Being in Dubrovnik and not riding the Dubrovnik cable car is rather like going to Paris and not going up the Eiffel Tower or going to New York and not climbing to the top of the Empire State Building. It shouldn't only be on your “must do” list it should be right at the top and highlighted. And often finds itself, along with the Dubrovnik City Walls and the island of Lokrum, in international publications as the three highlights of the city in the far south of Croatia. And for good reason.
Why is timing important?
We could tell you that the ride from the base station in Dubrovnik to the top of the 432-metre-high Srđ mountain is inspiring, and we’d be right. We could tell you that once you get to the top of the peak you’ll be absolutely blown away by the panoramic views and will fill your holiday album with stunning images, again we’d be right. Or we could expand on the fact that there is plenty of opportunities once you actually get to the top, from the history of the region in the Homeland War museum to buggy rides over the rolling countryside, the shops in the top station or the glorious food at the restaurant, again we would be right. But we’re going in a different direction, at it involves timing. Timing is important, and if you can why not make the most of the gifts of nature.
Caffeine or sunsets – the choice is yours
So when is the best time to climb the mountain? When should you jump into the cable car? Inside information is the key, and experience. It really depends what you are looking for, but I’m going to give you my opinion. My first advice would be early in the morning. Why? Well, for a few reasons. Firstly, the hustle and bustle isn’t there at the same level in the morning. The mountain air is fresh and calm, and the views are clear. And don’t forget that apart from the turquoise glint of the Adriatic there is also a “sea of mountains” as George Bernard Shaw, described it, right behind you. Get the first cable car of the day and enjoy breakfast and morning coffee with vistas as awakening as the caffeine. My, and once again these are my opinions, would be later in the day to catch one thing, one gift from Mother Nature that happens every day in Dubrovnik. Sunsets!
I have travelled all over the world, and seen sunsets in both hemispheres, at sea and from the top of the Alps. But I’ve never ever seen sunsets like these in Dubrovnik. And due to the great weather they are pretty much guaranteed every day. You can physically see the sun dip over the horizon. Believe me, it’s incredible. The golden glow over the walls over the historic Old City will stay with you forever.