Last weekend, I didn’t manage to write my blog, but I had a very good reason. I was too busy making beautiful memories with my daughter in sunny Dubrovnik. We stayed at Sunny Dubrovnik by Valamar, and honestly, we had such a blast together. There is something very special about travelling with your daughter, getting away from everyday routines and simply enjoying each other’s company. Even though it was September, the sun was still shining and everyone seemed to be smiling. The beach was beautiful and incredibly clean, and the sea was so clear that we could see tiny fish swimming around our feet as we walked through the water. It was one of those simple little moments that made us stop and appreciate exactly where we were.
Of course, we couldn’t visit Dubrovnik without exploring its famous Old Town and city walls. We joined a lovely mix of people, mostly from the USA, including visitors from California and Mississippi, as well as someone originally from Serbia who now lives in the USA. Our wonderful guide, Božena, was full of knowledge and truly brought the fascinating history of Dubrovnik to life for all of us. Dubrovnik was once the Republic of Ragusa, a small but powerful maritime republic that governed itself for centuries. It found itself surrounded by much larger powers, including Venice, the Hungarian Croatian Crown and the Ottoman Empire. Instead of relying only on military strength, Dubrovnik used diplomacy, trade and clever negotiation to protect its freedom. At different times, the Republic paid tribute or accepted the protection of stronger rulers while continuing to manage its own affairs. It lasted from 1358 until 1808, when it was abolished during the Napoleonic era. Dubrovnik later became part of the Banovina of Croatia in 1939, then part of the Croatian republic within Yugoslavia after 1945, and finally part of the independent Republic of Croatia in 1991.
Walking along the city walls was incredible. The views over the terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea were breathtaking, but there was also a little extra excitement for the Game of Thrones fans among us. Dubrovnik was used as the main filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. We also visited the famous Jesuit Steps, where Cersei Lannister’s unforgettable “Walk of Shame” was filmed. It was funny to stand somewhere that looked so familiar from television while remembering that the scene itself was completely fictional. Despite Dubrovnik’s long and carefully documented history, there is no historical “Walk of Shame” connected to the city. That dramatic story belongs entirely to the world of Game of Thrones.
Back at Sunny Dubrovnik, the food was lovely, and there really was something for everyone. Well… almost everyone. My daughter behaved as though pizza were the only food that existed and happily ate it every day! Meanwhile, I couldn’t get enough of the fresh vegetables. They were so colourful, full of flavour and tasted as though they had just been picked. Vegetables grown beneath the Croatian Mediterranean sun really are something special. After living in Ireland, I have to say there is simply no comparison, and I enjoyed every bite.
Each evening, we enjoyed a lovely walk around Dubrovnik or spent time at the play centre near our hotel. It had everything children could ever imagine, with activities for little ones right up to teenagers. My daughter absolutely loved it, and it was the perfect way to finish another beautiful day. I shared a few videos from our holiday on my Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts, so you can see just how beautiful our trip was and picture it for yourself. I would definitely recommend Dubrovnik. It has the perfect mix of sunshine, fascinating history, crystal clear beaches, delicious food and activities for the whole family.
This trip gave us sunshine, history, clear blue water, plenty of laughter and, apparently, enough pizza to last a lifetime. Most importantly, it gave my daughter and me precious time together. Dubrovnik was beautiful, but sharing it with her made it even more special. After our lovely adventure, it was time to return to Ireland and the rest of our family, my son, my husband and, of course, Cookie, who were all waiting for us at home. We were so happy to see them again, and now it’s back to reality… although part of me is definitely still sitting beside that crystal clear Croatian sea.
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