel at home. His family had been running Villa Klaic for 26 years and he was a mine of information about the region.
Our en-suite room was light and airy and spotlessly clean with views over the old town to the Adriatic. After a glass of wine and a chat with Milo we followed his directions down the many steps to the Pile Gate entrance to the old town. It was lovely to see it for the first time in the soft evening light. It is a bit of a hike up & down the steps from Villa Klaic to the old town but if you find the idea of steps daunting, there are local buses on hand.
Dubrovnik from Lokrum Island
Crowds in old town
We had an excellent breakfast to set us up for the day. Rather than the buffet style breakfast served in high season, we all sat at the kithen table where Milo’s wife kept supplies of delicious food coming until we couldn’t eat anymore. May seems to be a good time to come to Dubrovnik before the hordes of tourists arrive for the main summer season. Even so when we got to the old town this morning it was already busy with lots of tour groups as well as those from the two cruise ships anchored in the bay. Mid morning, we are told, seems to be the busiest time and by the time we had explored the old town sights, it was much quieter. Despte the crowds, Dubrovnik still exudes charm and has lived up to our expectations.
Sunday 11 May. Today we took a 40 minute boat ride along the coast to the small resort of Cavtat. It was delightful. It was so refreshing as it was much quieter and less crowded than Dubrovnik. It is very picturesque set in a small bay. As well as having coffee and lunch at a table by the sea we enjoyed a scenic walk around both headlands. A good choice for a day out. On our return to Dubrovnik we listened to the local bands playing in the square.
Monday 12 May. A short boat ride took us to the tranquil wooded island of Lokkrum. The old monastery gardens were an ideal place for wandering. It was very peaceful and we had good views of Dubrovnik old town from the Royal Fort. We returned to Dubrovnik for lunch and a last stroll around the old town before heading off to the bus station to catch the afternoon bus and ferry to Korcula island. As we weren’t arriving until early evening we had asked Milo to ring ahead and book a room for us.
