TRAVEL INFO
Dubrovnik is located on the southernmost tip of Croatia, on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea.
It is situated in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and covers an area of approximately 21 square kilometers. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 42.6507° N, 18.0944° E.
Dubrovnik is bordered by Montenegro to the south and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east.
The city is surrounded by picturesque hills and the Adriatic Sea, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports. The coast is dotted with numerous small islands and islets, including the nearby Lokrum Island, which is just a short boat ride from the city.
Dubrovnik is built around a natural harbor and is characterized by its historic Old Town, which is surrounded by 2 kilometers of well-preserved walls and fortifications. The Old Town is located on a rocky peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides, and is accessed by two bridges that cross over a moat.
The city’s surroundings are rich in natural beauty, with the nearby Konavle valley offering beautiful rural landscapes, vineyards, and small villages. The region is also home to several nature reserves and parks, such as the Mljet National Park and Lokrum Island.
Getting to Dubrovnik
There are several ways to get to Dubrovnik, depending on your starting point and travel preferences.
By Air: Dubrovnik has an international airport, which serves numerous airlines and offers connections to major cities across Europe and beyond. The airport is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.
By Car: If you’re traveling by car, there are several highways that connect Dubrovnik to other parts of Croatia and neighboring countries. However, keep in mind that driving in Dubrovnik’s historic city center can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking.
By Bus: There are several bus companies that offer connections to Dubrovnik from other cities in Croatia, as well as from neighboring countries. The bus station is located in the city center and is easily accessible on foot or by public transportation.
By Ferry: Dubrovnik also has a ferry port, which serves connections to several destinations along the Croatian coast, as well as to neighboring countries such as Italy. The port is located in Gruž, approximately 3 kilometers from the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.
Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, getting around the city is easy with the city’s efficient public transportation system, which includes buses and taxis. Additionally, the city center is car-free, making it a pedestrian-friendly destination that is best explored on foot.
Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit Dubrovnik is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is ideal for swimming.
During the summer months, temperatures average around 28°C (82°F) during the day, with occasional heatwaves where temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F). Evenings in Dubrovnik during the summer months are warm and pleasant, with temperatures usually around 20°C (68°F).
Winter in Dubrovnik is mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The months from December to February are the coldest, with temperatures averaging around 10°C (50°F) during the day. Rain is common during the winter months, with December and January being the wettest months of the year.
Spring and autumn are also excellent times to visit Dubrovnik, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. During these seasons, temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) during the day, with cooler evenings.
Overall, the weather in Dubrovnik is pleasant throughout the year, with the summer months being the most popular for tourists. However, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you travel to ensure you pack appropriately and can plan your activities accordingly.
Dubrovnik, Croatia, is located in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1. During Daylight Saving Time, Dubrovnik observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
Croatia is adopted the euro as its currency on 1 January 2023. With Croatia, 20 EU member states and 347 million EU citizens will share the EU’s common currency. The kuna, the local currency, has been replaced by the euro.
If you are a traveler in Croatia, you will likely encounter Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services you purchase, as it is included in the listed prices. The current standard VAT rate in Croatia is 25%, but there are also reduced rates of 13% and 5% that apply to certain goods and services.
As a visitor to Croatia, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on goods you purchase and take out of the country. To qualify for a VAT refund, you must be a non-EU resident and spend a minimum of HRK 740 on eligible goods at a single retailer on the same day.
When making your purchase, be sure to ask for a VAT refund form and have your passport or travel documents ready. You must then present your completed VAT refund form, along with the goods and receipts, at the customs office when leaving the EU. The refund will be processed and returned to you by the retailer or a VAT refund service provider.
It’s important to note that not all goods and services are eligible for a VAT refund, so be sure to check with the retailer or VAT refund service provider for more information. Additionally, there may be fees or commissions associated with processing the VAT refund, so it’s a good idea to factor this into your calculations when making purchases.
Tipping in Croatia is generally appreciated but not mandatory. If you receive good service in a restaurant or from a taxi driver, leaving a small tip is a way to show your appreciation. The amount you tip can vary depending on the level of service, but as a general rule, rounding up the bill or leaving a tip of 10% is considered appropriate.
In some tourist areas, especially along the coast, it’s common for restaurants to include a service charge on the bill, so be sure to check the menu or ask your server before tipping.
When paying for a taxi ride, it’s common to round up the fare to the nearest kuna as a tip. However, if the driver provides exceptional service, such as helping with luggage or providing tourist information, you may want to consider leaving a larger tip.
Ultimately, the decision to tip or not is up to you and should be based on the level of service you received.
Here are some useful phone numbers to keep in mind while traveling in Croatia:
Emergency Services: 112 (This is the emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services)
Police: 192 (For non-emergencies, you can contact the police using this number)
Ambulance: 194 (For medical emergencies, you can contact the ambulance service using this number)
Fire Department: 193 (For fire emergencies, you can contact the fire department using this number)
Roadside Assistance: 1987 (For car breakdowns and roadside assistance, you can contact this number)
Tourist Information: +385 98 981 9762 (This number is provided by the Croatian National Tourist Board for tourist information and assistance)
Croatian Automobile Association (HAK): +385 1 4640 800 (For information on road conditions and traffic, as well as for roadside assistance)
It’s a good idea to save these numbers in your phone or keep them in a safe place in case of an emergency or if you need assistance while traveling in Croatia.
Dubrovnik is generally a safe city, but it’s important to take necessary precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other petty crimes, especially in crowded areas. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines for swimming in the sea or hiking in the mountains.