Above and Outside Dubrovnik

Our view upon exiting the cable car, cafe to the left and Lokrum island to the right

On our last day in Dubrovnik, we decided to do a bit of exploration above the city, as well as across the city on the island of Lokrum. But first, we passed by the main square, where a modest Sunday market was underway, with jams, marmalades, honey, brandies, and olive oil as the most popular wares. We ended up only buying a small bottle of cherry brandy, but ended up tasting a pretty much everything in every flavor since the vendors were quite aggressive.

Sampling local jams, honey, brandies, and olive oils...some of the popular flavors included lemon, orange, rose hip, and fig — Sampling local jams, honey, brandies, and olive oils…some of the popular flavors included lemon, orange, rose hip, and fig

We then headed outside the city walls by foot to take the famous cable car that would take us to the highest point in Dubrovnik for a 360 degree near-aerial view of Dubrovnik and its surroundings. Though we waited a while for the next cable car departure, it actually took only 2.5 minutes to reach the top once we were inside. Along the way up, and once we were outside at the viewing platform, we were treated to some incredible views of Old Town, Lokrum, and some neighboring islands. Not much else to say here, so I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

Aerial view of Lokrum island, where we'd visit later in the day — Aerial view of Lokrum island, where we’d visit later in the day

This must be why they call Dubrovnik the "jewel of the Adriatic..." — This must be why they call Dubrovnik the “jewel of the Adriatic…”

We were (no joke) standing at the edge of a precipice that dropped several stories behind us...scared of heights anyone? — We were (no joke) standing at the edge of a precipice that dropped several stories behind us…scared of heights anyone?

Some of greater Dubrovnik outside of Old Town along with neighboring Elafiti islands

Since we still had a good amount of time before our 6pm bus to Korcula, we decided to take a little trip to the island of Lokrum, a peanut-shaped wildlife preserve that was accessible from Old Town by a short 15 minute ferry. We spent roughly an hour here, wandering by foot as that was the only way to get around the island. Uninhabited, the island was only accessible by day, as camping and overnight stays weren’t even allowed. There were inland lakes with visitors swimming and sunning, some secluded beaches, and even a monastery hidden off the main trail. There was also an interesting botanical garden with South American cacti and other trees taken from other climates as an experiment to see how they’d fare in Mediterranean climate (honestly, who wouldn’t thrive in 80 degree, dry, sunny weather??). But the strangest sight we saw were the peacocks just chilling all over the island. What a random mix of objects! How the hell did peacocks get here?!

Still not sure how the peacocks got onto this island...maybe by ferry? — Still not sure how the peacocks got onto this island…maybe by ferry?

Dead Lake, which didn't really look so dead as it looked rather peaceful — Dead Lake, which didn’t really look so dead as it looked rather peaceful

Coastline of Lokrum. Although the beaches weren't fit for swimming, they sure were scenic and relaxing. — Coastline of Lokrum. Although the beaches weren’t fit for swimming, they sure were scenic and relaxing.

Old monastery under renovation from earthquake and war damages suffered

Upon returning to the mainland, we treated ourselves to a late lunch at Lokanda Peskarija (thanks for the reco Jay!) right at the harborfront. As they were known for their shellfish, we did as the Romans did, and Doug ordered the mussels while I ordered the grilled shrimp. All washed down with some “Favorit” beer, before we headed back to the hotel to pick up our stuff for the next leg of our journey – the island of Korcula.