Croatia has been the highlight of my trip, and Dubrovnik is the best of the best. Why? Three attractions I loved most: walking on the city walls, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, and riding the Dubrovnik Cable Car. The Old Town is surrounded by medieval walls. Walking along these magnificent fortifications while overlooking the red rooftops and stone streets below took my breath away. I felt like royalty from the 12th century or earlier, gazing over my people.

Dubrovnik is perched beside the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. I spent almost two full days relaxing on Banje Beach with my roommate from Germany, Annika. We shared great conversations and took dips in the refreshingly cool sea. I felt so reluctant to say goodbye when she left, and I hope to see her again when I visit Germany one day.

To leave no stone unturned, I also took the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of Mount Srđ. From there, I had a stunning panoramic view of the entire city, the ancient walls, the Old Town, the Old Port, and the surrounding islands. For this trip, I bought the Dubrovnik Pass, which gave me access to many attractions including the City Walls, the Cultural History Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik, and eight other sites.

Additionally, Dubrovnik is a perfect base for day trips to nearby islands or neighbouring countries. I visited Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a small town known for its cultural and religious diversity, with three main religious and ethnic groups. The famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), stone-roofed houses, delicious food, and rich coffee culture were among the highlights. I especially enjoy visiting small towns because that’s where many of the world’s best-kept secrets are found.