Travel Guide
Move Over Dubrovnik! These 3 Medieval Destinations Are Less Crowded & Cheaper
Apr
Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or a culture buff who fantasizes about visiting a faraway land with centuries-old castles, a timeless townscape, and what have you, Dubrovnik is probably on your Europe bucket list.
Croatia’s top tourist destination, and the real-life Kings Landing, for those who are familiar with the HBO hit series, it is truly something straight out of a movie.
Gorgeous as it may be, however, it’s far from being the idyllic fairytale scene you envision, especially during summer, when millions of people flock into its narrow, uphill streets, and a city center hotel can run you up between an already-costly $199-a-night, and a whopping $675.
The good thing is, Dubrovnik is not Croatia’s only medieval wonder by the Adriatic Sea, and whether you’re here for the Old World allure, or simply the GoT vibes, there are 3 alternative destinations that tick all of the boxes, and are more offbeat and cheaper to visit.
Ready to beat the crowds?
Ston
We’re sure you’ve heard of the Great Wall of China, the largest defensive system in the world, but did you know Croatia has its own Great Wall, a short one-hour drive north of Dubrovnik?
When exploring the idyllic Dalmatian Coast, it’s easy to bypass Ston altogether: it doesn’t commonly feature on mainstream travel brochures, and on top of that, it’s a tiny village of around 2,500 inhabitants—that being said, its fortified Old Town puts Dubrovnik’s to shame.
Not only is it criss-cobbled with stone-paved streets, and filled with the typical red-roofed stone houses, it is home to a 4.3 mile-long wall, erected in the Middle Ages to protect not only Ston itself, but the entire region, including the city of Dubrovnik.
Like in China, you can walk this wall (not all of it, but at least half of its length). It’s a moderately challenging hike that takes roughly an hour and offers views of historical salt pans, the scenic Mali Ston bay, and vineyards.
Now, if you’re used to Dubrovnik prices, you’re likely to let out a big sigh of relief here:
Local restaurants usually serve main courses ranging from €10 to €15 per person (roughly $11.40—$17) and if staying the night, a double room for 2 adults will cost you $41.50 each.
For moderately-priced seafood, a cozy ambiance, and unmatched bay views, add Bota Sare Restaurant & Oyster Bar to your list.
Korčula Town
Next up, we’re taking a 1h40—2h ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula Island, which lies just off the Croatian mainland, or more specifically, its small capital Korčula Town.
Often dubbed a ‘Little Dubrovnik‘, it too is guarded by walls, which almost completely encircle the small peninsula it sits on, and it’s primarily renowned for having a preserved 15th-century architecture, and a quieter, more laid-back feel compared to its famous sibling.
You can stroll the picture-perfect cobbled streets, which are lined with centuries-old dwellings and merchant shops, as well as family-owned eateries serving ćevapi, and other Croatian delicacies for around $10.
If you fancy trying a ćevapi burger, head to Curioso, a well-rated restaurant in the Old Town that’s been amassing rave reviews lately.
As you will notice when exploring, crowding is less intense here, considering Korčula’s geographical location, and the longer ferry journey from Dubrovnik, and most of the tourist attractions can be visited without long lines.
Think St. Mark’s Cathedral, in the heart of the Old Town, and a landmark church bearing Gothic and Renaissance elements, or the Marco Polo House—according to local tradition, the famous Venetian explorer was born here.
Trogir
As you journey onward up the coast, 161 miles north of the Dubrovnik-Neretva tourism hotspot, and past the bustling resort city of Split, you’ll hit the tiny, medieval town of Trogir.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, much like its southern counterpart, Trogir is fortified by medieval walls, and if we’re looking for the easiest way to describe it, picture a cobbled maze flanked by skinny, ocher-colored edifices, whose twists and turns always seem to lead to a central plaza.
This central plaza is bordered by terrace cafes, where Mediterranean food is served at reasonable prices—Franka, in particular, has delicious beetroot and truffle risotto and homegrown wine—and is dominated by a Romanesque cathedral.
The belfry resembles St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice, and that’s not merely incidental: like much of Dalmatia, Trogir was once under the control of the floating city.
As you stroll around town, which can get moderately busy in the summer months, though nowhere as busy as the neighboring Split, much less the infamous ‘King’s Landing’, don’t miss out on Riva, or the ‘Trogir Promenade’:
This loop walk along the ancient walls is lined with palm trees and cafes, and there’s never a dull moment if one of your favorite pastimes is people-watching, especially with the Russian-owned hyper-yachts moored along its extension.
For museums, check out Cipiko Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance gem just facing the cathedral, and on the outer edge of the fortifications, there’s a 15th-century Venetian stronghold, Kamerlengo, that’s open to the public.
Staying overnight in Trogir?
Rates for double rooms (with balcony), outside the citadel, start at an acceptable $91 for 2 adults, and an Old Town guest room, stone-walls, Old World allure and all, is not that much more expensive, costing you $59 each in summer.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
