Unquestionably the most popular tourist destination in Croatia is the walled mediaeval old town of Dubrovnik. At the same time, it is among the best destinations in the Balkans as well as the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik is overcrowded, but is it worth the hype?
Dubrovnik: A case study of overtourism
Based on statistics from 2019, Statista estimated that Dubrovnik had more tourists than Venice and Barcelona combined in Europe. With a population of just over 41,000, the city saw around 1.5 million visitors in 2019. That comes to about 36 visitors per resident.
Traveller interest in the city gradually increased when the conflict in Yugoslavia ended and the area around Dubrovnik was eventually annexed by Croatia. After the highly anticipated debut of the critically renowned television series Game of Thrones, popularity surged. Much of the filming was done in parts of the historic town with minimal to no intrusion, as the city itself provides a fantastic mediaeval backdrop.
Thousands of tourists started to descend on the area, which led to a number of issues for the city, chief among them being a shortage of lodging. This significant issue has given rise to a contradiction that serves as a case study for overtourism. In the whole Dubrovnik region, both inside and beyond the city, the majority of homes have been transformed into short-term rental properties. When there are no tourists, Dubrovnik is a ghost town since the locals have relocated elsewhere. The large influx of visitors resulted in an increase in prices for both accommodation and other services (restaurants, means of transport, etc.).
Is the city set up to handle the issue?
To begin with, despite the thousands of visitors each day, the city is clean. There is. also a regular and frequent public transportation connection to the airport and the neighbouring districts.
Additionally, there are various parking lots (albeit somewhat pricey ones) near the old town if you’re travelling by car. There are usually several places available in the spacious Dubrovnik Centre Parking (Ul. Baltazara Bogišića 10), which is conveniently located just 600 metres from the old town gate. Lastly, the local police usually step in to help when there is a traffic jam on the nearby streets.
Regarding the city’s amenities, the eateries and stores are both incredibly effective. Only at certain locations are lines seen moving with people grabbing food and ice cream. It is also important to note that the restaurants are of a very high calibre. For any taste, there are worthwhile suggestions. Every visitor will be satisfied by Dubrovnik’s offerings and flavours, which range from fusion, Italian, and traditional restaurants to experiences with haute cuisine.
Is Dubrovnik worth the hype?
But let’s address the primary question and say that Dubrovnik is deserving of its illustrious reputation. This city is enchanted. Amazingly stunning architecture makes this one of the best-preserved castle towns in the Mediterranean. The way the buildings are preserved is impressive and the modern interventions in the city are minimal and to the extent that they do not affect the overall image of the city. World-renowned monuments include Rector’s Palace, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Cathedral, Sponza Palace, the Franciscan Church and Monastery, and unquestionably Stradun’s breathtaking centre promenade.
The fact that the historic core is so vast helps everyone locate a quiet area in the city where they can spend quality and relaxing time. Every street, every home, and every balcony conceals a vision, a tale, or a memory—even beyond the showcase that the main attractions comprise. Go ahead and let your footsteps get lost in the magnificent labyrinth; forget about GPS and guided tours. The sense of an accidental discovery is the most satisfying feeling in the world.
Dubrovnik is the perfect combination of history, culture, gastronomy, and good tourist facilities. And as a conscious traveller, you will enjoy the city the way you want.
When to visit Dubrovnik
In general, you may visit Dubrovnik all year round, but April and May through October are Croatia’s milder months. These months provide pleasant temperatures, days with lots of sunshine, and a wide selection of Croatian cruises, private excursions, and local tours. But it’s advisable to avoid the city around July and August, as it becomes extremely occupied.
Our recommendations
As a conclusion to our above thoughts, we would like to suggest some places that may help you avoid the crowds and offer some enjoyable moments.
Stay in Cavtat
Situated 20 kilometres from Dubrovnik’s downtown and 6 kilometres from the airport, the coastal village of Cavtat offers an ideal lodging option. Compared to Dubrovnik, hotels and apartments are less expensive. The charming port is a great place for strolls, and the conveniently accessible sandy Beach Zal is located right in the middle of the village. Lastly, there are several decent restaurants with reasonable prices and nice food, though not as good as Dubrovnik. Bugenvila restaurant (Put Dr. . Ante Starčevića 9) on Cavtat Port is a very good choice.
Dinner at Rozario
Rozario (Prijeko ul. 1) is a fantastic option if you’re looking for fine dining in an authentic old town setting. When the weather permits, the church courtyard and a tiny alleyway are transformed into the ideal places to have dinner. The menu at the restaurant features both classic Croatian cuisine and some with a contemporary twist. In addition, the costs are fair when compared to other restaurants in Dubrovnik, and the service is flawless.
Traditional black risotto of cuttlefish is a must-try meal; aside from its delicious flavour, it draws attention with its unique colour, which is achieved by adding cuttlefish ink.
Budget meal at Republic
Burger House Republic (Široka ul. 4) is an ideal choice for a more reasonably priced meal. Here, you can taste without a doubt the greatest burger in Dubrovnik. The quality is amazing, and the ingredient combinations are superb. In addition to being prompt and effective, the service is quite courteous. You should not miss the place if you enjoy burgers. The Burger of Thrones with beef, truffle, and parmesan is absolutely delicious and a perfectly balanced combination of flavours.
Dessert at Gianni
Of all the places in Dubrovnik for a scoop of ice cream, Gianni (Ul. kneza Damjana Jude bb) is one of the best, even though it’s a little bit away from the main attractions. Superior natural ingredients, such as milk, cream, Valrhona chocolate, Madagascar vanilla, and seasonal fruits, are used to produce everything from scratch. Gianni is also one of the few dessert and ice cream establishments with a comfortable seating area.
Free Spirit Tour Dubrovnik
The free guided tours offered by Free Spirit Tours are a fascinating and easy way to quickly learn about the history of the city while exploring Dubrovnik. This 90-minute unique introduction to Dubrovnik, available in Spanish or English, is not a dull trip and will guide you through the crowds. With its captivating tales about Dubrovnik’s past, present, and culture, this tour will keep you on the edge of your seat. You can book the tour at: freespirittours.eu
Some last thoughts
Dubrovnik is undoubtedly a popular location, particularly during the summer. This fact leads to costly services and, occasionally, the guests’ discomfort. But it’s also a place that ought to be on everyone’s agenda. It is a special and fascinating destination that you have to visit. And you must remember that there are always ways to take satisfaction in a location and discover means to go around the hassle.
[Photo at the top of the article by Carlo Jünemann on Pexels.com]
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