Dubrovnik Travel Guide and a Summery Smoothie, restaurants + local market + organic store

Summer again! Every year the tradition of a family trip has never changed since my young age. This year's summer is most intense but exciting to me. Why? Because I'm going to university after this three weeks of travel!! Honestly I'm not ready for college, do not mistaken though, I am definitely looking forward to studying aboard however no packing is done(not even started), visa is not done.....(US visa does stress me out…) Nevertheless, there's no way these worries can drift away the excitement for trip like this — Croatia, Norway, Scotland and London. 

The journey begins at Dubrovnik, capital of Croatia. We stayed at Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel, despite the fancy title, this is one of the best resort I have been. It has a panoramic view over the Mediterranean sea. People here are very friendly and helpful too. There are different beaches close by within walking distances. My favourite thing to do is swim swim swim and float(!) in the salty sea water. 

Sun kissed beaches, clear salty(very!) waters, plus some of the most delicious seafood with seasonal fruits and vegetables. What else do you need! 

Ice coffee to beat the heat

Old City

On to the food! (restaurants + local market + organic store)

Restaurants recommendations are:

Nautika Restaurant - The best restaurant in Dubrovnik in my opinion. They do simple yet flavourful Croatian dishes show casing Mediterranean flavours. It has an nice open air area too! After all it’s summer time, the best time for soaking up vitamin D. 

Thumbs up dishes: 

Tuna tartare 

Sea bass with vanilla emulsion

Fish soup 

crusted Tuna Steak 

a lot more….. etc etc. 

They have an olive oil pairing to each dish that you eat. 

Restaurant 360 - A more innovative way of cooking with the Mediterranean ingredients. Nice view on the terrance, fun flavours combinations. The food are under expectation but still a better choice over a lot of pubs and restaurants in the area. 

Thumbs up dish: 

Carrot starter

Desserts - taste amazing

Panorama restaurant and bar - Spectacular view over the Lapad bay, Old city, the sea and islands. You have to reach the restaurant with the cable car which bring you high up on Mount Srd. You can walk up or down too (I chose the lazy option). It serves simple food like sandwiches, pasta, salads and some seafood and meat dishes. 

Thumbs up dishes: 

Daily Soup

the Prawn dish (I forgot the exact name) 

Gruž Market - is a combo of Farmers' Market and Fish Market. It is small but produces are seasonal and locally grown or catch. Fruits and vegetables are bursting with colours, from red to yellow, green to white! With these amazing produces I made a super yum smoothie, it's cheap and good for you! (recipe below!!) 

bio & bio - Organic store located in the city centre. Perfect for health geek. 

  Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients: 

1 small Zucchini (or half of a big zucchini) 

1 Peach

Handful of Swiss Chard

8 leaves of Basil or Greek mint

1 small knob of honey comb

350ml water or coconut water for a thick consistency or 500ml for a thinner smoothie

1 tsp chia seeds

1 tbsp hemp protein (optional) 

Directions:
1. Place everything in a blender andblend till smooth. Then drink up!

~ Sending my love from the Mediterranean ~