As Europe grapples with overtourism and locals start turning hostile towards visitors across numerous destinations, it’s only natural if you’re wondering whether taking a Transatlantic trip in the fall is even worth the hassle.
After all, we guess it’s no fun getting water splashed on you when dining out in Barcelona, as some tourists have been subject to recently, nor coming across ‘go home’ graffiti when strolling a canal-traversed Venice, but there’s an unlikely exception:
Though it’s just as touristy, and one of Europe’s busiest destinations at that, this charming medieval city is not actively chasing Americans out: in fact, not a single anti-tourism protest has been staged, and locals are in fact eager to host you.
Welcome To The Pearl Of The Adriatic
The quintessential Croatian postcard, Dubrovnik is a fortified coastal city straddling the turquoise Adriatic.
It is best known for its well-preserved medieval core, with imposing ramparts and fairytale drawbridges that have remained largely intact as the centuries progressed.
A stroll around Dubrovnik is a voyage back in time to a period when monumental Baroque edifices and Gothic palaces were raised out of mankind’s desire for greatness alone, and narrow streets paved with limestone were meant to be walked ahead of the advent of the automobile.
Dubrovnik’s car-free center is entirely surrounded by walls, which were finished as early as the 16th century.
You could get lost exploring its grid-like cityscape, with its winding alleys lined by Mediterranean eateries and quirky shops.
Of course, this Croatian gem is also associated with the HBO hit show Game of Thrones and its latest spin-off House of the Dragon, providing the backdrop for the fictional Westeros capital King’s Landing:
Over the years, millions of tourists have flocked into Dubrovnik to follow in the steps of Cersei Lannister’s ‘Walk of Shame’, filmed at the Jesuit Stairs, walk the ramparts of Fort Bokar, which became Blackwater Bay, and explore Fort Lovrijenac––the base for the infamous Red Keep in the series.
Europe’s Best-Preserved Medieval City Is Not Turning Its Back On Tourists
The most fascinating thing is, even though it’s absolutely jam-packed in the high season, registering a peak of 36 tourists per inhabitant, as found in a study by Holidu, Dubrovnik residents are in no way opposing the rising number of visitors.
In fact, the strongest anti-tourism measure to have come out of Dubrovnik in recent years is the ‘Respect the City‘ campaign, which mainstream media wrongfully reported entailed a ban on wheelie suitcases in the walled city.
In reality, tourists were merely being encouraged to carry them to avoid excessive noise.
Despite Europe-wide calls for banning cruise ships in major ports of call, Dubrovnik authorities have stopped short of introducing an outright ban, introducing instead a two-ship-per-day cap––as you can see, it’s not like they’re not worried about overcrowding.
That being said, the key to Dubrovnik’s success is the exceptional management of its increased levels of tourism, as opposed to desperate moves to quash it:
For now, no mass demonstrations against tourism have taken place in Dubrovnik, nor have Airbnb restrictions been introduced, nor controversial ticketing systems––Venice, we’re looking at you.
No Plain Rudeness Awaiting Americans Here
As reported by U.K.-based Daily Express, the Dubrovnik Tourism Board is simply telling tourists to visit during the off-peak season, like the fall period, which comprises early September to mid-November, instead of the scorching-hot summer.
Not only are temperatures far more pleasant in the stone-built Old Town, ranging from 63°F to 72°F (perfect for sightseeing and sunbathing down by Banje Beach), but crowds tend to be smaller.
Don’t get us wrong, they’re still there, but it’s unlikely you’ll have to elbow your way through a suffocating crowd nor wait several long minutes in line to finally cross the iconic Pile Gate.
Due to being both a sightseeing and beach destination, Dubrovnik may remain relatively busy year-round, but Americans have no reason to be concerned about openly rude residents when visiting: at worst, they’ll just find locals going about their business treat them with indifference.
If you’re looking to feel really welcome on your trip to Dubrovnik, we strongly recommend you book a City Double Room in Rilati Old Town Palace:
Not only is this guesthouse located in the heart of it all, within 7-minutes of the Dubrovnik Walls access point, and an even-shorter 2-minute walk of Sponza Palace, it has a much cozier, homelier feel about it:
Be it the personalized guest experience or insightful tips on what to do and see around town, the property manager will make sure you feel well looked after.
Overnight stays start from only $126 this September, and this property is one of the best-equipped in its category at this rate.
You Can Fly Nonstop To Dubrovnik This Fall
Dubrovnik is currently the only destination in Croatia hosting nonstop flights from the United States.
United Airlines is set to operate a thrice-weekly service until September 24, bringing Americans closer to their European medieval dream this fall without all the annoying Schiphol or Frankfurt layovers.
Arrivals are scheduled for Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:15 AM, while outbound flights take off on those same days a little later at 12:15 PM, as seen on Dubrovnik Airport’s official schedule for fall 2024.
Roundtrip flights start from only $873, but if you’re sold on the idea of retracing the steps of your favorite GoT characters, or simply marvel at Dubrovnik’s ancient allure, you’ll want to get those bookings in quickly as seats can sell out.
Dubrovnik locals may have shown themselves to be rather welcoming of tourists, but that doesn’t mean capacity equals demand.
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