Dubrovnik (Gruz)
Known for its luxury accommodation, excellent cuisine and beautiful surroundings, this unique Adriatic port has been luring travellers for centuries. From a turbulent history during which it was occupied and conquered by a succession of neighbouring European powers, Dubrovnik has emerged as a city at peace, allowing visitors to make the most of its historic architecture, white pebble beaches and crystal-clear ocean waters.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating from the 7th century. Its 13-century walls enclose well-preserved buildings representing a cross-section of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, while Onofrio’s Fountain is one of Dubrovnik’s most famous landmarks, found just inside the main entrance to the old city at Pile Gate.
The centre of the Old Town is its main street called the Stradun, which was originally a channel separating an island from the mainland. It was filled in to join two towns into the merged city of Dubrovnik.
There are many churches, monasteries and museums to explore, while the Old Town boasts plenty of restaurants, bars and shops. The coastal belt is awash with pretty marinas, coves and promenades, while most hotels and the best beaches are located northwest of the Old Town, at Lapad, or in Ploce to the northeast.
Dubrovnik is a favourite on European cruise itineraries and many tourists arrive by sea, ferrying in to the charming old port. Although Dubrovnik will delight cruise passengers with only a few hours to kill, it’s incredibly rich in history and culture and can easily occupy travellers for days. The city is also well situated as a travel hub for exploring the villages and islands dotted along the dramatic Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.
Climate for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer days can be intensely hot, but humidity is moderate and gentle breezes ensure cool, pleasant evenings. Summer temperatures between June and August average around 79F (26C) but temperatures can rise to well over 86F (30C), especially in the southern region. Winters are significantly colder but they are not severe and snow is unusual along the coast. In winter (November to February) temperatures occasionally drop below freezing point on the coast but in Dubrovnik daytime temperatures tend to average around 48F (9C). The wettest months are October, November and December.
The peak tourist season in Dubrovnik is in the summer months when the weather is at its hottest, but the best time to visit is arguably September or May, because in these months it’s still warm enough to enjoy the incredible coastline but the city is less crowded and slightly less expensive.
Health Notes when travelling to Croatia
The medical facilities and care in Croatia are fairly good, with free emergency medical care available to EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Non-EU nationals are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance, and those who need particular medications should take the supply needed for the duration of their stay with them, plus a doctor’s letter to get the items through customs.
Safety Notes when travelling to Croatia
Most visits to Croatia are trouble free. Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare but, as petty theft occurs in busy tourist areas, it’s worth keeping a careful eye on valuables. Visitors should be vigilant when attending soccer matches and sports rallies, which sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents. Croatia is a popular party destination but partying carries safety, legal and financial risks. Nightclub fires, balcony collapses, and crowd crushes can occur; accidents resulting in serious injuries have taken place on party boats.
Customs in Croatia
It’s prohibited or considered inappropriate to walk around cities and some town centres shirtless or in swimming costumes. In some places, such as parts of Dubrovnik, there is signage indicating that people are required to cover up and that fines will be imposed on those who don’t comply. Even when there is no such signage, travellers are advised to be sensitive to local conventions and sensibilities.
Duty Free in Croatia
Non-EU travellers to Croatia can enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits and up to 16 litres of beer; and other goods up to the value of HRK 3,200 if arriving by air or HRK 2,200 if arriving by other means of transport.
Doing Business in Croatia
Business in Croatia tends to be quite formal. Punctuality is key, dress should be smart and handshakes are the preferred form of greeting. Titles and surnames are usually used unless otherwise indicated and business cards are often exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. English and German are widely spoken but any attempt at speaking some Croatian will be appreciated. Women frequently hold high positions in business and are well respected.
Building a good working relationship is important and it’s useful to work with a reliable local partner. Although Croatia appears typically European in its dealings, business can take some time to conclude. Business hours are usually 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Croatia
The international access code for Croatia is +385 and WiFi availability is good.
Tipping in Croatia
A tip of 10 percent will be appreciated in tourist or upmarket restaurants, though it’s common to simply round up the bill if the service has been good in other establishments. Tour guides expect to be tipped.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Croatia must hold return or onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as well as proof of sufficient funds (at least EUR 70 per day of stay, at least EUR 30 per day of stay if holding a confirmed invitation or a tourist voucher). It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must present a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, and visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a visa is not required for up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia, and no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Croatia and a visa is required, unless travellers already hold a multiple-entry Schengen C visa. Visitors don’t need to provide their Covid vaccination status for entry to Croatia.
Dubrovnik has an efficient public bus system, usually running from 5am to midnight. Tickets can be bought from a kiosk (tisak) or vending points found on major bus routes. Cards can also be bought, allowing unlimited travel for anything from an hour to a full day.
Dubrovnik is a wonderful city to explore on foot, as many of the main sightseeing attractions are in pedestrianised areas. The Old Town is pedestrianised, so taxis cannot enter and those with rental cars park in specially designated spaces outside the gates.
But metered taxis are generally available at hubs such as major bus stations, Gruz harbour, Pile Gate and Ploce Gate. Regular ferries connect the city to nearby islands in the Croatian Archipelago and it’s seldom difficult to find transport to outlying areas and nearby towns.
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around Croatia, but travellers need to be confident drivers to handle local road etiquette. That said, roads are well maintained and having a car allows visitors more freedom and independence to explore outlying parts of Croatia.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
