Dubrovnik Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Some places are so beautiful that they have to be seen to be believed! Dubrovnik is a gorgeous Croatian city that is the highlight of any Croatia trip. Its picture perfect Old Town was a key filming location in the show Game of Thrones. Additionally, the city has stunning beaches surrounded by crystal clear water. Soaring above the city are mountains which provide spectacular views of the city below. In this Dubrovnik destination guide, we give you Croatia travel tips, Dubrovnik things to do, a guide to the best Croatia food and much more!

What is Dubrovnik Croatia known for?

A stunningly beautiful and historic city, Dubrovnik is one of the popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, this UNESCO listed city is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world. It has been used as a filming location for a number of movies and television shows, perhaps most notably the HBO series “Game of Thrones”. Tourists flock to the city to see famous landmarks like the Walls of Dubrovnik, Fort Lovrijenac and Rector’s Palace.

Why you should visit Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. It was also used as a filming location for the popular television show Game of Thrones. Popular sites from Game of Thrones include Lovrijenac Fort, the Jesuit Stairs as well as nearby Lokrum Island. However you don’t need to be a fan of the show to appreciate all that this city has to offer. The gorgeous Dubrovnik Old Town is steeped in history, most recently being at the centre of the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence. This fortified old town area is UNESCO heritage listed due to its impressive medieval architecture.

Being on the coast, Dubrovnik abounds in stunning beaches which are conveniently close to the city. We particularly enjoyed swimming in the tranquil waters of Plaža Bellevue, Plaža Sveti Jakov as well as at the beaches around the Lapad neighbourhood. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are plenty of stunning coastal walks including Lungo Mare ~ Uvala Lapad. Or for an island escape, take a day trip to one of the many islands just off the coast.

Dubrovnik is also an excellent foodie destination. As a port city, Dubrovnik is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. An abundance of restaurants fill Dubrovnik Old Town as well as all around the city. Al fresco dining is very popular in Dubrovnik and there is a wide range of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Some of our favourite local dishes include grilled squid as well as Mussels Buzara.

Dubrovnik Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Dubrovnik Croatia

• Historical name – Ragusa
• Language – Standard Croatian. English is widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Croatia since 1 January 2023. Prior to 2023, the currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna (HKR). Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 43,000 (2011)
• Area – 21 km²
• County – Dubrovnik-Neretva. Dubrovnik is the administrative centre of this county.
• Region – Dalmatia
• Emergency number – 112
• Police number – 192

Utilities in Dubrovnik Croatia

• Electricity – Croatia uses Type C and also Type F power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Croatia and typically do not last for long.
• Water – the tap water in Croatia is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Croatia. You can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Public toilets are common in the larger cities in Croatia. Public toilets along the coast often have a charge for use. This can range anywhere from 25 cents to 1 euro. We have found toilets in shopping centres and also some beaches that are free to use.
• Telephone country code: +385

Where is Dubrovnik Croatia?

Dubrovnik is in the county of Dubrovnik-Neretva in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. It is a port city on the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is in an enclave surrounded by Bosnia & Herzegovina as well as Montenegro. The Pelješac Bridge connects Dubrovnik to the rest of the country.

The closest major Croatian city to Dubrovnik is Split. Dubrovnik is 4-5 hours by bus from Split. The Elafiti Islands of Šipan, Lopud as well as Koločep are off the coast of Croatia near Dubrovnik.

How to get to Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik destination guide: Arriving by land

Dubrovnik Croatia intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Dubrovnik Croatia are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Airport Shuttle Bus – Platanus operates a shuttle bus service between Dubrovnik Airport and the Dubrovnik bus terminal. A one way ticket costs 9 euro (prices as at 2023). The journey time is 30-40 minutes. For more information, see this website: https://platanus.hr/shuttle-bus/
• Train
• Bus
• Bike

Driving to Dubrovnik from within Croatia

If you are driving to Dubrovnik from within Croatia, here are the travel times and distances:

• Split – 2 hours 51 minutes (228km) with tolls or 3 hours 31 minutes (213km) without tolls
• Zadar – 3 hours 47 minutes (348km) with tolls or 5 hours 38 minutes (350km) without tolls
• Rijeka – 6 hours 2 minutes (604km) with tolls or 8 hours 30 minutes (543km) without tolls
• Zagreb – 6 hours 5 minutes (601km) with tolls or 8 hours 40 minutes (561km) without tolls

Intercity trains to Dubrovnik Croatia

There are currently no trains to Dubrovnik. The service was terminated in 1976.

The Croatian national railway company is called Croatian Railways.

Intercity buses to Dubrovnik Croatia

A common way to get around Croatia is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains and the network is also extensive. Intercity bus companies in Croatia include Arriva – Autotrans, Slavonija Bus, Čagalj Tours as well as FlixBus. Popular bus destinations from Dubrovnik include:

• Split Croatia – travel time 4-5 hours. Tickets start from 9 euro one way.
• Zagreb Croatia – travel time 9.5-10.5 hours. Tickets start from 18 euro one way.
• Kotor Montenegro – travel time 2.5 hours. Tickets start from 16 euro one way.
• Mostar Bosnia & Herzegovina – travel time 3.5 hours. Tickets start from 13 euro one way.
• Makarska Croatia – travel time 3.5 hours. Tickets start from 9 euro one way.
• Sarajevo Bosnia & Herzegovina – travel time 6 hours. Tickets start from 19 euro one way.

Dubrovnik destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Dubrovnik is Dubrovnik Airport (Airport code DBV). This international airport is also known as Čilipi Airport. It is 15.5km from the city.

Other nearby airports include:

• Tivat Airport, Montenegro (Airport code TIV). This airport is 58km away
• Mostar Airport, Bosnia & Herzegovina (Airport code OMO). This airport is 74km away.
• Podgroica Airport, Montenegro (Airport code TGD). This airport is 100km away.

The national airline of Croatia is Croatia Airlines.

Dubrovnik destination guide: Arriving by boat

The city of Dubrovnik is on the Adriatic Sea. The Port of Dubrovnik is located in Gruž Harbour. It is located around 3.5km from the Dubrovnik Old Town. 4 ferry lines use the Port of Dubrovnik. Ferries and catamarans connect Dubrovnik to the nearby islands as well as other towns and cities in Dalmatia. Furthermore there is also an international ferry from Dubrovnik Croatia to Bari Italy. Some ferries can accommodate vehicles as well as foot passengers. Additionally, Dubrovnik is popular cruise destination.

The 4 ferry companies that provide ferries from Dubrovnik are:

• Jadrolinija https://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/ferry-croatia
• Kapetan Luka https://www.krilo.hr/en/
• TP Line https://www.tp-line.hr/
• Grad Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik destination guide: How to get around Dubrovnik Croatia

Walking in Dubrovnik Croatia

By far the easiest and also the cheapest way to get around Dubrovnik is to walk. Furthermore, most of the main attractions in the city area are within easy walking distance.

Local buses in Dubrovnik Croatia

Local buses service Dubrovnik. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, Libertas Dubrovnik. Tickets are 1.73 euro if you buy them from Libertas stalls, or alternatively 1.99 euro on the bus (as at 2023). For more information, see this website.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

The Dubrovnik Cable Car is a scenic way to enjoy the city. The cable car takes you to the Dubrovnik Observation Point at the top of Mount Srđ. A round trip ticket is 27 euro for adults (as at 2023). The cable car operates from April to December. For more information see this website: https://www.dubrovnikcablecar.com/timetable-and-prices/

Dubrovnik Sightseeing Bus

There is a sightseeing bus that takes you around the main tourist attractions in Dubrovnik. Tickets are 20 euro for adults (as at 2022). For more information, see this website: https://sightseeing-dubrovnik.com/

Trams in Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik does not have a local train service.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Dubrovnik Croatia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Croatia. This includes:

• Bicycles – There are self-service bike share services available in the city from companies such as NextBike. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as bikingcroatia.com.
• Electric scooters
• Motorcycles
• Cars
• SUVs
• Campervans
• Boats

In Croatia people drive on the right side of the road.

Taxis in Croatia

Taxis are common in Croatia. Fares are regulated and are also usually metered. However outside of major cities taxis may not have meters. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
• Price per kilometre
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.

Taxi tariffs in Croatia are set by the cities or districts.

Ride-share services in Dubrovnik Croatia

There are a number of rideshare services operating in Croatia. These include Uber, Bolt as well as CarpoolWorld. There is even UberBOAT on the Dalmatian coast during tourist season.

Dubrovnik destination guide: Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?

Dubrovnik is certainly worth the hype! This immaculately preserved medieval city is simply stunning. It is a real thrill to actually see it in person and walk the historic streets. The beaches surrounding the city are bordered by clear blue water and dramatic cliffs, making for amazing vistas in every direction. The city is also blessed with a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate. Add to that its world class culinary scene featuring the freshest seafood as well as fantastic vineyards and a vibrant nightlife and you’ve got all the makings of a perfect European vacation. Although Dubrovnik can get crowded and it is one of the more expensive places to visit in Croatia, it is definitely worth including in your Croatian itinerary.

Dubrovnik destination guide: How long to spend in Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik is a great place to come for a week or even more. It is a lively port city with great food as well as a wide variety of museums and other attractions. We spent 3 days in Dubrovnik and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this vibrant city.

Dubrovnik destination guide: What to do in Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik is a beautiful Croatian city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Dubrovnik destination guide: Free things to do in Dubrovnik Croatia

There are enough free activities in Dubrovnik Croatia to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Dubrovnik Old Town
• Mount Srđ
• Stradun
• Pile Gate
• Lapad
• Lopud Island – one way ferry ticket is 3.05 euro or 4.11 euro for adults, depending on the season (as at 2023)
• Your black horizon Art Pavilion, Lopud Island
• Sunj Beach, Lopud Island
• Koločep Island – one way ferry ticket is 3 euro or 4.11 euro for adults, depending on the season (as at 2023)
• Šipan Island – one way ferry ticket is 3.85 euro or 5.71 euro for adults, depending on the season (as at 2023)
• Plaža Sveti Jakov
• Dubrovnik Old Port
• Plaža Kupari
• Onofrio’s Fountains
• Church of St Ignatius Loyola
• Dubrovnik Cathedral

For more details, see our Dubrovnik travel guide on the 16 Best Free Things To Do in Dubrovnik Croatia.

Dubrovnik destination guide: Paid activities in Dubrovnik Croatia

A number of attractions in Dubrovnik Croatia charge an entry fee:

• Dubrovnik City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, Minceta Fortress and St John’s Fortress – entry fee is 35 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Lokrum Island – entry fee including return boat ticket is 15 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Dubrovnik Cable Car – a round trip ticket is 27 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Museum of Croatian War of Independence – entry fee is 3.99 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Rector’s Palace – 15 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Sutvrac Fortress, Lopud Island – entry fee is 15 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• The Franciscan Church and Monastery – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Red History Museum – entry fee is 9 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Bell Tower
• Gornji Ugao Tower – entry fee is 35 euro for adults (as at 2023)

Other paid activities in Dubrovnik Croatia include:

• Fishing charters and tours
• Sailing
• Watersports

Dubrovnik Pass

The Dubrovnik Pass is a city card that gives you free access to a number of the top attractions in Dubrovnik as well as free use of public transport. Additionally there are other discounts available with the Dubrovnik Card. The Dubrovnik City Card is valid for 1, 3 or 7 days. The cost of the card for adults (as at 2023) is as follows:

• 1 day Dubrovnik Pass – 35 euro
• 3 day Dubrovnik Pass – 45 euro
• 7 day Dubrovnik Pass – 55 euro

For more information see this website.

Weather in Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik enjoys a warm temperate climate. Additionally, its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. It has cold winters, with average temperature range between 6°C and 12°C in the coldest month of January. However, summers last from June to September and are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 22°C and 29°C in the hottest month of July. The month with the most rainfall is November with 10.3 days of rain on average and conversely the driest month is July with an average of 3.5 rainy days.

Best time to visit Dubrovnik Croatia

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is between May and September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, so expect higher prices at that time.

Internet and mobile phones in Croatia

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. However there are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Croatia include Croatian Telecom (Hrvatski Telekom), A1, Telemach, Bonbon as well as Tomato.

5G has been in Croatia since October 2020. 3G was switched off in Croatia on 31 December 2022.

Croatia is ranked 20^th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds as well as 101^st fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 41mbps and upload is 19mbps (as at June 2023).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Croatia. These include phone stores, some supermarkets, newspaper kiosks as well as online.

How much to budget for Dubrovnik Croatia?

Is Dubrovnik expensive?

Dubrovnik is a popular Croatian destination and can be expensive to visit. We were surprised at the high prices for activities like visiting the Dubrovnik City Walls. However, there are ways to save money while still enjoying the city. For example, you can visit Dubrovnik in the off-season when prices are lower. You can also walk around the city instead of taking taxis or buses. Additionally, there are many free or cheap activities you can do such as visiting one of the many beautiful beaches, strolling through the Old Town and seeing Pile Gate, Ploce Gate and more. You can also take a free walking tour of the city.

Dubrovnik destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Dubrovnik Croatia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city as well as free or cheap activities.
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and also some paid activities.
• Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities as well as eating at high end restaurants.

Dubrovnik destination guide: Accommodation in Dubrovnik Croatia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Dubrovnik Croatia. Airbnb also operates in Croatia and we were impressed with the range of options available in Dubrovnik.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia

Deciding where to stay in Dubrovnik is a choice between the old town and the beaches. Dubrovnik old town is a very charming area which contains many of the city’s cultural attractions as well as plenty of restaurants and eateries. Conversely, Dubrovnik’s beaches are stunning and offer a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views. The Lapad neighbourhood is particularly popular and has a great mix of beaches and coastal walks as well as a great range of dining options. However if you want the best of both worlds there are a number of areas in Dubrovnik that are close to both the old town as well as some lovely beaches.

Best accommodation in Dubrovnik Old Town

We recommend the following accommodation in Dubrovnik Old Town:

• Best hostel in Dubrovnik Old Town – Hostel Angelina Old Town Dubrovnik is a social hostel located in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town. The hostel is spread across a number of different buildings in different parts of Dubrovnik, but there are no stairs to get to the main building, which is a rare and desirable quality for Dubrovnik accommodation! The staff are very friendly and helpful and the property is very clean with everything you could want. The bathrooms are also very well maintained. Another great feature of this hostel is its WhatsApp group, which allows you to connect with other guests. Keep in mind that they only accept cash payments.
• Best boutique hotel near Dubrovnik Old Town – Heritage Villa Nobile is a beautiful property located right outside Pile Gate. This boutique property offers a calm oasis within easy reach of the bustling old town. Their breakfasts are delicious and the staff are exceptional. The property offers a lovely garden area and large and luxurious rooms with beautiful décor.
• Best furnished apartments in Dubrovnik Old Town – Located in the heart of the old town, Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments offer a perfect base to explore the city and its attractions. The apartments are cosy, chic and well-equipped, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. You can enjoy the amazing views of the city and the sea from the balcony, where you can relax and watch the sunset. The host is very friendly and helpful, providing you with tips and recommendations for your visit. However, keep in mind that there are a lot of stairs up to the property, which may be an issue for those with mobility issues or with heavy luggage.

Best accommodation near Dubrovnik’s beaches

We recommend the following accommodation near Dubrovnik’s beaches:

• Best budget hotel in Dubrovnik – Nestled in the Lapad neighbourhood of Dubrovnik, Art Hotel Dubrovnik offers cosy and family-friendly accommodation with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. You can easily reach the historic Dubrovnik Old Town by a short bus ride and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the city. The staff at Art Hotel Dubrovnik are warm and attentive, ensuring that you have a comfortable and pleasant stay. However, be aware that there are about 60 steps to access the hotel, which may pose a challenge for some guests.
• Best mid-range hotel in Dubrovnik – Overlooking the sparkling sea, Villa Orabelle is a charming boutique hotel that combines modern luxury with traditional elegance. The rooms are spacious and stylish, equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay. You can enjoy the convenience of direct beach access or take a leisurely stroll to the Old Town, where you can explore the historic sights and attractions. The hotel serves delicious ala carte breakfasts every morning, and you can also unwind at the two infinity pools with sun loungers. The staff at Villa Orabelle are friendly and helpful, always ready to make your stay memorable and enjoyable.
• Best luxury hotel in Dubrovnik – Surrounded by the crystal-clear water of the Adriatic Sea, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a stunning luxury hotel that offers a tranquil and exclusive retreat. You can admire the breathtaking views from your room or from the private beach, where you can soak up the sun and the sea breeze. The staff at Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik are exceptional and attentive, catering to your every need and request. The food at the hotel is delicious and varied, featuring local and international cuisine. The rooms are elegant and spacious, with comfortable beds and luxurious amenities. Moreover, the hotel is conveniently located only a 15 minute walk from the old town, where you can discover the rich history and culture of Dubrovnik.

How much is accommodation in Dubrovnik Croatia?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 15-40 euro for a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 40-150 euro for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 115-350 euro a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 100-700 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

Dubrovnik destination guide: Food in Dubrovnik Croatia

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Dubrovnik.

How much does food cost in Dubrovnik Croatia?

Our price guide for your food budget in Dubrovnik Croatia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 10-25 euro for a main dish
• Bakery food – burek 2-3 euro, cake 2-3 euro, 1-2 euro for loaf of bread, chocolate donut
• Glass of wine – 4-6 euro
• Coffee – 2-3 euro

Regional dishes in Dubrovnik Croatia

• Dalmatinska pašticada – a beef stew cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. Firstly the meat is marinated in vinegar before being cooked with red wine, prunes and bacon. Additionally, it is typically served with a side of gnocchi or pasta.
• Zelena Menestra – a green stew that dates back to 1480. The dish comes from the Konavle area area and is a also Christmas specialty. It’s made from bacon, ham, sausages, kale, cabbage as well as potatoes.
• Black risotto (also called crni rižot) – a squid or cuttlefish risotto that is black in colour due to the ink from the squid or cuttlefish.
• Blitva – a side dish of Croatian Swiss chard, potatoes and garlic.
• Šporki Makaruli – this literally translates to “dirty macaroni”. It is similar to a bolognaise.
• Rožata – a pudding similar to a crème caramel.

Cheap Eats in Dubrovnik Croatia

• Pekarnicas (Croatian bakeries) are a great place to get cheap and also delicious food. Burek is typically around 2-3 euro and a loaf of bread is around 1-2 euro. Other common food that can be found in pekarnicas include donuts as well as cakes.

Fine dining in Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

1 star Michelin restaurants in Dubrovnik Croatia (2023):

• Restaurant 360

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Dubrovnik Croatia (2023):

• Taj Mahal

Michelin Plate restaurants in Dubrovnik Croatia (2023):

• Nautika
• Proto Fish
• Stara Loza
• Dubrovnik
• Zuzori
• Marco Polo
• Bistro Tavulin
• Vapor
• Pjerin

Dubrovnik Croatia culture

Croatia national holidays

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Epiphany – 6 January
• Easter Sunday – typically in March or April.
• Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Statehood Day – 30 May
• Corpus Christi – 16 June
• Anti-Fascist Struggle Day – 22 June
• Victory Day – 5 August
• Assumption of Mary – 15 August
• All Saints’ Day – 1 November
• Remembrance Day for the victims of the Homeland War and also Remembrance Day for the victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja – 18 November
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Saint Stephen’s Day – 26 December

National symbols of Croatia

• Croatia flag – a tricolour flag featuring three horizontal bands coloured red, white as well as blue from top to bottom. In the middle of the flag, across the three bands, is the Croatia coat of arms
• Croatia coat of arms – a red and white checkerboard on a main shield with a crown of five smaller shields. The five smaller shields represent the five different historical regions of Croatia. These five shields have symbols on them, but their background colours alternate between bleu celeste and azure.
• National flower – iris
• National bird – common nightingale
• Croatia’s national animal – kuna zlatica (European pine marten)

Croatia pastimes

• National dish – Istrian Yota
• Popular drinks – Rakija, loza, Malvazija wine, Teran wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 80% Catholic, 6% Eastern orthodox (as at 2019)

Famous people from Dubrovnik Croatia

• Famous people born in Dubrovnik Croatia – writer Marin Držić, writer Ivo Vojnović, mathematician Marin Getaldić, physicist Ruđer Bošković, poet Luko Paljetak, musician Tereza Kesovija, musician Ibrica Jusić, actress Jelena Perčin
• Sports stars from Dubrovnik Croatia – Paralympic swimmers Mihovil Španja, Ana Sršen, Olympic water poloists Dragan Andrić, Marko Bijač, Miho Bošković, Andro Bušlje, Luka Ciganović, Vinko Cvjetković, Nikša Dobud, Veselin Đuho, Vladimir Ivković, Maro Joković, Marko Macan, Pavo Marković, Paulo Obradović, Goran Sukno, Sandro Sukno, Frano Vićan, Božo Vuletić, Olympic swimmers Sanja Jovanović, Mirjana Šegrt, Mario Todorović, chess grandmaster Petar Trifunović,

Is Dubrovnik Croatia Safe?

Croatia travel guide: Safety in Croatia

We travelled through Croatia for two months and found the country to be extremely safe. Croatia ranks 24^th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2021). As with any country, there are good areas as well as bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly at crowded tourist attractions in Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb as well as in National Parks. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase. Take care in nightclubs and also don’t accept free drinks as drink spiking is a particular risk.

If you are planning to explore more remote areas, beware that there may still be unexploded landmines from the Croatian War of Independence.

General safety considerations in Croatia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Croatia:

• Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere.
• Mosquitoes – tiger mosquitoes are in Croatia. This type of mosquito spreads diseases like Zika, dengue and chikunguya. Malaria was eradicated in Croatia in 1964. Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported on the Adriatic Coast and in northeastern Croatia.
• Altitude sickness – Croatia has areas of high altitude and therefore the risk of altitude sickness. If visiting high altitude areas in Croatia, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Croatia’s road safety has improved recently. However it still has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in Europe. This is due to narrow and windy roads as well as speed and other driver behaviour. Take care on the roads in Croatia.
• Water safety – If you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming because currents and waves may be stronger than you expect. Watch out for sea urchins because they can sting.
• Earthquakes – Croatia experiences earthquake activity. In an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If inside, get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If outside, stay outside in an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Sun exposure can have adverse short-term and also long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

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