Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik was once considered the most beautiful city in Croatia with its medieval walls and palaces. The most famous sights are the Franciscan Friars Minor Monastery, which houses one of the three oldest pharmacies in Europe, the 15th century Dominican Monastery, and the 17th century cathedral. The Dubrovnik Museum housed in the splendid Rector’s Palace is also worth a visit. Many of Dubrovnik’s monuments have been painstakingly restored since the great earthquake of 1667 and Croatia’s struggle for independence in 1991; the city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Adriatic and has a distinctly laid back, Mediterranean feel, with many cafes and fish restaurants lining the cobbled streets. Every summer, from mid-July until the end of August, the city hosts the colourful Dubrovnik Summer Festival.