As soon as summer hits, the sun comes out, the atmosphere becomes lively, and streets fill with people.
However, when booking the perfect holiday destination, it’s essential to consider not only the location but also the timing, especially if you are trying to avoid the summer surge and kids on their summer vacation.
With numerous protests – including in Majorca and the Canary Islands – taking place across Europe against mass tourism, some countries have resorted to implementing tourist taxes to reduce the number of visitors.
But while you may think that it is best to avoid booking a holiday in Spain or Italy, research from 2019 revealed that Dubrovnik in Croatia was actually the “most overloaded” city in Europe.
A study by Holidu, a holiday rental booking portal, found using statistical data that Dubrovnik had 36 tourists per inhabitant – 1.5 million ever year.
Despite the influx, this city has not seen a single protest against tourism, though it still remains extremely busy.
Dubrovnik is a popular cruise destination and despite a cap on numbers, more than 1,000 passengers often disembark each day.
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board (DTB) is also working to limit overtourism by encouraging tourists to visit during the out-of-season months as opposed to the peak period of June to September.
It is no surprise that jetsetters are eager to visit this gorgeous coastal city in Croatia. Affectionately known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is famous for its fascinating Old Town.
Offering some of the world’s most spectacular ancient city walls, dating back to the 9th century, a visit to Dubrovnik is incomplete without a walk around the walls that enclose the city.
In fact, the evocative Old Town is Dubrovnik’s biggest draw. It has caught the eye of several film sets, including Star Wars Episode VIII and Game of Thrones, leading to a resurgence in visitors following the release of the beloved series.
The city has also been visited by several A-listers such as Beyoncé, Roman Abramovich, and Bob Geldof.
One of the best things you can do is take a cable car up Mount Srđ and admire views of the Old Town, Adriatic Sea and beyond. On a cloudless day, you can see up to 37 miles and Dubrovnik’s best sunset views can be seen from here.
A round-trip ticket costs adults €27 and €7 for children over four years.
There are also many caves and hidden beach coves to explore. The crystal clear waters offer visitors the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and kayak around the city.
Try not to forget the various culinary delights you can try on the island. Classic dishes include Black risotto, a widely popular dish in the Adriatic, which is packed with fresh shellfish and distinctive for its cuttlefish black ink; alongside the Octopus salad, which consists of boiled octopus, potato, onion, and sometimes fresh tomatoes mixed with olive oil and vinegar.
These classic gems are served in many restaurants in Dubrovnik.