Croatia 2015.

Lokrum island.

Lokrum is an island in the Adriatic Sea 600 metres (1,969 feet) from the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. It stretches from northwest to southeast and receives regular ferry service from the city. Austrian archduke (and short-lived Emperor of Mexico) Maximilian once had a holiday home on the island. A monastery and a botanical garden survive from his era. On the island's highest point at 96 metres (315 feet) above sea level stands Fort Royal Castle, which was built by the French, though it was later named "Maximilian's Tower" by the Austrians.

Even if you’re visiting Dubrovnik for just a few days, you should set aside some time to visit one of the many islands dotting the coast. One of the easiest to reach is Lokrum. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by the taxi-boats that run from the old harbor every half hour from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The price of 80 HRK includes entrance to the island – it’s a Nature Reserve.

The islet is small, less than one mile wide, and half a day there is all you need to see its sights. Here are some things you can do on the island while there:

1. You can swim in the Dead Sea. Or a miniature version of it at least. Lokrum is home to an idyllic little salt-filled lake linked to the open sea. Like its namesake, the island’s Dead Sea (Mrtvo more) is popular for how easy it is to swim in. The lake is 10 meters deep, and is located on the southern part of the island.

2. You can feel luxurious with the locals. One of this island’s unique features is that its only inhabitants are peacocks. Brought over from the Canary Islands some 150 years ago, these exquisitely exotic birds have adjusted quite well to their new habitat. Moments in their company can feel wonderfully decadent. Don’t be surprised if you’re joined by one on the beach.

3. You can marvel in exotic plants. It was Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg who brought over the peacocks. He bought the island in 1859. He also made beautiful horticultural changes to the island which are today part of its botanical garden – in less than five years after buying Lokrum Maximilian had planted more than one hundred exotic plant species. Today the garden contains 500 different kinds of trees, flowers, plants and bushes from Chile, Australia, California, South Africa, and elsewhere across the globe.

4. You can enjoy the silence. Adding to Lokrum’s charm is the fact that no cars are allowed on the island. And on top of that, nobody lives there or even spends the night. Savor in how peaceful it is. Take in a leisurely stroll along one of the island’s shady paths. Find a solitary spot along its rocky shore to call your own. Enjoy dodging the crowds of Dubrovnik for a day.

Probably the best airbnb apartment ever.

Cavtat.

4,343 steps a.k.a. Dubrovnik's city wall.

The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO.

The old town of Dubrovnik is completely surrounded by intact fortified walls, even including the Old City Harbor. The walls run for 1940 meters encircling the city and are considered amongst the greatest of fortification systems during the Middle Ages because they were never breached during that time period. The walls were so strongly constructed, they even withstood any damage from the earthquake of 1667.

I've walked all 1940 meters of the walls surrounding the city. Nearly 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) doesn't sound like a lot but take into consideration that they're having one of the hottest summers in nearly 50 years and that a lot of stairs are involved as the walls vary in height towering above the city at 25 meters high at some points. There are three entrances to the walls and I started my walk on them at the Gate of Ploče. Once I reached the top of the steep staircase leading me to the top of the walls, I were immediately rewarded with stunning views of Fort Lovrijenac rising on a gorge 37 meters high. This fort defended Dubrovnik from attacks from both the land and the sea. It certainly earned the message carved into its doors: "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur Auro." ("Freedom can not be sold for all the treasures of the world").

I've realized a couple of things: first, that Dubrovnik in the summer is incredibly hot (+36), expensive and teeming with tourists, and. I didn't planed to spend a lot of time there. Couple of hours was more than enough of time to do the main thing I really wanted to do in the city — walk its famous walls.

While Dubrovnik went centuries without a war breaching its thick walls, the city was severely bombed during the Balkan Wars in the 1990's. Today, though, you would never know it — except by looking at the city’s rooftops. Bright orange roof tiles indicate roofs that were restored after the bombings.

Made 4,343 steps just in over two hours.

The best hidden gems of town are in the less travelled areas up or down many, many steps. Dubrovnik has steps, 5,423 to be exact and the glorious hidden gems are up there waiting to be discovered. Rest up, bring some water, a hat and sunglasses and get ready to roam.

There are only three entrances to the city walls and once you’re up on them, traffic is one way. You’ll walk more than 1/2 way around before you come to the first exit. So bring water! There is also minimal shade, so if visiting in the summer, wear sunscreen.

Tickets are 100 kuna's (2015) for adults. Visiting times are from 8:30am – 6:30pm.