Dubrovnik, Croatia Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Dubrovnik, located along the stunning Adriatic coast of Croatia, is a charming and historic city bursting with culture, beauty, and endless opportunities for adventure. With its ancient walls, marble streets, and breathtaking views of the turquoise sea, Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rich history, from its days as a major Mediterranean power to its modern status as a vibrant tourist destination. With a variety of activities, from exploring its medieval Old Town to swimming in the crystal-clear waters, Dubrovnik has something to enchant every visitor.

Why Dubrovnik, Croatia?

  • Dubrovnik is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • It is nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic".
  • Dubrovnik is renowned for its well-preserved Old Town walls, built in the 16th century.
  • The city was once an independent maritime republic.
  • Dubrovnik is often used as a filming location for popular TV shows and movies such as Game of Thrones.

Dubrovnik, Croatia Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
45° F
32° F
February
48° F
34° F
March
54° F
37° F
April
61° F
45° F
May
70° F
52° F
June
77° F
57° F
July
82° F
61° F
August
82° F
61° F
September
75° F
55° F
October
66° F
48° F
November
55° F
41° F
December
46° F
34° F

Average Rainfall

January
5.5 inches
February
5.6 inches
March
5.0 inches
April
4.6 inches
May
4.3 inches
June
3.3 inches
July
2.8 inches
August
2.0 inches
September
2.4 inches
October
3.7 inches
November
5.1 inches
December
6.9 inches

Overview

Dubrovnik is renowned for being one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in the world. It is a fascinating, attractive city steeped in rich history and culture, with incredible architecture of terracotta roofs, Baroque churches and winding narrow cobbled streets.

Dubrovnik’s position on the Dalmatian Coast allows for a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with over 250 days of sunshine a year. The warm, dry summers from June to September are perfect for enjoying the many local beaches with the pristine and calm Adriatic sea being beautifully warm to swim in at this time of year. Retreat to your luxury villa to wind down after a day exploring.

Wander around Dubrovnik’s Old Town surrounded by sturdy fortifications that stretch for almost two kilometres, soak up the history as you admire the Gothic and Romanesque architecture, the ancient walls and the stunning turrets and towers that frequent the city.

History

Dubrovnik, a beautiful city located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 7th century. Originally founded by the Byzantine Greeks, the city was known as Ragusa and quickly became a thriving trading center due to its strategic location between East and West.

In the 13th century, Dubrovnik declared independence and established itself as a powerful maritime republic, with its own government, laws, and currency. The city flourished under this rule, becoming a major hub for trade, art, and culture. It was also known as a safe haven for refugees, providing shelter to those fleeing from war and persecution.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Dubrovnik reached its golden age. The city became a major player in Mediterranean trade, with its powerful navy controlling the sea lanes and its merchants establishing colonies in other parts of the world. This prosperity also led to the construction of magnificent buildings and fortifications, which can still be seen today.

However, Dubrovnik’s golden age came to an abrupt end in 1667 when a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, including many of its important structures. The city was quickly rebuilt, but it never fully regained its former glory. In the following years, Dubrovnik fell under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

During World War II, Dubrovnik was occupied by the Italian and German forces. However, it managed to survive and was later incorporated into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In 1991, Dubrovnik and the rest of Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, leading to the Croatian War of Independence. After the war, a major restoration and reconstruction effort was undertaken to restore Dubrovnik to its former glory. The city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and has since become a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful coastline.

Transportation on Dubrovnik, Croatia

Getting to Dubrovnik, Croatia and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
  • Visa: Check Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
  • Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
  • Arrival Form: Complete if required.
  • COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

  • Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
  • Children under 12 or less than 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
  • Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways (some sections may have lower limits).
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
  • Overtake on the left, and keep to the right unless overtaking on multi-lane roads.
  • Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
  • Use headlights at all times, even during the day.
  • In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Local Transportation

Local transportation in Croatia is primarily dominated by buses and trains, with a smaller presence of taxis, ferries, and rental cars. The country has a well-developed network of buses that connect major cities and towns, as well as smaller villages and tourist destinations. Train travel is also a popular option, with regular services running between major cities. Taxis are readily available in urban areas, but may be limited in rural areas. Ferries are a common mode of transportation for traveling between islands, while rental cars offer the flexibility to explore the country at one’s own pace. Overall, Croatia offers a reliable and efficient transportation system for both locals and tourists.

Know Before You Go...® - Dubrovnik, Croatia Travel Tips

Before making their way to Dubrovnik, Croatia , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Dubrovnik, Croatia even more relaxing.

Capital: Dubrovnik
Population: 42,000 (estimated)
Size: 8.25 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 220/240
Time: zone:+1 (GMT/UTC )
Official Language: The official language spoken in Dubrovnik is Croatian. However, due to its history and tourism, many locals also speak English as a secondary language.
Currency:
  • Dubrovnik uses the Croatian Kuna (HRK) as its official currency.
  • It is recommended to exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices, as many shops and restaurants may not accept foreign currency or may offer unfavorable exchange rates.
  • Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in Dubrovnik, especially in larger establishments such as hotels and restaurants. However, it is always recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases or when visiting local markets or smaller businesses.
  • ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and most accept international cards. However, be aware that some may charge a foreign transaction fee, so it is best to check with your bank before using them.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Generally, tipping is not expected in Dubrovnik, but it is always appreciated for exceptional service.
  • In restaurants, a service charge of 10% is usually included in the bill, so there is no need to leave an additional tip. However, if you feel that the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip of 5-10% of the total bill.
  • For taxi rides, rounding up the fare is common practice, but again, not expected. If the driver has provided good service or helped with luggage, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
  • When shopping, the price displayed on items already includes VAT (value-added tax), so there is no need to add any additional taxes. However, if you are planning to get a tax refund for purchases made in Croatia, make sure to ask for a tax-free form at the store and present it at the airport when leaving the country.
Dress Code: The dress code in Dubrovnik tends to be casual and comfortable, with an emphasis on light, breathable fabrics.
Topography: Dubrovnik is a coastal city in Croatia known for its hilly terrain, with the Old Town situated on a peninsula surrounded by steep cliffs and the modern city expanding into the surrounding valleys.
Telephone: Croatia's telephone country code is +385 and its area code is 01.

Dubrovnik, Croatia Weddings and Honeymoons

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See our favorite Croatia villas for weddings.