Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia, the most beautiful part of the Adriatic coast. Rich vegetation, rare islands, white pebble beaches and the crystal clean sea, all make this region to an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Dubrovnik was founded in the first half of the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today's Cavtat). They established their settlement at the island and named it Laus. Opposite of that location, at the foot of Srđ Mountain, Slavs developed their own settlement under the name of Dubrovnik (named by "Dub" - type of wood). The settlements were separated by a channel which was filled in 12th century, present Placa or Stradun, and since than the two settlements have been united. At that time the city walls started to be built as a protection from different enemies ( Arabs, Venetian, Macedonians, Serbs, etc.), who wanted to conquer Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is now the administrative seat of Dubrovnik-Neretva county and while traveling through this region visitors must take time to explore the harmony between man and nature that is part of everyday life here. Dubrovnik Region consists of numerous small "jewels" that are worth visiting, small authentic villages, untouched islands and, of course, the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the crown jewel of them all.

Dubrovnik - the city of a unique political and cultural history (the Dubrovnik Republic, the Statute from 1272), of world-famous cultural heritage and beauty (inscribed on the List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO) - is one of the most attractive and famous cities of the Mediterranean.

Dubrovnik is the city of an outstanding cultural life. The most important event in the cultural life of the city is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (10th of July - 25th of August), traditionally held since 1950. It is a theatre and classical and folk music festival, since 1956 included in the calendar of world festivals and as such one of the most famous cultural events in the world. Concerts and other performances take place on open stages in the town (Gunduliceva Poljana, Drziceva Poljana, Lovrijenac, Revelin) or in beautiful interiors of the most famous buildings (Duke's Palace, cloisters)

While staying in Dubrovnik in 1929., George Bernard Shaw said: "If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik". These words are still repeated today.

Climate - Dubrovnik lies in an area characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers. The average annual temperature is 17 C (62 F), with January being the coldest (9 C, 48 F) and august the warmest (25 C, 77 F) month. The average sea temperature from May to September is from 18 - 24 C (64 - 75 F), with sea salinity being approximately 38%. The number of annual sun hours in Dubrovnik is 2629 hours per year, with average precipitation of 1020,8.

The local cuisine - Dubrovnik and the whole region is extremely proud of its rich native cuisine. Many restaurants prepare food in a traditional manner, following old recipes. Don’t miss trying local specialties including; the brodet from eels or frog legs in Neretva River Valley, sea oysters and other mussels in Ston, macaroni pasta from vreteno or cukarini in Korčula, dried seafood dishes on the Elafiti Islands, rozata or kontonjata in Dubrovnik, and pizzoto with green manestra in Cavtat.

Wines - All this delicious food must be accompanied by good beverage to reach its culinary fulfillment. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate and the rich and fertile soil, many high quality wines are produced throughout the region. Some good choices include the wines; Dingač, Postup, Grk, Posip, Rukatac, Malvazija and Plavac. Be sure to try domestic wines along the road as well. Many local producers have road signs - just stop by and enjoy the traditional atmosphere with a nice glass of fine wine.

Dubrovnik has a number of churches, monasteries and hotels scattered all over the town. Its coastal belt is adorned with several marinas, piers and promenades. Because of a magnificent view on the mediaeval Dubrovnik, a walk along the town ramparts is a must for each visitor.

Sports and recreational facilities include playgrounds, courts and requisites for all sports in the sea and on the ground, from tennis and table tennis to sailing and yachting. There are also several gyms and fitness centres with swimming pools, saunas, massage, aerobics, solarium.

Public holidays in 2005:

• New Year's Day, January 1st
• Epiphany - the Coming of the Kings, January 6th
• Easter, March 27th
• Easter Monday, March 28th
• Labor Day, May 1st
• Antifascism Day, June 22nd
• National holiday, June 25th
• National Thanksgiving Day, August 5th
• Our Lady of Assumption, August 15th
• All Saint's Day, November 1st
• Christmas, December 25th, 26th