Do you dream of soaring above the stunning city of Dubrovnik and experiencing breath-taking panoramic views of the Old City now’s your chance to turn that dream into a reality We’re offering two lucky readers the chance to win two free tickets to ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car in 2025 one of the city’s most popular attractions To enter, all you need to do is take a fun, short quiz and prove your knowledge about Dubrovnik and the Cable Car experience Submit your answers via our social media channels we’ll get in touch with you directly How high above Dubrovnik does the Cable Car take you The Dubrovnik Cable Car gives passengers a unique view of which nearby island What is the name of the historic fort located at the top cable car station The winner must be able to visit the Dubrovnik Cable Car during its operational hours This prize cannot be exchanged for cash or any other products The winner will be selected randomly from those who answer all questions correctly The two free tickets are valid for a return trip on the Dubrovnik Cable Car and must be used in 2025 and we hope to see you enjoying the stunning views from the Dubrovnik Cable Car soon May 05, 2025 207 Times Travel May 05, 2025 505 Dubrovnik May 04, 2025 938 Croatia May 04, 2025 637 Opinion May 04, 2025 834 Croatia May 03, 2025 912 Dubrovnik May 03, 2025 1077 Croatia May 03, 2025 747 Dubrovnik May 03, 2025 735 Dubrovnik Turkish Airlines has announced that its Istanbul–Dubrovnik route will now operate on a seasonal basis. The final flight for 2025 is scheduled for October 25, with services set to resume on March 29, 2026, reports EX-YU Aviation.  The airline carried 51,398 passengers on this route in 2024 While summer demand remained strong—boasting an impressive average cabin load factor of 89.2% during the second and third quarters—winter performance was notably weaker with occupancy falling to just 48.7% in Q1 and 71% in Q4 Turkish Airlines has boosted the number of weekly flights for the 2025 summer season reflecting continued confidence in Dubrovnik as a high-demand destination during peak months May 03, 2025 913 Dubrovnik The City of Dubrovnik had the honour of hosting world-renowned historian and television presenter Bettany Hughes who is currently in Dubrovnik with her production team from SandStone Global Productions as part of the filming for the new season of the internationally acclaimed documentary series Treasures of the World This series is broadcast on the British network Channel 4 and aired on numerous international television channels in 120 countries Ms Hughes and her team were received by Mayor Mato Franković the importance of international promotion of Dubrovnik as a cultural and historical destination was highlighted with a special emphasis on sustainable tourism The mayor expressed his satisfaction that Dubrovnik has the opportunity to participate in a project that will showcase the city’s rich heritage and exceptional beauty to a global audience “Dubrovnik is a city that uniquely combines rich history with modern life We are pleased that through this series we can share our story with viewers around the world and demonstrate how cultural heritage can be sustainably developed as a foundation for the city’s identity and future,” Mayor Franković stated known for her engaging approach that brings history and archaeology to life as dynamic and evolving processes also expressed her delight with Dubrovnik: “We always aim to show people that history and culture are very much alive and constantly evolving Dubrovnik is the perfect example of that – a city that truly lives its heritage Each episode delivers exclusive stories and discoveries and I can promise that this episode from Dubrovnik will be filled with adventure and revelations that celebrate the exceptionally rich and layered history of this place we will certainly return here – and you'll hear more about that very soon.” As part of the SandStone Global production’s visit filming took place at some of Dubrovnik’s most iconic sites – from the city walls to the historic old town The episode dedicated to Dubrovnik will be broadcast to viewers around the world further strengthening the city's international visibility and its reputation as a destination that treasures heritage and sustainable tourism May 03, 2025 748 Dubrovnik Maritimo Recycling from Dubrovnik has won 3rd place in the 2025 SozialMarie Award for Social Innovation — celebrated in the stunning and packed Das MuTh – Concert Hall in Vienna their initiative was selected by an expert jury for its innovative and impactful work SozialMarie is an annual award that recognises socially innovative projects — initiatives offering fresh sustainable solutions to today’s societal challenges These are ideas rarely seen or never tried before with the potential to inspire others and serve as models for change Maritimo Recycling left a strong impression with its hands-on approach to sustainability and active community involvement in tackling marine waste A standout example is Floaties — handcrafted sunglasses made from bottle caps collected from the Adriatic Sea and from local households Each pair is a unique piece of circular design transforming waste into wearable statements of sustainability and style “Our whirlwind 24-hour trip to Vienna was unforgettable — far too wild to fit into one post — but we’ll be sharing more soon… and probably retelling this story for the rest of our lives Dream team!” said the Maritimo Recycling team May 05, 2025 506 Dubrovnik Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries when resorts proliferated along its breathtaking blue waters While Dubrovnik and coastal cities like Split have long been the poster child for Croatian tourism, seasoned travelers are increasingly turning their attention to lesser-visited alternatives along the Adriatic coast Šibenik a charming coastal city with a rich history genuine Croatian experience away from the overwhelming crowds Here's why you should consider this unsung gem of Dalmatia for your next Adriatic adventure Gorgeous Šibenik has a history that’s just as rich as Dubrovnik’s, with an old town that is undeniably more tranquil. Nestled in a sea inlet between Zadar and Split the tiny city certainly shares similarities with Dubrovnik Both were maritime trading hubs in the Middle Ages Both were conquered by the Venetian Republic and therefore contain a plethora of gorgeous Venetian-style architecture Charming Šibenik has a population of 34,000 locals and lacks the intense crowds of its Dalmatian coastal counterpart cities in addition to the idyllic beauty of its medieval architecture there’s still the normalcy of everyday life here with a lighter vibe in the air complementing the fresh sea breeze What makes this cathedral particularly fascinating is its montage of architectural styles with both Gothic and Renaissance features layered together and the frieze of 71 carved heads that line the outer walls – caricatures of 15th-century locals in various expressions from hilarious to downright scary The compact center houses 22 elegant churches, with the Church and Monastery of St Lawrence standing out for its serene garden. The city's narrow alleys and passageways all flow upward toward St Michael's Fortress a majestic hilltop stronghold that was first recorded as a church in 1066 and has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries Šibenik's surroundings offer some of Croatia's most magnificent natural attractions. Krka National Park with its stunning waterfalls and the remnants of the historic hydroelectric plant You'll also find estuaries to swim in and great pebble beaches to lounge on including Banj beach overlooking the old town and Olive Beach 15 minutes by car (or a quick boat ride from the Riva) Unlike many other Dalmatian coastal communities Šibenik was not established as a Greek or Roman settlement it was strategically founded by Croatian king Petar Krešimir IV in the 11th century who selected the site for its defensive position While it shares similarities with neighboring cities as a maritime trading hub later conquered by the Venetian Republic Šibenik maintains a distinctive cultural identity This uniqueness extends to local traditions like the Šibenska kapa a prominent feature of St Michael's Day celebrations on September 29 During this annual event honoring the city's patron saint including the unmistakable orange cap with two rows of black embroidered decorations called bule The Šibenik cap has been listed on the national intangible heritage list since 2008 The dinky island of Zlarin is a Šibenik local secret. Many Šibenikers have weekend apartments on the island (which is a wonderfully car-free zone) and whizz over on their own dinghies to get away from "city" life for the weekend. For the rest of us there are four Jadrolinija ferry services a day that pick up from Šibenik’s little dock and drop off at Zlarin’s marina taking just 25 minutes to make the crossing with crystalline waters in rustic little ports that dot the island’s coast Boats will also ferry you to the Kornati Islands, a beautiful archipelago and another of Croatia's epic national parks lunar-like landscape surrounded by crystal-clear waters Šibenik's gastronomic scene is another compelling reason to visit. The city boasts some outstanding restaurants that showcase the best of Dalmatian cuisine. Pelegrini offers a life-affirming tasting menu with modern twists on traditional dishes attracting Croatia's jet set (soccer star Luka Modrić is known to visit when in town) For more casual dining, Peperoncino Kitchen & Bar serves creative dishes like tuna gnocchi and cheese steak sandwiches on its charming terrace. And pizza lovers shouldn't miss Koka Pizza a wonderful family-run restaurant often heralded as serving the best pizza in Croatia Šibenik holds an impressive place in technological history One of the world's first hydroelectric plants was built on the Krka River in 1895 the second of its kind following Nikola Tesla's at Niagara Falls worked with his son to build this pioneering facility making Šibenik the third city in the world with an alternating current street-lighting system and the first with the complete system of production This achievement is celebrated annually on August 28 with the Light is Life Festival when the whole city is illuminated – from the fortresses to the seafront and sometimes even the small sailing boats in the bay The spectacle includes light installations creating a festive atmosphere that's worth planning your visit around For a well-situated stay near the old town, choose the Bellevue Hotel, where it's worth paying extra for a sea-view room. Heritage Hotel Life Palace offers charm in a restored Renaissance palace right in the middle of the old town. For luxury seekers, Armerun Heritage Hotel & Residences is Šibenik's leading boutique hotel Šibenik is at the heart of the Dalmatian coast so traveling between it and other Croatian highlights is easy. Šibenik is a 50-minute drive from Zadar airport and a 55-minute drive from Split airport, both of which have regular connections to the capital, Zagreb Croatia's national bus operator, Arriva Croatia runs direct routes between Zagreb and Šibenik's main bus station located right on the seafront; the journey takes about three hours and costs around €24 (US$27) each way there's no need for transport as the bus station is just a few minutes' walk from the center though be prepared for stairs: Šibenik's old town features many steep climbs that map apps might not fully represent For those wanting to experience Dubrovnik, direct long-distance buses with Arriva Croatia and FlixBus connect Šibenik to Dubrovnik in about four and a half hours Book tickets in advance during summer months as routes can fill up quickly One-way fares typically range from €27–30 (US$31–34) Here’s everything to know before you plan a trip to Dubrovnik Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com imageBROKER/Perry Mastrovito/imageBROKER RF/Getty Images Medievalists.net In the bustling Adriatic city of Dubrovnik taverns were more than just places to enjoy a jug of wine A close examination of the city’s records from the late Middle Ages offers insights about crime in the Later Middle Ages Historian Gordan Ravančić researched the court records from the Dubrovnik (then known as Ragusa) archives—especially the Libri de maleficiis and Lamenta de foris—to explore what he calls “tavern-life,” an often-overlooked aspect of everyday medieval experience. His article, “Crime in Taverns of Late Medieval Dubrovnik,” shows how taverns functioned not only as places of entertainment “a brawl or fight was the most common ‘answer’ to any kind of unpleasant ‘question’ or remark,” in this medieval city Taverns in Dubrovnik served a clientele largely made up of men from the city’s working classes: stonemasons Wine was the only drink served—no ale or beer—and patrons entertained themselves with dice often only to buy wine that they then brought home or to accompany a husband This absence reflects broader social expectations about gender roles The possible reason why women were rare guests in taverns is that tavern life very often was quite violent An additional explanation might be the general attitude towards women’s role in family and society which still exists today in some parts of Mediterranean—the tavern was a public place and women were supposed to be a part of the domestic sphere This perfectly corresponds with the fact that even the female tavern-keepers who had to spend much time in taverns because of their profession Violence was the most common form of tavern crime fighting or brawling accounted for 57% of documented offences Some of the insults recorded in the trial records are vivid and vulgar One man was accused of shouting “tua mater est meretrix et magiça” (“your mother is a whore and witch”) while another called someone “tu es bastardus.” Pulling someone’s beard was also considered a grave provocation While it might seem the tavern-keeper was often the victim one tavern-keeper named Sriedan accused a patron of assaulting him but testimony from another tavern-keeper revealed Sriedan had started the fight himself after refusing to accept payment for a broken jug Ravančić notes that tavern-keepers were “very often the main promoters and perpetrators of tavern fights.” The article reveals important insights into Dubrovnik’s social structure Merchants and nobles generally avoided taverns scribes went out of their way to note their distance from any trouble a patrician witness was described as “qui transibat per viam”—he was merely passing by When examining the professions of those visitors who got into trouble at taverns the top three groups were indentured servants tanners and shoemakers among those charged with crimes at taverns they were more likely to be involved in theft and verbal insults than physical violence one striking detail is that 6% of female offenses were classified as robbery—surprisingly high given the risk of violent confrontation Tavern visits followed the seasonal rhythm of agrarian labour likely due to reduced outdoor work in winter a lull between vineyard work and the grape harvest Fewer people visited in August and November Ravančić found that Saturdays and Sundays had significantly higher crime rates than weekdays reinforcing the tavern’s role as a key leisure space in the late medieval city Ravančić notes his findings are similar with other studies from medieval Europe drawing comparisons to tavern culture in England Dubrovnik fits a broader European pattern: taverns were spaces of male-dominated leisure “Crime has to be viewed as one of the basic social activities,” Ravančić argues “and… the patterns of crime can tell us important features of the cultural setting in which people lived.” they reveal a great deal about the social fabric of medieval Dubrovnik Gordan Ravančić’s article, “Crime in Taverns of Late Medieval Dubrovnik,” was published in Medium Aevum Quotidianum, Vol. 38 (1998). You can read it on Ravančić’s Academia.edu page Gordan Ravančić is a Faculty Member at the Croatian Institute of History in Zagreb Top Image: ‘A Brawl outside an Ale House ‘ by Alexander Carse (1770–1843) We've created a Patreon for Medievalists.net as we want to transition to a more community-funded model We aim to be the leading content provider about all things medieval podcast and Youtube page offers news and resources about the Middle Ages We hope that are our audience wants to support us so that we can further develop our podcast and remove the advertising on our platforms This will also allow our fans to get more involved in what content we do produce Member Login Some airlines already have realized that the Winter season should be reduced to DEC to FEB (even excluding Xmas period) only November is still ok to go and March in the Northern Mediterranean area is just beautiful with all the flowers blooming and temps of 15 to 20 C A pity that TK is now discontinuing the service all winter timetable period November in Dubrovnik is fantastic but March is extremely variable It would make most sense to start flights just before Easter and finish them just after New Year's Day What does Dubrovnik offer in November that Antalya Venice or Nice don't?Dubrovnik doesn't try to attract winter tourism and that is why they have such small numbers outside the summer If you have been to AYT ATH CTA VCE or NCE there are more and more tourists looking for travels outside the peak season I am happy in NCE VLC DBV or VCE with temperatures at 15-25 C hiking or just a good coffee while the sun is smiling on your face you see travelling from 01MAR to 15MAY and from 15SEP to 15NOV and I travel mostly to the mediterrenean sea area yesterday I returned from the Cinque Terre and we already had 25 C and it was enough crowded how it is there in July or August.Different people those who think like you are producing 48% LF Doesn't take much to realize who won and why is TK cancelling winter ops It's not about repeating facts about history Visiting Dalmatia during spring and autumn is a bit risky I've been hit with beautiful 25° sunny weather only to be met with apocalyptic winds and rain the next day the summer and winter flight schedules are too static and inflexible Certain airlines have recognized this and have extended their summer flight schedules until week 3 or 4 in November and are already starting to serve destinations again at the beginning of March In order to mitigate the negative effects of mass tourism and to be able to cope with rising tourist numbers in the future airlines will have no choice but to make their flight schedules more flexible tourism will always be somewhat seasonal for climatic reasons many hotels are closed from April to mid-June or from the end of October to mid-December as it allows staff to take a break and use the days off they were unable to take during the high season IB btw is a carrier which serves DBV until 30NOV and from the beginning of March again with two weekly A320 flights to MAD I was there in January for work and the city is empty AJet should increase SAW-OMO to at least twice weekly Croatian tourist workers rest between September and June EX-YU Aviation News does not tolerate insults, excessive swearing, racist, homophobic or any other chauvinist remarks or provocative posts with the intention of creating further arguments. A full list of comment guidelines can be found here Stroll the coastal town's cobblestone streets amid romantic restaurants pairing Mediterranean seafood with Croatian wine COURTESY OF GRADSKA KAVANA ARSENAL RESTAURANT COURTESY OF RESTAURANT & BAR FRATELLOS Go on guided hikes to the UNESCO site of Kotor Venture into the countryside of Greece and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine It all begins with the floating boutique hotel that is your award-winning yacht AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site.© 2025 AFAR LLC This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page In October, I traveled to Croatia for a 10-day getaway and a change of scenery from monotonous city life — and Croatia seemed like the solution Croatia has become a popular destination in Europe, especially following the popularity of HBO's "Game of Thrones," which was partly filmed in its scenic old towns too: The Croatian Bureau of Statistics said 1.7 million tourists arrived in May this year Last year Croatia also joined the Schengen Area a zone in Europe with no internal border controls I stayed in Dubrovnik and Split and took day trips to other cities along the Adriatic Coast I realized along the way that I hadn't done enough research beforehand Coastal cities like Dubrovnik have hilly terrains and countless flights of stairs to conquer An Airbnb I had assumed would be a short walk from the main bus station turned out to be at the top of a hill Lugging my bag up what felt like endless flights of stairs was a full-body workout Staying in a less touristy area was more peaceful But since most attractions are near the Old Town staying closer to the city center and closer to ground level would've been more convenient and comfortable I booked my trip to Croatia assuming that daily expenses would be similar to countries like Italy or Hungary The country also has the second-highest value-added tax in the European Union: 25% Though I wasn't surprised that people have to pay to enter public toilets I didn't expect that most entries would cost 1 euro — half the price of a cup of coffee in a nearby café We also explored outside tourist hot spots to try food targeted at locals which I found to be more authentic and wallet-friendly The temperature in early October ranged from 63 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit so it was mild enough to chill on the beach and bask in the sun Croatia has some of the most beautiful beaches I've seen But I learned the hard way that Croatian beaches aren't sandy though I did end up with funny tan lines on my feet Croatia gets most of its tourists during the summer its old towns were still brimming with tourists But some locals told me the crowds were still smaller than in the summer I noticed that some attractions were also cheaper. The entrance ticket for Krka National Park costs 40 euros in the summer but only 20 euros in the shoulder months But visiting during the off-peak season also meant many services were on a break we were surprised to see most shops closed with signs on their doors saying they'd reopen next June Visiting during this time of the year also meant that chartered bus or ferry services were less frequent the charm of walking around a nearly empty town can only last so long when the next bus back is at 10 p.m I spent three days in Dubrovnik and five days in Split Dubrovnik has beautiful beaches and architecture but I could see the effects of tourism: Prices were slightly higher and its iconic Old Town thronged with tourists and rubber-duck shops Split is a great springboard for day trips I took public transport to nearby towns like Omiš and Trogir I also spent a day exploring Skradin and Krka National Park so it was easier to find budget-friendly food options Lastly, I regret not watching HBO's "Game of Thrones." During walking tours the guides would point out where iconic scenes were filmed was filmed at the Jesuit Stairs in Dubrovnik's Old Town As other visitors marveled at its medieval architecture and fortresses I wished I'd watched the show so I could see the city in a new light I must have walked these walls a dozen times the uneven steps near Pile Gate that lead up to the walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town “I’m only doing this for you,” said Ivan Vuković a Dubrovnik native and tourist guide whom I’ve known for years Ivan explained that elementary school children are required to climb the Old Town walls “Kakav sam turist ovdje,” he joked to another local who was immersed in a book on her terrace below Dubrovnik’s walls protected the city from invaders such as the Venetians The stone was sourced from a limestone quarry near Brgat village on the other side of the hill; the original mortar contained seaweed Rumor has it that during the Middle Ages—when the city’s authorities deemed it necessary to build thicker walls due to the potential threat of Ottoman invasion—every person who entered the Old Town had to bring a stone in proportion to their size “to help the government build part of the stone walls,” Vuković told me the majestic 1.2-mile-long walls still encircle the Old Town providing a bird’s-eye view of terra-cotta rooftops Seventy-five percent of the tiles have been replaced due to mortar damage after the war in the former Yugoslavia and the new UNESCO-approved tiles are from Tolouse The Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 The walls of the Old Town consist of three fortresses—Bokar the Maritime Museum is housed in the 15th-century Fortress of St visitors can “cool off a bit and learn more things about the history of Dubrovnik through the commerce and sea trade as this was a maritime republic.” As the Republic of Ragusa Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state for nearly five centuries partly thanks to its prosperity from its maritime trade and its diplomacy As we walked the northern section of the city walls Vuković pointed out Jewish gravestones that are integrated into the walls themselves “There was a Jewish graveyard on the other side of the wall because there was a Jewish quarter,” he said and they put the tombstones on the top of the wall.” Authorities deemed it necessary that the tombstones were used to fortify the walls for better protection as there was a lack of stone during that time The aristocracy had a motto: obliti privatorum publica curate (think about the public interest Dubrovnik has the oldest active Sephardi synagogue in the world most of the Jewish population arrived in the city,” he said “They found refuge in the area of Dubrovnik.” I stopped to admire the panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea Two large freestanding fortresses were especially important in protecting the Old Town Revelin is an irregularly shaped quadrilateral fort situated near the eastern walls; today the building houses the archeological collection of Dubrovnik while the top part is one of the most popular nightclubs in the city The steadfast sentinel Fort Lovrjenac (Fort of St Lawrence) perches on a 121-foot-high cliff above the sea across from the western walls of the Old Town Vuković pointed out that Fort Lovrjenac’s own walls were of varying size: its 12-meter-thick wall facing the sea was a buffer designed to protect the city against Venetian maritime attacks; meanwhile the wall facing the city is substantially thinner Lovrjenac is used during the summer festival as a Shakespearean stage Featured above the entrance to the Fort is a carved 13th-century Latin inscription: non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro (freedom should not be sold for all the gold in the world) I admired lines of billowing laundry strung between buildings an old method of drying clothes called tiramoli Everyone can see your underwear hanging from the rope,” I heard another tourist guide say these little ropes were used as a net—in case you miss something in your house you would just call your neighbor on the other side through the window and ask for something that you needed “Everything was shared on this traditional net.” fighting hordes of tourists who were bottlenecked on the narrow walkways One year the mayor threatened to limit the number of people in the Old Town to six thousand The Pearl of the Adriatic beckons like a siren drawing visitors from around the world—as it has done throughout the ages Kristin Vuković is the author of the novel The Cheesemaker’s Daughter which is set on Croatia’s island of Pag.  Subscribe to RSS let me make something crystal clear: my knowledge of classical music is on par with Donald Trump’s grasp of economic theory I’m the kind of person who thinks a fugue is what happens when you’ve had too many rakijas and can’t remember how you got home So when I found myself helping to film the 100th anniversary concert of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra Closely followed by – how do I fake this but to help a friend film this centenary celebration positioned in a little booth above the stage tasked with capturing “details” – close-ups of bowing strings “You don’t need to follow the music Just get the feel of it.” Famous last words Let’s pause for a second and acknowledge something remarkable a city with a population smaller than most suburbs – around 40,000 people if everyone’s in town and awake – has a full-time symphony orchestra I once chatted to an American conductor (as one does) who said there are only about 50 full-time orchestras in the entire US Croatia should have roughly half an orchestra possibly based in a shed somewhere in Karlovac Dubrovnik not only has its own orchestra but one that’s turning 100 years old – and still managing to perform in a city that doesn’t have a proper concert hall After some appropriately reverent speeches where the Minister of Culture brought the house down (not literally) by admitting the city needs a concert hall – cue wild applause and probably a few tears of recognition – the conductor raised his baton (yes I had to Google what it’s called) and we were off the musical equivalent of a Shakespearean slap I quickly realized my initial camera plan was flawed The melody didn’t stick to one section of the orchestra It darted around like a caffeinated squirrel percussion – each took their turn in the spotlight before slinking back into the shadows from my slightly voyeuristic eagle’s nest that I began to appreciate the orchestra for what it really is: a family An orchestra isn’t just a collection of musicians The violins and cellos and other members of the woodwind clan – are the mothers of the family While other sections sit quietly sipping metaphorical tea And wouldn’t you know it – most of the woodwind section were women There was one man in their ranks who appeared to be compensating for something by playing a slightly bigger instrument but this is marginally more macho than a flute.” Then there’s the brass section – the fathers occasionally letting out a “Braap!” or a “Bwah!” to remind everyone they’re still part of the action Men with instruments so vast they could double as lifeboats bellowing contribution that shook the rafters It was like hearing your grandfather tell a story at a wedding: rare slightly chaotic – but when you stop to look (or listen) Read more Englishman in Dubrovnik…well ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt Heavy rain in Dubrovnik-Neretva County in Croatia caused disruptions on Wednesday A wall collapsed onto the road above Banje Beach in the Ploče area of Dubrovnik damaging several parked vehicles and leading to the closure of the street to traffic The City of Dubrovnik confirmed the wall was on private land and while the owners had ordered repairs in October an appeal led to a ruling that the Dubrovnik Department of Public Utilities was not competent to address the matter Additional landslides affected the Adriatic Highway near Dubac reducing traffic to one lane with manual regulation Photo Credit: Geio Tischler on Unsplash Unsplash / Geio Tischler Select a question above or ask something else is turning to technology to manage its burgeoning tourism industry Traffic has become unmanageable since the city starred as a backdrop in HBO's "Game of Thrones." Dubrovnik will launch a "special traffic regime zone" in its UNESCO-listed Old Town The zone will use a custom mobile app to regulate tour buses and slash the number of permitted taxis from a staggering 9,000 to just 700 “All inhabitants will be allowed to drive in the area, but cars with [foreign license] plates, such as rental cars and taxis, and other vehicles, will not be permitted in the limited traffic zone,” said Jelka Tepšić tour buses will need to pre-book slots via the city’s app Dubrovnik also plans to build a “Park and Ride,” a parking lot in the suburb of Pobrežje where visitors can leave their cars and take public buses into the city has seen its narrow streets snarled with traffic This move comes as part of the city's broader "Respect the City" strategy, initiated in 2017 to balance tourism growth with quality of life for locals. The efforts haven't stopped tourism growth. Since the start of 2024, the city has recorded over 3 million tourist stays, up 10% from last year, according to the government's tourism ministry the city has worked with the cruise industry to regulate the growth of cruise tourism Dubrovnik now welcomes only two cruise ships per weekend with a maximum of 4,000 passengers per week provides public transportation from the harbor to the Old Town “It was necessary because cruise tourism wasn’t being managed at all,” Tepšić said The strategy was partly adopted in response to the tourism boom following the global stardom the city achieved as the filming location for King's Landing in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones “What Game of Thrones brought is great marketing for our city,” Tepšić said Tourists visit the city to see where scenes from the show were filmed. Game of Thrones-themed tours generated £18.2 million ($24.4 million) in revenue for Dubrovnik, according to a study by tour operator software provider Bókun Carriers responded to the attention by adding direct flights between the U.S Wanderlust follows the latest stories in tourism and experiences from across the globe you agree to receive email communication from Skift Tags: croatia, overtourism, tourism Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news Already a subscriber? Login will launch a 'special traffic regime zone' in 2025 to manage its booming tourism driven in part by its role in 'Game of Thrones.' This initiative part of the broader 'Respect the City' strategy aims to balance tourism growth with local quality of life The city has already seen substantial economic benefits from themed tours and increased international flights despite challenges in managing cruise tourism New users get20% offtheir first year of Skift Pro I had never even heard the word until about a week ago Ignorance was bliss — until a perfect storm of events convinced me that I had stumbled upon unimaginable riches I asked the lady in the bakery just the other day in fact it’s really only older people who still pay cash.” Coins and notes are slowly but surely going the way of VHS videos and floppy disks I don't think I've spent more than €30 in cash this entire year If it weren’t for car park machine that eats credit cards for breakfast I'd have forgotten what euros even look like And there are some weird positives of the death of actual coins. I was listening to the BBC the other day when a report announced that “Procedures to remove foreign objects airways and noses saw a "significant decline" Basically fewer coins fewer children in ER as she dropped a two-euro piece into my hand like it was a newborn baby It could be worth a fortune!" she declared with the conviction of someone who’s been binge-watching Antiques Roadshow One of her clients — who presumably knew about coins — had spotted it in the change tray and told her to treasure it Very valuable!” the oracle had proclaimed there was only one responsible thing left to do What awaited me was the stuff of a fever dream "The value of a 1999 French 2-euro coin largely depends on its condition and rarity." Which is another way of saying hard fact rattled around in the attic of my brain Those didn’t hit the public until 2002 A sneaky thought crept in: had we discovered a "lost" pre-launch euro The Ark of the Covenant — but shinier and with a European Central Bank logo To tell you that I'm now writing this from a beach hammock in Bali sipping a cocktail called "Coin Collector's Dream" and laughing at my former poverty More research — and a polite but crushing reply from an actual coin expert — destroyed everything Long answer: it’s worth 200 euro cents.” He added “I don't know what's up with E-Bay and the like but people there ask for absolutely unrealistic coin prices that should never be taken into account Numismatic shops charge under five euros for the same coin and that's in its uncirculated state,” he added million — of these coins were minted And so I find myself richer only in wisdom Lesson learned: when it sounds too good to be true And if you’re banking your future on loose change you might just be the one who’s a few cents short May 04, 2025 638 Opinion Put bana Josipa Jelacica 25, 20207, Brasina, Mlini. there has been another sustainability-related issue lurking in the background Lately, cities and countries alike have taken action toward the problem—including building literal fences—as overtourism can bring about complications both for residents and our planet in general. According to experts the presence of too many tourists can damage fragile environments or landmarks Some cities, though, are more targeted than others, and at times, pop culture has to do with it, too. Holidu, the vacation home rental agency, recently published a report on the most "over-touristed" cities in Europe and Croatia's Dubrovnik—which in the last few years gained a lot of tourism traction thanks to it being one of the main filming sets for the HBO hit show Game of Thrones—came out on top surpassing the infamously over-touristed Venice Holidu considered annual tourism data from 2019 (the last pre-pandemic year) and calculated an estimation of the number of tourists to residents Dubrovnik counts 36 tourists for every resident That is a lot if we consider that Dubrovnik is a relatively small city with a population of just over 41,000 According to Croatia Week overtourism has caused multiple issues in the Croatian city from traffic jams to damages to infrastructure and a steep increase in prices and lower quality of life for residents has been trying to curb the issue by using different rules and regulations the city installed daily tourist limits and 116 cameras to count the number of tourists entering the Old Town Dubrovnik also launched a new animated YouTube video with tips for being a less disruptive visitor Dubrovnik voted to ban new rental permits in the Old Town and its surrounding area which would help the city meet UNESCO standards and regulations Since last summer, tourists have also had to be careful about how they move around Dubrovnik. Reportedly, many residents of Old Town complained about the noise that tourists make when dragging their suitcases on the city's cobbled streets, arguing that it would keep them awake at night, the New York Post reports tourists are banned from rolling their wheeled suitcases around Old Town and those caught doing so face a fine of $288.  This Easter, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board is once again putting together a wonderful programme to bring even more charm to the city during the festive season—and to share some of the region’s beloved traditions with visitors where you’ll be treated to a live performance by Klapa Kaše one of Dubrovnik’s best-loved vocal groups With their beautiful harmonies and soulful Dalmatian songs they’ll create a truly special atmosphere right in the heart of the Old Town girls in traditional folk costumes will be handing out “pengana” eggs—beautifully decorated Easter eggs—along with leaflets explaining the customs and traditions of Easter in Dubrovnik It’s a lovely way to experience the rich cultural heritage that’s been passed down through generations don’t miss the chance to snap a photo at the colourful Floral Photo Corner in front of Sponza Palace It’s the perfect springtime backdrop And while you're enjoying Easter in Dubrovnik, make sure to check out the Spring Gourmet Days from April 19th to 27th Restaurants across the city will be serving up special menus inspired by fresh local ingredients—offering a delicious taste of the season Winning Team: Restoring Dubrovnik’s Tram with a Vision for Sustainability First place went to Domenica Vukić and Lukrecija Novaković, whose concept centered on connecting the historical value of the tram with innovative and financially sustainable solutions. Their inspiration stemmed from their deep Dubrovnik roots and childhood memories of stories about the city’s old tram. “Since childhood, we’ve heard stories about the tram as a symbol of our city. When we learned about the restoration and competition, we saw it as a chance to contribute,” the winners shared. Their idea focused on year-round tram use, with special attention to seasonality and adapting to the needs of locals and tourists. A visit to the tram during its restoration phase was pivotal to their concept. “Seeing the tram in person helped us understand its technical possibilities and limitations. That moment inspired us to create a solution that blends history with practicality,” they added. With the guidance of professors at RIT Croatia, the duo worked intensively on developing a business model and designing realistic cost and revenue projections. They highlighted teamwork and an emotional connection to the project as critical to their success. Second Place: Lea Gugić and Antonela Rodić Lea Gugić and Antonela Rodić secured second place with their idea that innovatively integrated the tram into Dubrovnik’s cultural and tourism offering, emphasizing sustainability and adaptability. Third Place: Mario Prce and Relja Vuković on Bridging Local and Tourist Worlds The third-place winners, Mario Prce and Relja Vuković, impressed the judges with their vision of uniting the interests of the local community and tourists. “The biggest challenge was adapting our idea to satisfy both worlds that make Dubrovnik what it is—locals and tourists. We wanted to create a concept that connects tradition with modernity while remaining appealing and sustainable,” said Mario and Relja. Participating in the competition provided them with valuable lessons on effectively communicating their message to an audience and aligning creative ideas with the time constraints of a presentation. “The competition was exceptionally well-organized, and the support from tourism professors was invaluable. It allowed us to bring our project to the highest possible standard,” they concluded. Maro Majstorović, Dubrovnik tram project coordinator, expressed his excitement over the ideas presented. “The students demonstrated an incredible level of creativity and professionalism. The winning team stood out for their ability to combine innovation with practicality, which is key to the project’s success.” Majstorović emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration with RIT Croatia on similar initiatives, highlighting their potential to positively impact the local community and economy. A Message to Young People: Get Involved and Create Change All participants, from the winners to the finalists, shared a unified message for young people: participating in such projects is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. “We believe this is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, hone your skills, and create something of broader benefit. We encourage all students to take on the challenge and join similar initiatives,” Mario and Relja urged. The Dubrovnik Tram Elevator Speech competition not only revived a symbol of the city but also demonstrated how young minds can play a vital role in shaping Dubrovnik’s sustainable future. 6th Honors Program Colloquium: Showcasing academic excellence and innovation Finding community through culture: Inside RIT Croatia’s International Club RIT Croatia's Student Government organized a Community Service Day in Zagreb From old villas given modern renovations to elegant guesthouses I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What you lose in convenience – the whole Old Town is pedestrianised although many B&B owners will help you with your luggage – you gain in character and sheer beauty Read more: The best hotels in Dubrovnik for family getaways and kids’ clubs The Old Town’s western Pile Gate is just a few seconds’ walk from Heritage Villa Nobile but it’s a world away from this tranquil 18th-century villa surrounded by soothing greenery Six spacious suites mingle old-world luxury with modern convenience Spoil yourself by booking one of the two-ground-floor suites that come with their own secluded terrace Beach towels are supplied – handy for cute little Šulić Beach and breakfast in the hotel’s garden on warm days is an absolute delight Read more: The best hotels in Dubrovnik for Old Town views and beachside stays Tucked away in one of the narrow lanes off the Old Town’s main thoroughfare Scalini Palace has only eight suites but they’re beautifully done blending modern style with period features As they should be in the 500-year-old former home of Ruđer Bošković the celebrated 16th-century scientist after whom the city’s authorities recently renamed Dubrovnik airport while all have kitchenettes and dining areas Head up to the roof terrace for fantastic views of the Old Town Read more: The best ways to cruise around Croatia Just a few metres away from Dubrovnik’s cathedral is this elegant boutique B&B set in a handsome 17th-century townhouse with white walls and high beamed ceilings filled with baroque-style furnishings Six of the seven rooms have cleverly designed Culshaw kitchens and dining tables and several of the rooms can be connected for pairs travelling together sharing a private lounge and balcony; one even has a piano if you’re feeling musically inclined The friendly and knowledgeable service here is exceptional Read more: The most beautiful places to visit in Dubrovnik It’s hard to get more central than Pucić Palace one of the Old Town’s most venerable hotels This 17th-century Baroque palace is in Gundulić Square The style in its 19 rooms is as stately as you would expect in the former home of an aristocratic family – rich fabrics Dine in the intimate Magdalena Restaurant in its own hidden raised terrace – which includes the old family chapel a favourite place for weddings – or at street level at Lucijan The hotel also has reserved sunbeds on the Old Town’s main Banje Beach Read more: The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered Artists from around the world have been let loose on the nine rooms in Prijeko Palace which was built in the 15th century by a noble family The result is a wonderfully eclectic collection bursting with stylish touches It’s on the restaurant-filled Prijeko street that runs parallel to Stradun but you’ll want to dine in its Stara Loza restaurant Its high-ceilinged Salon is an impressive spot but it competes with the roof terrace and its fantastic views of the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops Read more: The secret heart-shaped European peninsula perfect for a foodie holiday whose 14 understated contemporary rooms and suites are within a 16th-century former nobleman’s house squeezed into a narrow lane between Stradun and Prijeko Its Lobby Bar is a chic place for a cocktail but make certain you book a table at its bijou rooftop Above 5 restaurant where the views rival the quality of the cuisine Treat yourself to a session in the Icona Thai Spa and splash out on a private day trip on the hotel’s own motorboat Read more: The best health and wellness retreats across Europe The family behind the Bota Šare restaurants and oyster bars (including those in Dubrovnik and nearby Mali Ston) expanded into the hotel business with its luxurious Bota Palace just south of Stradun. There are only five stylishly decorated rooms within this 18th-century palace, each with its own theme, including one inspired by Paris and another by clean-cut Scandi design While all come with kettles and coffee machines some also feature fully equipped kitchens if you want to do some self-catering Read more: Why you should visit this German city packed with Cold War curiosities and oddball festivals In a secluded tree-shaded spot just a few minutes’ walk from the busy port at Gruž harbour Bokun Guesthouse offers a restful base for a Dubrovnik holiday Within the 400-year-old stone house are three apartments and two guest rooms and the extensive gardens include an outdoor pool and dining terrace There’s also a barbecue for grilling the fresh produce you can pick up at Gruž’s morning food market Only breakfast is served in the restaurant but Gruž has some excellent restaurants (including vegan options Read more: The best boutique hotels in Amsterdam Handy for the beaches of Babin Kuk and Lapad Bay Hotel Kazbek has 13 traditionally furnished rooms behind a high stone wall on the west side of Gruž port this stone villa is built around an attractive courtyard garden and outdoor pool The garden makes a pleasant place for meals If you fancy a private boat tour of the Elaphiti or other nearby islands you can hire the hotel’s private speedboat Read more: These are the best towns and cities to visit in Slovenia the aristocratic Natali family built their summer home in the shadow of Mount Srđ Now converted into a classy boutique hotel Palace Natali has 21 rooms across three buildings above beautiful Renaissance-style gardens Enjoy superb views of the city from this hillside hotel you’ll have a gorgeous terrace to go with these sea views Another prestige suite comes with its own sauna Read more: The winter holiday perfect for a taste of Alpine glamour Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"FULL SIZE - PART 1 (69).jpg","description":"St Joseph’s, Dubrovnik, Croatia","caption":"Stone houses have been repurposed to make a boutique place stay at St Joseph’s Stone houses have been repurposed to make a boutique place stay at St Joseph’s According to data from the eVisitor system in April 2025 the Dubrovnik-Neretva County recorded 156,485 arrivals and 500,122 overnight stays representing a 4% increase in arrivals and a 12% increase in overnight stays compared to April 2024 The highest number of overnight stays was recorded by guests from the United Kingdom the majority of overnight stays in April were recorded in hotels – 285,683 nights – which accounts for 57% of the total Private accommodation accounted for 148,981 overnight stays but the number of overnight stays increased by 12% In the cumulative period from January to April 2025 the county recorded a total of 225,494 arrivals and 691,400 overnight stays around 20,000 tourists are staying in Dubrovnik-Neretva County May 03, 2025 736 Dubrovnik Easter in Dubrovnik is more than just a holiday; it is a time when centuries-old traditions and the joys of springtime combine into a truly special celebration As the city shakes off the last remnants of winter and the first buds begin to bloom Dubrovnik comes alive with spiritual reflection and Easter marks one of the most sacred periods in the Catholic calendar Holy Week (Veliki Tjedan) is observed with great reverence beginning on Palm Sunday and culminating on Easter Sunday Churches across the city hold special masses and processions most notably at the Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Church of St sombre processions wind through the Old City’s limestone streets led by priests and parishioners carrying crosses and candles Locals and visitors alike are welcomed to join in these powerful displays of devotion is a joyous occasion marked with bells ringing and gatherings of families in their Sunday best the Dubrovnik Tourist Board has organized a special programme to mark the Easter festivities bringing the city's traditions even closer to its visitors the a cappella vocal group Klapa Kaše will perform in front of the Church of St filling the square with rich harmonies and Dalmatian spirit Girls in traditional folk costumes will hand out "pengana" (decorated) eggs a cherished symbol of Easter in the region A stunning Floral Photo Corner, created by local artist Kristina Skvrce, will adorn the area in front of Sponza Palace from April 15 to 17, offering the perfect spring selfie spot. Read more about this year’s full Easter programme here food plays a central role during Easter in Dubrovnik The holiday table is a delicious mix of spiritual symbolism and seasonal indulgence A traditional Easter breakfast often includes ham hard-boiled eggs (sometimes dyed red to symbolise Christ's blood) fragrant loaf flavoured with citrus peel and rum preparations for the big feast begin days in advance and served with potatoes or seasonal greens like "blitva" (Swiss chard) Local wine and homemade rakija flow freely as families gather to celebrate Spring and Easter go hand in hand – both are seasons of renewal this spirit is reflected not only in religious observance but also in the way the city opens its arms to visitors From the songs of klapa singers echoing through sunlit squares to the scent of roast lamb wafting through stone alleyways Easter in Dubrovnik is a feast for the senses you'll find yourself wrapped in the warmth of local hospitality and centuries-old traditions that still shine brightly in the springtime sun come and experience a celebration like no other—where the sacred meets the scenic Confession: Up until this year, I didn't know much about Croatia — other than the fact that much of "Game of Thrones" was filmed there so I figured it must be well worth a visit if she left so impressed Croatia is right across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. Historically, it's been a bit overshadowed by surrounding coastal European hot spots I can confidently say it's just as beautiful as its Italian neighbor There's no denying that Italy has a rich history Croatia has a unique blend of cultural influences from Greeks and Romans to Byzantines and Austro-Hungarians And even though Dubrovnik was damaged by an earthquake in 1667 and artillery attacks in the early 1990s and other historical structures still stand Croatia has a whopping 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is impressive considering the size of the country — it's smaller than most US states I can honestly say I never felt uneasy on my trip even while walking alone through Dubrovnik or heading back to my hotel from dinner after dark but I find that Croatia's cuisine offers more variety because it reflects all its neighboring countries the cuisine is more seafood-heavy and leans more Greek the cuisine feels more influenced by Hungary and Austria — think: hearty meat stews and schnitzel I found that Croatia felt more affordable to visit than some other popular travel destinations in Europe a decent glass of wine can cost around 6 to 9 euros on the Amalfi Coast a laidback fishing town on the ​​Dalmatian Coast I found a café offering a glass of wine with three oysters for 9 euros — quite a steal I regularly found meals for about 10 euros or beers for about 3 euros I split my time between two hotels in Dubrovnik: The Bellevue a boutique hotel set on a high cliff overlooking Miramare Bay another seaside spot located a stone's throw from Old Town Both provided me with dramatic Adriatic views that resembled something out of a movie — bright-blue waters The Bellevue and Excelsior are consistently rated among the best hotels in Dubrovnik I felt the cost was actually reasonable for the value: My king suite with a balcony and sitting area at the Hotel Bellevue was 700 euros a night On the Amalfi Coast, I found a comparable king suite could cost over 3,660 euros a night during the same low-season month of October Croatia is full of world-class museums and galleries featuring the work of both native and foreign artists One highlight is the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MOMAD) which is housed inside a restored 1930s mansion and features thousands of paintings I've had many Italian wines in my lifetime I'd never had a Croatian one until my trip to Dubrovnik From my first sip of crisp Malvasia during a guided tasting at the Hotel Supetar in Cavtat I was smitten with Croatia's native grapes and the rendition I tried from Croatian winery Puhelek Purek had all the citrusy notes and bright acidity I love I've since learned that Croatian wines have won countless international awards — last year the country took home 366 medals at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards The sandy beaches on Italy's Amalfi Coast and islands are picturesque but many of Croatia's beaches are just as pristine the beaches I visited in Croatia weren't super crowded and the water was still warm enough to swim in almost none of the country's beaches are privatized Most of Croatia's beaches are free to the public This isn't the case in Italy where you'll often need to pay an entrance fee to get into top beaches DUBROVNIK – The leaders of Ukraine and South-East European countries endorsed the Dubrovnik Declaration at yesterday’s summit hosted by Croatia The document reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s independence as well as support for Ukraine’s Peace Formula of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy The document also reiterated leaders’ “determination to intensify joint efforts to ensure further progress and mutual support to South East European partners the Republic of Moldova and Georgia on their path towards EU membership” It urged all countries not to provide material or other support for Russia’s war of aggression and recalled the relevance of alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy decisions and measures The Dubrovnik summit continues the series of high-level meetings between Western Balkans, South East Europe and Ukraine, which includes the 2023 Athens Summit and the 2024 Tirana Summit The participants of the summit were Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the cohosts as well as President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova Mihai Popșoi Officials of EU member states from the region also participated including the President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar Prime Minister of Bulgaria Dimitar Glavchev Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Luminița Teodora Odobescu Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Hakan Fidan and Vice-President of the European Commission Dubravka Šuica also took part in the summit as the Participants of the Dubrovnik Summit Almost 1000 days have passed since the start of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine unjustifiable and illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms Russia’s war of aggression is a crime against the Ukrainian people; a flagrant violation of international law including the UN Charter; and a great threat to peace security and stability of South East Europe and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders remains absolute We reconfirm our unwavering commitment to providing continued multifaceted support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes We express our respect and sympathy with the Ukrainian people who have been resisting Russia’s armed aggression since 2014 with courage Building on the Joint Declaration of the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform adopted in Zagreb on 25 October 2022 and the results of the 4th Summit of the International Crimea Platform we stress our unwavering commitment to the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through further providing Ukraine with comprehensive assistance to counter Russia’s aggression We fully support the outcomes of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine and lasting peace for Ukraine can only be based on international law we reaffirm our support to Ukraine’s Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an essential framework to restore such peace We express our support to Ukraine’s efforts in this direction and stress our readiness to participate actively in the implementation of the points of the Peace Formula in its efforts to restore international peace and security globally to intensify its support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle for freedom we urge all countries not to provide material or other support for Russia’s war of aggression We recalled the relevance of alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy decisions and measures We stress that any form of aggression against a sovereign state is unacceptable All countries must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity sovereignty or political independence of any state we emphasise that the withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine cessation of hostilities and restoration of Ukraine’s full control over its state borders are non-negotiable conditions for the restoration of peace We condemn in the strongest possible terms any attempts by Russia to forcibly and illegally annex parts of Ukraine’s territory Such attempts represent a blatant violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions are integral parts of Ukraine we consider the so-called “elections” held by Russia in March and September 2024 on Ukrainian territory to be null and void We reiterate our determination to intensify joint efforts to ensure further progress and mutual support to South East European partners the Republic of Moldova and Georgia on their path towards EU membership on a merit-based approach The accession of these new members to the European Union is the best guarantee of regional stability We welcome the opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine as well as with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Moldova Allies reiterated their commitment to continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration We again underline our firm commitment of bringing to justice those individuals responsible for the crime of aggression crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine We note Ukraine’s ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as an important step towards justice for the most serious crimes of concern to the International Community and emphasise the importance of ensuring the Court’s ability to exercise its jurisdiction fully We agree to continue to cooperate and focus our efforts on the release of all prisoners of war and the return of all illegally deported and forcibly relocated Ukrainians We agree that the topics of food security and demining intersect and mutually reinforce one another In line with the conclusions of the International Donors’ Conference on Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine which was held in Zagreb on 11 and 12 October 2023 we discussed demining in the context of Ukraine’s recovery as the crucial first step towards the safe return of people and resumption of economic and agricultural activity Ukrainian agricultural products should be safely and freely provided to interested countries as well as access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure We underscore the critical importance of Ukraine’s energy security especially taking into account the upcoming winter Ukrainian power stations and energy grid continue to suffer massive damage as a result of Russia’s systematic and deliberate attacks we examined the options to step up our efforts – including further mobilising the private sector – in providing Ukraine with the equipment and financing needed to mitigate the consequences We also underscore the need for more coordination and planning at regional level and for efficient electricity interconnectors in order to absorb the shock of the damage caused by Russia’s attacks We also emphasise that any use of nuclear energy and nuclear installations must be safe In this context we stressthat the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant must return under full sovereign control of Ukraine and operate safely and securely in line with IAEA seven indispensable pillars and five concrete principles and under its supervision We express our commitment to continue participating in the ongoing and postwar recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine in order to enable the Ukrainian people to rebuild their country including private companies and international financial institutions with the aim of securing the financial support investments and expertise needed to ensure a prosperous future for Ukraine peaceful and prosperous Europe without a free The commitment of the Participants of the Ukraine – South East Europe Dubrovnik Summit to this goal remains ironclad European Western Balkans is a web portal that focuses on the WB countries and reports on development of the EU’s enlargement policy The portal is launched in 2014 by the Centre for Contemporary Politics The second day of the European Cup in Dubrovnik did not go unnoticed and the quality of the event is evident from the fact that in addition to Olympic champion Barbara MATIĆ one of the most popular names in mixed martial arts came to watch the final block On the last day, Croatia added two more medals to the overall standings, with bronze medals won by Dora BORTAS (JK “Samobor”) and Mikita SVIRYD (AJK “Student” – Split) In the fight for the bronze medal in the -57kg category against whom she finished everything in the first minute of the fight The semi-final fight was definitely the toughest physically and mentally in the end it didn’t go my way but we’ll be stronger next time Of course the medal was certainly in sight as the ultimate goal but of course I wanted to have good fights and give my best Sviryd is gradually getting back to “working temperature” and he showed that with today’s bronze medal in the over 100kg category when he defeated Montenegrin Slobodan VUKIĆ I don’t know why I got that third warning but it was a very good training before the European Championships in Montenegro I haven’t been on the IJF and EJU tour for three years and two months I only started two months ago and the beginning is still difficult although I’m in good shape and physically but in my head I’m not mentally strong enough because I haven’t had regular competitions I’m trying and getting ready for the LA Olympic Qualifications that start next year He previously recorded two wins and a loss he was better against Stef VAN KAMPEN (NED) and Vaclav JASEK (CZE) Finalist and silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, German Eduard TRIPPEL performed normally in his -90kg category Although the 28-year-old German national team player’s first competition after the Paris Olympics had already made it to the finals he was faced by Azerbaijani Murad FATIYEVA who did better in the second minute of extra time I haven’t had many competitions with many fights for a long time it was almost like a Grand Prix competition I’m nominated for the European Championship I guess I’ll fight at the World Championship but it’s up to the coach to decide who will fight at the World Championships so I don’t have any concrete plans for the future I fought in the Bundesliga up to 100 and over 100kg The Bundesliga is quite fun with my teammates but a very good training and experience,” added the silver medalist from Tokyo Croatia finished in third place in the overall standings with two gold First place was taken by the Azerbaijani national team while the French national team came in second any visitor will need to ask themselves the same question: to stay within the city walls or outside you have the benefit of pedestrianised streets and a cluster of boutique boltholes and converted palaces brimming with period charm Centuries of history are condensed into a warren of limestone streets Staying outside the Old Town is generally a quieter and many resorts along the coast have direct beach access Lapad is where the larger names tend to congregate the Adriatic is warm enough for a swim and the Old Town is comfortably walkable Or take your cue from the original visitors and come in winter when the city is at its cosiest – and arguably This is our pick of the best hotels in Dubrovnik For more inspiration on where to stay, visit the best hotels in Croatia or to book a home stay, visit the best Airbnbs in Croatia walkable to both the historic centre and Lapad and with direct access to a secluded cove below Portuguese designer Tereza Prego created fresh modern interiors for the 77 rooms and 14 suites Natural materials abound – from the wooden floors and stone accents to the dove-grey and soft blue textiles that mirror the seascape beyond Many rooms come with suntrap terraces that look out to the pine-studded cliffs and dazzling Adriatic A lift will whisk you down to pebbly Plaža Bellevue – a small beach that remains almost empty in off-season and offers private space with sunbeds for guests in summer’s peak with its heated freshwater pool and floor-to-ceiling windows makes a compelling case for an afternoon indoors From the Spice Lounge where you can enjoy a well-mixed grappa to Nevera’s cave dining room that’s pure atmosphere grab a table at Vapor’s terrace in time for sunset The fine dining restaurant is one of the best in Dubrovnik with a diverse and flavourful selection of dishes such as Adriatic fish ceviche wild mushroom risotto and St Jacques scallops and staff are adept at recommending Croatian wines to pair with your meal this heritage hotel is a handy place to bed down if you’re coming to or from the Split as the summer residence of the noble Zamanja family it was bought by the Swedish investment company Pervanovo who renovated the property back to its former glory The 12 elegantly furnished rooms and one suite have a classic style and feature king-size beds bath tubs and refillable Thierry Mugler amenities The Balcony Terrace is ideal for cocktails overlooking Gruž Bay before heading down to the Kazbek restaurant for Croatian specialties made from fresh and locally grown ingredients under a stone vaulted ceiling you can dine outside at the Courtyard Terrace surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens so you can soak up the morning sun while enjoying your eggs and coffee Heritage Villa Nobile is the best of both worlds – modern yet historic Once the home of an affluent intellectual and notable pianist the house remained in the same family for three generations it was then bought by current owners Tina and Stipe Milisic who thoughtfully renovated it into the high-end boutique property you see today The six bedrooms pay homage to Maria and Dr Pugliesi and their circle of friends Tina delved into the archives to research the villa’s former inhabitants and bring their history to life small cabinets display their personal effects Bedrooms have state-of-the-art tech such as underfloor heating mottled glass mirrors and restored antique furnishings is where Maria and Dr Pugliesi used to host their regular Monday night soirées which would attract visitors from the nearby Grand Imperial Hotel (now the Hilton) who would drift in after hearing the music while out on their evening walk Breakfast is served in the front garden – a little oasis of calm with orange trees and old Japanese Sago palms where mornings begin with a continental tray of cold meats and evenings can be enjoyed with a glass of wine this is a refined retreat for those seeking a grown-up escape this makes a great winter break as well as summer holiday spot—especially with its private beach and PADI diving centre so you can make the most of the coastal location the 308 rooms and suites all enjoy west-facing sea views and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the resort ensure the scenery takes centre stage Part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection Dubrovnik Palace was built in 1972 but underwent a full renovation in 2014 to bring it up to date artist Mare Šuljak and fashion designers from Studio I-GLE to create a stylish and contemporary decor with mid-century modern-inspired furnishings and a colour palette that takes its cue from the surrounding seascape – teal blues The VIP wing has its own private entrance and features four zen-like suites with private balconies for complete seclusion Their oak and elm interiors give them a Japanese feel A rooftop Energy Clinic spa offers everything from Thalgo cold cream facials to hot stone massages saunas and a sea-view gym with panoramic Adriatic vistas all four restaurants and two bars serve a mix of lavish buffets and à la carte Maslina Tavern – which does fabulous contemporary Dalmatian cuisine – and the Sunset Lounge where guests and visitors alike enjoy sundowners with the best views in town and artists – this Baroque palazzo is the place to bed down if you want to immerse yourself in the Old Town’s history Waking up to the chatter of the daily food market and the sound of the cathedral bells is the most Dubrovnikan experience there can be this is one such establishment that remains open year-round so you can take advantage of the quieter months when the city feels more peaceful and authentic and copper slipper baths—it’s rather like stepping into an Agatha Christie novel and Nespresso machines bring a touch of luxury or make like Romeo and Juliet and book one of the first-floor suites for their stone balconies that overlook Gundulić Square and the Jesuit Stairs This was also the setting for the opening sequence of David Tennant’s 2005 film make Pucić Palace feel like a home-from-home curate a personal walking tour with local travel expert Ivan Vuković (AKA Vuka) or simply share stories about this historic space Restaurant Lucijan spills out onto the square and visitors linger over Adriatic seafood and Dalmatian classics such as the rožata – a rose liqueur-infused crème caramel where the Baroque Chapel and terrace set the stage for candlelit dinners under the stars this 400-year-old townhouse has just six rooms making it feel like you’re staying with a friend The whole property has been tastefully renovated blending original 16th-century features – stone walls timber beams – with elegant décor and 21st-century creature comforts But the best bit is that every room is kitted out with a discreet kitchenette featuring an induction hob meaning you don’t have to venture out to eat if you don’t want to your mornings will begin with a full breakfast served in-room—don’t leave without trying the signature St This 13th-century family residence is a more secluded affair offering guests the best of both worlds: the privacy of their own historic abode with all the benefits of a well-run guesthouse just moments away each with an en-suite featuring an antique-style rain shower are spread across the house – two with full-height ceilings the third a cosy attic space with sloping walls and period charm so you can chat to the other guests over coffee the Grand Hotel Imperial was the city’s first purpose-built hotel designed to serve passengers arriving off the steamships touring the Adriatic back when Dubrovnik was a winter destination rather than a summon one – the opposite of today It has remained a Dubrovnikan institution ever since from royalty to politicians and dignitaries King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson danced and drank tea in the garden in the summer of 1936 After the building was shelled during the Homelands War in 1991 it was completely revamped to become a hotel once again London interior design studio Goddard Littlefair gave it a 21st-century facelift preserving its period features and reinjecting a dose of Art Deco elegance The result is a hotel reminiscent of a glamorous ocean liner and an homage to the golden age of travel 149 guest rooms and nine suites have a stylish duck-egg blue and teal colour scheme Partaking in afternoon tea or cocktail hour at the Imperial Bar and Lobby Lounge is a must as is enjoying a meal downstairs at the Imperial Restaurant or in the garden under the shade of magnolias and palms and sunbeds are laid out on the deck in summer months There’s a small spa and indoor pool for less clement days The location doesn’t get much better either – you’re mere steps from Pile Gate and the old walls And if you’re lucky enough to stay in one of the top-floor suites you have the addition of a sun-filled terrace with unparalleled city and sea views the main thoroughfare in the historic centre this modern transformation of the 18th-century Caboga Palace is the work of the Šare family the force behind the acclaimed Bota Šare restaurants and oyster bars in Dubrovnik five thoughtfully designed rooms strike a balance between old and new with original stone walls and wooden floors offset by striking paintings by Dubrovnik-based artist while the attic studio has a small kitchen with oven and dishwasher – perfect for those who prefer to self-cater from in-room hair straighteners to refillable Rituals amenities Breakfast is delivered to your door – a choice of Dalmatian toast or a classic continental spread made with local organic ingredients – so you don’t need to head out to refuel And there’s a bottle of cherry brandy on the communal sideboard for late-night tipples adults-only Palace Natali offers superlative views and a tranquil alternative to the hotels in town One-time summer residence of the wealthy Natali family the original Renaissance home was meticulously restored according to strict conservation criteria and now operates as a modern upscale stay with 21 rooms spread across three separate buildings – the converted 16th-century Palace Natali all stocked with covetable Diptyque amenities while some even come with private saunas for that extra touch of luxury Spread across the different buildings are also common areas in which you can play the piano contains a copy of the Statute of Dubrovnik from 1272 which makes for a highly entertaining read The nice thing about Palace Natali is that it never feels crowded it’s a bit like staying in a big country house – the sense of spaciousness especially after a day's sightseeing in the Old Town An outdoor pool makes for a serene oasis on hot summer days and the manicured lawns are dotted with ancient olive trees and swing chairs in which to relax and enjoy the breeze and panoramic views – the benefit of being at this elevation The garden restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine Hitting the beach for some serious sunbed time, or lazing by the outdoor pool flanked by pine trees will be the only tough decisions you’ll have to make. Either way, the sunshine will force you to take on a slower pace and get in some Dalmatian fjaka, otherwise known as downtime, helped along nicely by the Luna Bar’s on-point cocktails. Top-floor Zenith Bar is the place to go for local wines and sundowners before heading down to Restaurant Sphere for a Mediterranean dinner – on sultry evenings ask for a table in the garden beneath lantern-lit trees that kick the atmosphere up a notch. This is also the main stage for breakfast, where you’ll have your pick of continental buffet and hot dishes. The spa has a freshwater pool, Finnish sauna and steam room, and there’s a gym for your all-important holiday workouts. There’s a sound that defines Easter in Dubrovnik—not the uplifting chorus of church bells nor the joyful peal of children unwrapping chocolate eggs on the sun-drenched Stradun high-pitched screech of the grass strimmer echoing around like a swarm of steroidal mosquitoes Dubrovnik’s version of spring cleaning is a two-pronged assault: one aimed at errant blades of grass And if that doesn’t quite set the mood for you throw in the shrill promises of a dozen political candidates all waving their banners and clichés as the local elections loom Easter this year came bundled with all the expected signs of the start of the tourist season: clear skies tourists walking up Široka Street as if they’re storming Normandy black bunting and sorrowful bells to mark the passing of Pope Francis The cobbled streets of Dubrovnik are already a teeming international buffet of sunburnt shoulders The walking tours have resumed their slow-motion parade But while the city centre bubbles with energy my wife and I have had an entirely different sort of revelation—we’ve got new neighbours I was half-expecting Attenborough to pop out from behind the hibiscus with whispered commentary: “Here we see a young breeding pair of Homo Croaticus Urbanus cautiously re-entering their natural habitat…” unless they’re heirs to a seafood empire or won Eurojackpot you can’t buy a grave or a garage in Dubrovnik for less than a kidney and your soul And this is where my wife and I’s guilty pleasure comes in We’re both addicted to those UK property shows—you know the ones They sit down with a real estate agent and say “We’ve got a budget of £100,000 and we want a pool and walking distance to the beach.” you’re lucky if you get a basement with a sloping ceiling and a view of someone else’s laundry real estate prices in the south of Croatia haven’t just gone up—they’ve been launched into orbit Dubrovnik has transformed into a boutique theme park for rich visitors and that “easy” Airbnb money has turned housing into a blood sport every shoebox has been converted into a short-term rental The words “long-term lease” are now only whispered in dark alleys by desperate locals And let’s not pretend this is unique to Dubrovnik Venice—they’re all buckling under the pressure of overtourism But at least some cities are doing something about it had the radical idea of banning short-term rentals Other destinations have stated that if an apartment building has only one main entrance then it can’t be used as tourist accommodation Can you picture the outrage if such a law were passed here There’d be wailing and gnashing of teeth “WAR ON TOURISM” while hosts mourn the loss of their second income maybe it’s time for something that radical Because we are running out of options—and out of neighbours Maybe it means restricting Airbnb licenses it means actually listening to the people who live here Or we can just keep trimming the same old patch of grass and wondering where everyone’s gone The Dubrovnik Tourist Board proudly announces the launch of an exclusive marketing campaign in New York, one of the world’s most influential cities. As part of strategic promotional activities in international markets, Dubrovnik will be featured from February 3 to 16 on a prestigious digital screen in Times Square one of the world’s most iconic advertising locations Displayed on an imposing screen at the northern entrance to Times Square—standing nearly 30 meters tall—a captivating 15-second video with the message “Alluring Dubrovnik Due to its unique shape and prime location this screen attracts the attention of millions of passersby and business professionals working in the heart of New York City the video will reach more than 13.7 million people "Dubrovnik’s presence in Times Square is a great honor and a strategically important step in strengthening our city's recognition in the American market This campaign not only reinforces Dubrovnik’s image as a prestigious global destination but also further positions our city in the minds of potential travelers from the U.S.," said Miro Drašković the Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board American tourists ranked second in the number of visits to Dubrovnik in 2024 with 186,869 arrivals and 513,234 overnight stays—an increase of 11% in arrivals and 10% in overnight stays compared to the previous year The United States is one of Dubrovnik’s key markets and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board continues to invest in its promotion through digital campaigns and participation in leading tourism fairs and business workshops The Times Square campaign represents another step forward in enhancing Dubrovnik’s global visibility and inspiring future travel in 2025 views of the crystal clear Adriatic sea and secret green enclaves the charming city of Dubrovnik is a place with plenty to discover The city’s Old Town was listed as one of Unesco’s World Heritage Sites in the late 1970s due to its picturesque and well-preserved Gothic caves and idyllic landscapes have also created a legion of admirers Its popularity has also peaked in recent years with the city forming the backdrop for key scenes in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones Some of the show’s most memorable moments to take place in the fictional city of King’s Landing were filmed at Fort Lovrijenac and along the city walls prompting the creation of a host of themed tours around the city With so many historic sites to visit and views to set your eyes on we’ve found some of the most beautiful places to visit in Dubrovnik Fort Lovrijenac is a popular spot for Game of Thrones fans and visitors as it forms the centrepiece for the Red Keep in the TV series The stronghold is much more than just a film set the fort is perched on top of a 37m-high rock surrounded by the crystal blue Adriatic waters this historic structure enjoys excellent views of the Old Town and West Harbour Read more on Croatia travel: The city walls that snake around Dubrovnik’s Old Town are one of Europe’s most well-preserved fortifications providing a historic and unique opportunity to see some of this picturesque city from a different angle At 940 metres in length and at 25 metres high a stroll along these historic walls passes terracotta rooftops architectural feats such as St Luke’s Tower and Fort Minčeta plus wonderful views of the shimmering sea and the town below it’s recommended to walk the walls early in the morning or later in the day when the sun is lower and the temperature is cooler Adults €35 (£30)/children €15 (£13); dpds.hr While walking the walls of the Old Town offers some stellar close-up views of Dubrovnik, nothing quite beats catching a bird’s-eye view of this striking city while gliding up a hillside in a cable car Choose a clear day to head to Dubrovnik’s cable car service to see a panoramic view up to 37 miles away The cabin takes you to the top of Srđ Hill where you can make full use of the viewing platform to soak up the idyllic views and stop at the restaurant and shop While the spectacular views may cost a little this is the ideal spot to take in the best sights this city has to offer Adults €27.75(£23.50)/children €7(£6) return; dubrovnikcablecar.com Read more: Best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik Eagle-eyed visitors walking around the Old Town or sightseeing from Srđ Hill may spot a small island off the coast of Dubrovnik completely covered in vegetation and densely packed trees Much of its plant life owes to the botanical gardens that were established when Austrian archduke Maximilian I had a residence here in the late 1800s While the reserve island is now uninhabited it’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring other points of beauty and hidden gems away from the city Visit the large medieval Benedictine monastery and the stunning ruins of the 19th-century Fort Royal at another end Take the time to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik by surrounding yourself in botanical wonders or simply chilling on the rocky shoreline before taking a quick boat ride back to the mainland it’s well worth stopping back and soaking up the unique atmosphere for a least one before moving on Dubrovnik has plenty of opportunities to embrace the city’s natural wonders but just as sensational are the cream and white buildings complete with terracotta roof tiles that line the streets but a stroll down the pedestrian-only walkway should not be overlooked the street earns its beauty points due to its white limestone paving and uniform buildings each complete with grand archways over their entrances Stradun is also crawling with historic buildings starting with the magnificent Pile Gate at one end of the street to the elegant 16th-century Sponza Palace at the other Orlando’s Column and the Clock Tower are also worth a look If you need to take a breather from Dubrovnik’s bustling centre head over to the residential neighbourhood of Lapad you will find Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park a green area spanning 106 acres covered in Aleppo pines and other trees Velika and Mala (translating to big and small attracting trekkers and hikers to complete trails around the forest and enjoying magnificent views of the sea The park also attracts twitchers to spy on the area’s feathered friends living within the foliage Just under 20km north of Dubrovnik lies a peaceful slice of history was created around the summer residence of the Gučetić (Gozze) noble family of the Republic of Ragusa in the late 15th to early 16th-century As one of the region’s oldest botanical gardens the arboretum still boasts impressive vegetation including colourful flowers and the garden’s jewels: two giant plane trees thought to be over 500 years old greeting you at the entrance Weave around the many walkways in this tranquil setting keeping an eye out for the pretty villa and infamous pavillion A majestic 18th-century grotto can also be found amongst the gardens with a statue of Neptune flanked by two nymphs and overlooking a lily pond Catch a local bus to Trsteno Arboretum from Dubrovnik From €10 (£8.47 )for an adult single ticket; tzdubrovnik.hr As well as admiring the architecture while walking down Stradun it’s worth stepping inside some of the city’s heritage buildings to take in the beautiful constructions from the inside (they also serve as a cool refuge from the hot weather) The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the city’s Roman Catholic religious structure and is home to the infamous Baroque dome synonymous with Dubrovnik’s cityscape The 14th-century Franciscan Monastery is also worth a look; inside is the third-oldest working pharmacy in the world that has been in business since 1317 the Dominican Monastery provides a peaceful courtyard to walk in away from the city crowds a Gothic-Renaissance structure that now holds the Cultural History Museum is filled with paintings and an eerie dungeon The Cathedral is free to enter, Franciscan Monastery from around €6 (£5), Dominican Monastery from around €5 (£4.23), Rector’s Palace €15 (£12.70); dumus.hr/en/ While Banje Beach is a well-known seashore spot situated near the Old Town Sveti Jakov Beach is rated as the more favourable spot to immerse yourself in the Adriatic waters with the City Walls still in view The pebbly beach is surrounded by cliff rocks and greenery leading up to the historic Church of St James Take a kayaking tour to the nearby Betina Cave to spend time in this hidden gem away from the crowds this boutique luxury hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town yet it feels far away enough to relax after a long day in the hustle and bustle of the city centre Hotel Bellevue is equipped with restaurants a spa with a heated pool looking out over the Adriatic and sea-view rooms One of its premium attractions has to be the private panoramic lift that transports guests down to a secluded pebble beach away from the crowds Read more: The best ways to cruise around Croatia for island-hopping and excursions to ancient cities {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"iStock-824763280.jpg","description":"The old town of Dubrovnik in Croatia, where Game of thrones's scene sets always a good ideal for traveling.","caption":"The old town of Dubrovnik in Croatia, where Game of thrones’s scene sets always a good ideal for traveling The old town of Dubrovnik in Croatia, where Game of thrones’s scene sets always a good ideal for traveling While the final season concluded in 2019, the show's global stardom has resulted in sustained tourist interest to both Dubrovnik and other locations used to film scenes from the show — different parts of Northern Ireland and Iceland for scenes set north of the Wall separating fictional kingdoms Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Dubrovnik to test new caps for tourist buses taxisAs first reported by travel industry website Skift the city is weighing the launch of a "special traffic regime zone" to regulate foot visitors through Dubrovnik's historic Old Town as well as limit the number of tour buses and taxis that can stop there during popular hours The city began testing it during peak days last summer and also put up electronic signs to inform visitors of high-traffic periods and collect data on how many people pass through during peak periods "After the trial phase of the special traffic regime system began, as we previously announced, we will continue to inform the public about the collected data," Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic wrote in a Facebook  (META)  post "From the introduction of the Special Traffic Regime Zone until today the average daily number of vehicles is around 12,500." The number of buses and taxis allowed to stop in the Old Town area will also be slashed to just 700 from the 9,000 currently stopping there at peak hours now The entire Old Town is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will not be permitted in the limited traffic zone." A number of cities, and in some cases entire countries in Europe, have been grappling to control the effects of overtourism. The Italian canal city of Venice has been testing a system in which daytime visitors during peak weekend days in the summer had to pay five euros (the program was a seasonal one that is currently being evaluated for effectiveness before being either scrapped or reintroduced for next year.) Iceland, which has been feeling particular strain on natural areas popular with tourists has also recently introduced a tourist tax similar to ones other nations work into either the electronic authorization needed to enter the country or as a tax on one's hotel or vacation rental property stay Sign up today for the the latest cruising news, tips, and guidance from cruise aficionado and expert, Dan Kline Sign up today for our free newsletter and you'll receive an exclusive report explaining hedge fund guru Doug Kass' winning investment style Roy and Lucy Turner of Lewes cruised for eight days on a small cruise ship down the Croatian coast from Split to Dubrovnik The Turners highly recommend visiting Croatia; it's an amazing place to read the Cape Gazette Show fellow Cape Gazette readers just how wide a territory their newspaper covers! Carry your Cape Gazette on your travels. Email jamie@capegazette.com a photo and description - don’t forget names Looking to access paid articles across multiple policy topics Interested in policy insights for EU professional organisations The Ukrainian leader has stepped up efforts to rally international backing amid doubts about future US support after the November presidential election in the United States News Service Produced externally by an organization we trust to adhere to journalistic standards Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (C-R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (C-L) with other participants pose for family photo during the Ukraine - Southeast Europe high level meeting in Dubrovnik United Airlines announced yesterday an expansion of its seasonal route from Dubrovnik to New York/Newark and will increase from four times a week to daily flights there will be twice as many available seats on flights in 2025 “We are excited to announce the expansion of our seasonal service from Dubrovnik to New York/Newark for the summer 2025 season allowing our customers in Croatia to book their next trip to the U.S United Airlines' Director of International Sales “Our daily service from Dubrovnik will offer passengers more travel options and the ability to connect seamlessly through our New York/Newark hub to 58 destinations across America.” This significant increase is the result of long-standing efforts and negotiations with United Airlines “Through long-term collaboration and continuous investment in service improvements we have achieved a significant step that will benefit both Ruđer Bošković Airport and the entire destination In addition to being the only airport in Croatia with a direct connection to the U.S. we are honored that the increase in flights on the Dubrovnik to New York/Newark route is part of the largest international expansion in the history of this airline,” said Viktor Šober If you’ve ever doubted the power of long-term commitment allow me to introduce you to a man who’s been in a passionate and the object of his unwavering affection is none other than Dubrovnik The man recently celebrated his 80th visit to Dubrovnik Not his 80th birthday — he’s only just turned 60 makes about as much sense as Dubrovnik’s parking system in August But that’s Dietmar for you: defying logic and every assumption about the modern tourist back when we launched the very first issue of The Dubrovnik Times He told us how delighted he was that Dubrovnik finally had its own English-language newspaper he became a fixture — both in our readership and in our hearts I’ve encountered many Dubrovnik lovers His apartment in Graz is a museum of devotion. Since 1969, he has collected 432 Dubrovnik souvenirs keyrings — enough to open a small but oddly specific gift shop And clocks – lots and lots of clocks “If you have troubles in your life," Dietmar once told me Dietmar belongs to a fading species: the loyal tourist The kind who doesn’t just visit; he returns He knows the difference between Gruž and Gorica He remembers the cats of Old City before they had their own Instagram accounts He’s not here to tick off Game of Thrones filming locations — he’s here for memories Celebrating his 60th birthday in Dubrovnik with staff from Hotel Lero the average stay in Dubrovnik is about two days He didn’t just fall — he cartwheeled into love and never looked back He’s even got a tattoo While influencers get paid to pretend they care Dietmar literally wears his heart — and our masthead — on his sleeve Not because they boost the souvenir economy (though the clock industry surely owes him) but because they remind us of something essential: that tourism isn’t just about transactions Dietmar has brought dozens of friends from Austria here He doesn’t promote Dubrovnik because he’s paid to — he does it because he can’t help himself The man could sell a Dubrovnik snow globe to a polar bear We have to nurture what makes Dubrovnik special We can’t let the city become a caricature of itself a medieval Disneyland where visitors are herded Dietmar remembers when Dubrovnik breathed a little slower When you could chat with locals at the market when the waiter knew your name and your wine To the man who turned visiting a city into a lifelong romance if you ever find yourself on an Austrian highway behind a car with Dubrovnik bumper stickers and an implausible number of travel pillows in the back window Because in a world of fleeting trips and disposable destinations Dietmar is proof that some loves really do last forever BTW (and thanks for all your questions) I finally finished my marathon house painting I was cleaning the paint brushes in the garden and like a scene from Tom and Jerry I actually stood on the end of a rake and the wooden handle flew up and whacked me in the forehead And keeping with the cartoon theme a bump grew on my head that turned a red/purple colour I am pretty sure that was the Gods of Painting saying “enough already.” The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site While pebbly and rocky beaches are more common than sandy stretches in Dubrovnik these hotels show off the best coastal views over the luminous blue-green hue of the Adriatic Here’s our guide to the best beach hotels in Dubrovnik Like many of the beachfront hotels in Dubrovnik the Hotel Excelsior makes the most of its waterfront location with a long concrete bathing platform with steps leading into the sparkling waters of the Adriatic From here you have fabulous views of both the Old Town Five-star luxury is spread between both halves of the hotel – the original 1913 stone villa and its modern 1970s addition – and it’s only a 10-minute walk from the Old Town’s Ploče Gate and the town’s main Banje Beach Check out the spa’s large indoor pool and the hotel’s three restaurants Read more: The best hotels in Dubrovnik for Old Town views and beachside stays The main beach in Lapad Bay is only a stone’s throw from Hotel Kompas sleek hotel with wonderful sea views from the balconies and terraces of its contemporary rooms Luckily there’s a section of this pebbly beach where sunloungers are reserved for hotel guests The Kompas’s huge street-level terraces includes the outdoor tables for its restaurant and this spills out on to pavement to give you waterside dining The upper level is the pool terrace and poolside bar which lead to the cosy spa with its indoor pool Read more: The best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik for Old Town charm and former palaces Cut into the hillside on the northern side of Lapad Bay Hotel More (pronounced “mor-eh”) cascades down towards the sea towards its own bathing platform This chic spot sheltered by creamy Dalmatian stone has inviting round sunbeds and easy steps into the sea the hotel also has an equally inviting pool terrace with a hot tub In contrast to all this outdoor loveliness and views of the sea an underground chamber discovered by accident and fashioned into one of Dubrovnik’s trendiest bars Big is beautiful at Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Here on the western side of the Babin Kuk peninsula you have nearly 300 bedrooms – all with terraces and sea views and facing a large stretch of pebbly beach the sunsets here are quite something – something to take in from the large pool terrace and two restaurants There’s also a dive centre among the other water sports on offer From here it’s a short walk to the neighbouring Cava and Copacabana beaches if you fancy a change of scenery Read more: The best ways to cruise around Croatia Covering much of the southern point of the Lapad peninsula Hotel Dubrovnik Palace resembles a giant ocean liner backed by pine forests and facing a large expanse of the Adriatic Sea Its sea-facing terrace with two pools and a swim-up bar is so large it’s hard to see when it finishes and the rocky beach begins Sunbeds are all around the terrace and the concrete bathing platform Take in the superb views from the 10th-floor spa and its indoor pool behind full-length windows Scuba divers can join the excursions offered by the hotel’s Padi dive centre Dubrovnik Old Town is less than a 20-minute walk to the south you can swim in sheltered waters below the luxurious Hotel Bellevue a lift takes you straight down to the pebbly beach where the hotel has sunloungers reserved for guests as well as the romantic Nevera restaurant set in a cave soak up gorgeous views of the Adriatic from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the spa’s indoor freshwater pool Read more: The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered Rixos Premium Dubrovnik has a rocky beach that’s easily accessed by concrete steps and where you can try some of the water sports on offer it’s set in Miramare Bay not far from the Old Town and features an enormous sun terrace with two pools The two-storey Anjana Spa has an indoor heated pool along with many hot tubs steam rooms and an area designed for families Budget-friendly three-star Hotel Splendid on the southern side of Lapad Bay sits right in front of pebbly Splendid Beach While the hotel is functional rather than luxurious its restaurant terrace facing the sea gives you wonderful views and the main beach in Lapad Bay is less than 10 minutes’ walk away ask for one facing the sea so you can lap up those views and enjoy marvellous sunsets The bus going to the Old Town is right outside the hotel Read more: The best health and wellness retreats across Europe If you can tear yourself away from Sunny Dubrovnik by Valamar’s huge family-friendly pool terrace and waterslides in about a minute you’ll be on Copacabana Beach on the northern side of the Babin Kuk peninsula Rent a sunbed and relax in the beachfront bar before renting a canoe or a paddleboard Sunny Dubrovnik guests can use the facilities in the other nearby Valamar hotels including the spa at the President and the massive family entertainment complex Walk along the tree-shaded seafront promenade from Lapad Beach towards the north of the bay and you soon reach the five hotels that make up Royal Hotels & Resort has one of the loveliest rocky beaches along this coast lined with sunloungers and overlooked by two outdoor pools Guests staying at any of the Royal Hotels can use all the facilities – whether it’s the restaurants The Royal Hotel Blue goes one further with an adults-only rooftop pool and terrace The first of the five Royal Hotels & Resorts the Royal Hotel Princess also has a rocky beach at its foot This five-star hotel consists of elegant traditionally furnished suites all of which have kitchenettes – very handy if you want to pick up local produce at one of Dubrovnik’s two outdoor food markets Relax in the heated indoor pool in the spa before having a romantic dinner on the candlelit terrace overlooking Lapad Bay You’re in a prime spot for some stupendous sunsets {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"Dubrovnik_President_Valamar_Collection_Hotel_Val_President_Relax_Beach_06_1655795619.jpg","description":"Dubrovnik President Valamar, Croatia","caption":"Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection has a large stretch of beach overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection has a large stretch of beach overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea for rooms with views along the rocky coastline","description":"While pebbly and rocky beaches are more common than sandy stretches in Dubrovnik Dubrovnik’s historic streets often distract from the history found within its buildings especially the city’s trove of museums… With its pedestrianised Old Town ringed by medieval and Renaissance walls and its shiny marble lanes lined with Baroque palaces and stone townhouses you could argue that Dubrovnik itself is an open-air museum 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the Old Town’s UNESCO World Heritage status Many visitors are content with walking the city walls catching glimpses of day-to-day life down below bowled over by the beauty of its location alongside the twinkling waters of the Adriatic Others are simply unaware of the cultural treasures within Dubrovnik’s historic buildings One of the most striking museum settings in the Old Town is the Rector’s Palace a magnificent colonnaded mansion with parts dating from the 15th century Behind its graceful arches lies the Cultural History Museum a window into the former republic of Ragusa Other Renaissance palaces and townhouses in the Old Town – many rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1667 earthquake – are also home to fascinating collections that range from ethnographic and maritime to natural history and war photography Both the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries which top and tail the Old Town’s main artery while the history of Dubrovnik’s small Jewish community is revealed within its 14th-century synagogue Walk outside the Old Town’s southern Ploče Gate and you’ll find an impressive 1930s villa that houses the Museum of Modern Art is the latest addition to Dubrovnik’s cultural scene: the Wine Museum And as an antidote to Zagreb’s Museum of Broken Relationships the Love Stories Museum is a place of ‘happily ever afters’ In the Gruž ferry port is the Red History Museum while the more recent past is evoked in the Homeland War Museum at the top of Mount Srđ whose cable car includes a ticket to the museum A Dubrovnik Pass includes free entry to 11 museums The Rector’s Palace used to be the centre of Ragusa’s government whereas most of the palace is given over to the Cultural History Museum whose 20,000 artefacts lead you through some seven centuries of Dubrovnik’s fascinating past The galleries of paintings take you back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods Here you’ll find the outstanding 16th-century Baptism of Christ by Dubrovnik artist Mihajlo Hamzić weapons and metalwork give a vivid idea of the wealth of the Ragusan republic in its heyday You’ll also see how the palace’s Renaissance interior was blended with later Baroque additions after the building was damaged by 15th-century gunpowder explosions and the 1667 earthquake More information: Closed Monday (Nov–Mar); dumus.hr Read next: 12 of the world’s most incredible buildings, from castles to cathedrals More information: Closed Sunday (Nov–Mar); redhistorymuseum.com Read next: The world’s best museum openings and expansions in 2024 New Zealand photographer Wade Goddard arrived in Croatia in 1992 to document the war that was tearing apart Yugoslavia a gallery devoted to war photography not just in the former Yugoslavia but also from around the world the gallery exhibits works from award-winning photographers and has a permanent collection that includes images from wars in Croatia as well as a roster of temporary exhibitions on what daily life is like in conflict zones The result is thought-provoking and powerful There is also a collection of limited-edition signed prints to buy More information: Closed Nov–Mar; warphotoltd.com Read next: Explore the World Heritage wonder of Trogir, Croatia Housed across two floors of the hulking 14th-century Sveti Ivan Fortress this museum reveals how the Republic of Ragusa became a major maritime force focusing especially on the period spanning the 14th and 16th centuries It guides you through this rich history via a sizeable collection various treasures found in shipwrecks and cannons it was the residents of Dubrovnik who donated many of the original artefacts Look out for the illuminated painting of the port before the 1667 earthquake There’s also a selection of photographs showing Dubrovnik in flames when it was under siege by the Yugoslav army (1991–92) More information: Closed Wednesday; dumus.hr When Dubrovnik was under siege by Yugoslavia (1991–92), its front line of defence was Fort Imperial, built by Napoleon’s troops in the early 17th century on Mount Srđ. It’s a fitting location for the Homeland War Museum, which charts the 1990s war as well as the brief period France took over Croatia. mdrd.hr Built in 1935, the Museum of Modern Art is an elegant setting for modern and contemporary artworks by Croatian artists, including a large collection by Cavtat-born Vlaho Bukovac. ugdubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik’s newest museum lies in the elegant summer home of the aristocratic Pucić family, outside the Pile Gate. Its displays of Dubrovnik’s early winemakers give an engrossing introduction to the region’s excellent wines. winemuseumdubrovnik.com The 14th-century Franciscan Monastery has some of the most beautiful cloisters in Croatia along with a collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings and manuscripts It also holds one of the oldest working pharmacies in Europe its shelves filled with ancient jars and bottles Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club We’ve previously featured Sail Croatia’s cruise offerings when the company launched two luxury hike cruises and a national park cruise for summer 2025 the operator has announced a third luxury hike cruise itinerary for 2026 with the addition of a new Dubrovnik to Split sailing along Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian Coast Blending outdoor adventure with luxury cruising this itinerary takes guests on a variety of hiking trails across diverse terrains showcasing spectacular coastal vistas and panoramic sea views all while enjoying the comfort of staying on a luxury small ship The Dubrovnik to Split itinerary cruises north from Dubrovnik offering a scenic journey that starts with an overnight stay in Sipan Other highlights include the islands of Korcula as well as the charming mainland destinations of Gradac and Split where the cruise ends All three luxury hike cruise itineraries operate exclusively on Salve di Mare one of the newest ships in the Sail Croatia fleet a swim platform and generous spaces to relax Salve di Mare offers an intimate atmosphere perfect for socialising and making new friends.  with prices starting from £1,479 per person for the 25 April 2026 sailing of the new Dubrovnik to Split itinerary All hike cruises are led by a professional guide who will plan daily excursions that allow guests to enjoy themselves while exploring the native flora fauna and natural beauty of Dalmatia.  The package includes breakfast and lunch daily wifi and the services of an experienced hiking guide Flights are not included but offered by a choice of airlines from the UK.  For more information about the luxury hike cruises see sail-croatia.com  Sports Tourism News works with a number of affiliate partners Products are sold directly by agents and operators We may earn a commission should you choose to book any tickets or packages