A stunning Croatian getaway is one of Europe’s most packed tourism hotspots – but there is a way to avoid the crowds.
Dubrovnik has the dubious title of being one of the continent’s most overloadeded cities – with a startling 27 tourists per inhabitant.
Named the Pearl of the Adriatic, it has been swarmed by travellers who have transformed it from a calming seaside retreat into a vibrant, teeming pool.
One of the key reasons for this is that one of the most popular shows of all time – Game of Thrones – was partly filmed here.
And people travel from all over the world for the iconic selfie backdrops, turning the cobblestone streets into packed passageways.
But don’t fret! Avoiding peak travel times to the tourst hotspot is possible if you book a trip for September or October. This will ensure you can enjoy the beauties Dubrovnik has to offer, in its truer essence.
Dubrovnik is located at the southernmost point of Croatia, cut off from the motherland by a small nook of Hercegovina and Bosnia that intersects the Croatian coast and is also the last town before Montenegro.
It was once an independent republic and is now the heart of all excitement in the region that calls for more than just a short stay.
People often tend to mistake the city for nothing more than some whitewashed walls, but the city is actually home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, putting it top of the bucket list for travellers.
Spend a day or two exploring cobbled streets, taking in delightful sights such as towers, palaces and churches – all recognisable to Game of Thrones fans as Kings Landing backdrops.
Gape at the blanket of terracotta roofs from the city walls and then head toward Srđ hill for remarkable views that showcase Dubrovnik beyond its historic core.
By the port in Gruž Bay, you can wander the fish and green markets, travel back to the Yugoslav era at the Red History Museum, continue to head down to Lapad Bay seafront to absorb brilliantly red and orange sunsets, then end your night dancing away at Coral Beach club.
Accompanying the tranquil rocky shores, the neighbouring islands are rich with other natural environments. Lokrum is a forested island full of holm oaks, black ash, olive trees and pines.
The island is only a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour. Boats leave roughly on the hour (half-hourly in July and August).
Mljet Island, also abundant in similar environments, is home to a national park so you should be sure to pay a visit.
As we know by now, the city is a hotspot tourist destination so be sure to book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dubrovnik gets busy and fully booked easily, especially in luxury hotels such as Rixos Premium and other popular private accommodations.
The same goes for restaurants. Be sure to make reservations a few days in advance, except for the Michelin-starred 360°, which you should book a month in advance.
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