Along the Adriatic Coast, Toward Dubrovnik

Episode One

✍️ Shariq Ali
Valueversity

A black van glided smoothly along a winding, curving road. On the low hills, the modernly built road revealed glimpses of the blue Adriatic Sea on one side, while on the other stretched rows of cherry blossom trees laden with colorful flowers. Some trees were dressed in pink, others in turquoise, and a few displayed a striking blend of both hues. As the breeze swayed the branches, it felt as if the road itself was welcoming us.
Down below, the sea shimmered in the sunlight. In the greenish-blue waters, the surrounding islands created a dreamlike scene. We were traveling from the airport toward the city center of Dubrovnik, Croatia, where we were to stay for the next five days.
Croatia is a charming country in southeastern Europe, spread along the blue Adriatic coastline and over more than twelve hundred islands. Its capital is Zagreb, and its population is approximately 3.8 million. To the north lie Slovenia and Hungary, to the east Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the south Montenegro, and across the sea, Italy.
As we moved ahead, a historic city enclosed by fortifications began to emerge at the foothills. Dubrovnik, surrounded by centuries-old walls, has now expanded far beyond its original fortified core. It is counted among Europe’s most beloved tourist destinations, where the modern and the ancient blend beautifully.
From the height of the hillside road, we caught a view of the walled city—towering ramparts on all sides, guard towers at every corner, and within them houses topped with pinkish terracotta roofs. UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. It is a living story, hidden beneath layers of time, waiting for us to step inside and understand.
When we left home that morning, the day was pleasant. Airport formalities were completed smoothly. After passing through the glittering duty-free shops and having a light breakfast, we boarded our flight. As the plane descended, the view of the Adriatic Sea from the window was breathtaking—sun-bathed shores and scattered small and large islands displayed in all their splendor.
Croatia is an intriguing and captivating country. Its mountain ranges, part of the Dinaric Alps, are dotted with lakes and waterfalls. Its islands and rocky coastlines enhance its natural beauty. Tourism forms the backbone of its economy and is the brightest pillar of the national treasury. Olive groves, vineyards, shipbuilding, and local industries add further colors to its economic canvas. Croatia joined the European Union in 2013; since 2023, the euro has been in circulation, and with the opening of Schengen borders, the country has become easily accessible to travelers.
By now, our van had left the city’s outskirts and entered the modern center—a small yet fully equipped city. Busy highways, tall buildings, rows of hotels, and the constant movement of buses reflected both the flow of life and an abundance of convenience.
Passing through this urban stretch, the van suddenly turned off the main road. We began ascending a narrow, almost vertical track. It seemed that only locals were skilled enough to drive on this winding little road.
With great expertise, our driver maneuvered the vehicle along the tight curves and finally stopped in front of the house where our accommodation awaited. It was a self-catering, three-bedroom house perched on a hillside, fully equipped with every facility. After informing the owner by phone, he arrived with the keys in hand. The white walls and red roof of this charming hillside Airbnb appeared to warmly welcome us for our short stay.

…to be continued