Called � �the Adriatic pearl� �, Dubrovnik is the majestic and one of the most refined Croatia cities. Along with Venice and Amsterdam, it is included in the list of three most beautiful UNESCO cities and the European Renaissance monuments. Dubrovnik is the real miracle created by peoples� � hands, the city that is worth admiration, and you cannot negate Bernard Shaw� �s words that � �Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik� �. In the seventh century, citizens of the Epidavros founded a city on the small rocky Laus island and called it Ragusium. The name � �Dubrovnik� � appeared in the 8th century, when the place was occupied by the Slavic tribes, and comes from the word � �dub� � which means � �the oak tree� � as lots of such trees were growing here. The city had been developing for several centuries and thanks to its highly developed merchant navy already by the middle of the ХV century it became an independent republic. XV-XVII centuries were � �the golden time� � for Dubrovnik as during this time it got its modern look that is still observed by the tourists. The fortress walls (2 km long, up to 6 meters wide and up to 20 meters high) were being built for almost six centuries and have always been a firm protection against the enemies. Even now, they still boast their excellent condition and are open to the public and those who venture to climb the walls will be able to enjoy astonishing views over the city and the islands.

The old city is included in the UNESCO list of world depositories as it keeps lots of cultural and architectural masterpieces, such as St. Blaise Church, Rectors Palace, Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, Onofrios Fountains, the Europe� �s oldest synagogue, Aquarium and Maritime Museum and the arts museum.

Dubrovnik and Zavtat swimming places are really various: small pebble, concrete platforms with stairs to descend to the sea as well as rocky coastline and sand can be found here. Sandy beaches are located on Lopud and Kolocep islands while pebble beaches with sandy entrances are found in the Lapad bay and Zavtat, opposite the Albatros Hotel. Some of the local citizens bathe right next to the rocks under the city walls, but most people prefer an equipped beach close to the old city where a special water-hill for children can be found. In addition to great choice of swimming opportunities, the place boasts its rare sea beauty which, according to Jak Iv Kusto, is the cleanest sea all around the Adriatic.

The region is also famous for its fresh seafood and meat fares prepared of mutton and lamb, while the real local delicacies are oysters and mussels delivered from the bay not far from Ston. The Southern Dalmatia is also popular for its wines, especially the � �Dingac� �, Postup and � �Posip� � brands.

There is also a great amount of bars and several discos in Dubrovnik. Those who to entertain themselves have a great amount of places to chose from: Burbon street with its numerous bars, Hamingway cocktail-bar in Cuban style; Otok; Jazz bar; Irish pub and Gradska kavana for those who prefer calm atmosphere; discos, including the Italian Divinae Follie and many more. But mind that such places close early in the evening during the season when there are not so many tourists here.