The scourge of war shrouded Dubrovnik from the rest of the world for years. The UNESCO World Heritage city suffered untold devastation in 1991 at the hands of the Yugoslav People’s Army, under the tacit approval of then Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic.

Thankfully, “The Pearl of the Adriatic” is back in fine form, along with the rest of Croatia. Once a dynamic capital of literature, philosophy, sciences and the arts, Dubrovnik now serves up a rich panoply of sumptuous sights. The Old City is one of the most attractive in all of Europe and the Adriatic Sea coast provides heavenly scenery.

Superb views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic reward those who climb the Old City walls. The spectacularly preserved 13th century stone walls were refined over two centuries to protect the city from naval attack. Lovrjenac Fort to the west of the Old City was a formidable deterrent to foreign invaders.

The Dubrovnik Cathedral is a fabulous Baroque church with a treasure trove of relics and art. Visitors who tour the interior get a special bonus, with access to an ongoing archaeological dig designed to excavate specimens of the 7th century cathedral that once stood on the same site.

A Franciscan monastery in the heart of Old Dubrovnik contains a stunning Romanesque cloister, in addition to a pharmacy that incredibly, has been in business since 1317. A museum in the historic complex features ancient manuscripts, relics and instruments.

Mount Srd offers incomparable panoramas of Dubrovnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the crystal blue Adriatic. Photography lovers will not want to miss out on the view from atop the summit.

The Sponza and Rector’s Palaces are two of the most impressive buildings in all of Croatia, let alone in Dubrovnik. Although largely ravaged by fire in 1435, both were rebuilt in then fashionable Venetian Gothic style.

With some of the best coastline on the Adriatic Sea, the beaches of Dubrovnik are always aflutter with activity. In the hot summer months a prime spot in the sand can be hard to come by.

For a taste of local life, come for the Feast of Saint Blaise on February 3. The celebration of the patron saint of Dubrovnik is a joyful time to be in the city, with days of parades, concerts and great food.

The Feast of Saint Blaise runs into Carnival, the massive festival that precedes Ash Wednesday. The Old City is replete with costumed revelry for the occasion, with private, invitation-only masquerade balls scattered all over town.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival coincides with peak tourist season in July and August. The festival features a series of dramatic productions and musical concerts around the city.

Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate, with rainy winters and hot summers. One rarity for the Adriatic region however is the occasional preponderance of high winds and thunderstorms.

• Winter (December to February) 6.5-13°C
• Spring (March to April) 8.5-17°C
• Summer (May to September) 15-29°C
• Fall (October to November) 11-21.5°C