If you have ever looked into taking a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia then you probably have heard about how busy the peak travel season can get. It is hard to find words to describe the beauty of Dubrovnik, so it is no surprise at all that it attracts massive crowds of people from all over the world. Despite the overwhelming crowds, there are ways to navigate the mobs of tourists and still enjoy your time in the city during peak season. The month of August was the most convenient time for me to travel and I did not want the influx of tourists to deter me from my dream of visiting the Adriatic Coast. I know this destination is just as magical at any time of the year, but being able to dive into the clear blue water was the best part about going during the summer in my opinion. So fret not, if May-August is the window you find yourself booking your Croatian adventure, I have a few tips I can offer on how to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time while visiting the Pearl of the Adriatic.
Choosing Where to Stay:
During my time in Dubrovnik I had booked an Airbnb that was just outside of Old Town. It was only about a 10-15 min walk from the apartment down to Old Town, which turned out to be scenic and a really enjoyable way to start and end each day. After being there during the month of August and seeing how crowded it can be within the walls of Old Town, I was glad I didn’t choose to stay right in the city center. Another reason why I don’t regret the decision is because once I saw the stairs in some of the alleys… I envisioned myself struggling to find ways to get my suitcase up the steep steps if the apartment happened to be at the top. In my opinion, you actually get to see more locals and everyday life happening around you when you choose a place to stay that is slightly further out.
Another alternative: If you are anything like me and prefer to experience the more authentic parts of the destination, you could choose to stay in Cavtat. There isn’t much info on transportation in the Dubrovnik area online so I didn’t realize how easy it is to get back and forth until it came time for me to head from Dubrovnik to Cavtat as the final leg of my journey. Cavtat is an adorable seaside town just a little ways south from Dubrovnik. Although it is still frequented by visitors it doesn’t compare to the crowds you will deal with in Old Town Dubrovnik. To hear more about why I loved Cavtat so much, you can check out my article dedicated to that soon to come. To get to Dubrovnik, you could either take a boat (which would be the more scenic option) or you could take the public bus that stops in the heart of Cavtat and lets people off right near the Cable Car near Old Town.
Thoughtful Timing Is Key:
If there are any activities you’re looking to do that can be considered touristy, my advice would be to go at less popular times of the day. Walking the perimeter of the city walls is one activity that you cannot miss during your time in Dubrovnik. You might want to get in shape before your vacation due to the amount of stairs you will encounter, but the views of the city are stunning and well worth it. I luckily had planned ahead and made sure to start this walk right when it opened at 8am. Some parts of the walls get very narrow, so I cannot imagine what walking them would be like during the middle of the day with 3x more people and in the hot summer heat. Even if you are not a morning person, set your alarm, get yourself out of bed and do it, you will thank me later.
This goes for most other activities you find yourself planning during your vacation. I would suggest doing more planning ahead of time and starting most activities earlier in the morning, especially if you plan on being within the Old Town walls. I know that if you are not a morning person this is not what you want to hear, but I promise it is so worth it.
While In Old Town Step Off The Main Strips:
When the cruise ships offload their passengers, the main roads that go through Old Town can be jam packed and move at a painfully slow speed. Simply wandering down one of the side streets instead can be a great way to escape the crowds and also get a glimpse of the more authentic parts of the walled city. This goes as well for finding places to eat, because like most other popular tourist destinations, all the overpriced tourist traps tend to be located off of main routes. At one point I found myself sitting on some steps at the very top of one of the steep side streets to give my feet a rest and take cover in the shade. It was so quiet from where I sat up above all of the activity and commotion. The longer I sat back and relaxed I noticed little things, like a local peaking out to water some plants, and a small child playing with a toy in the doorway of her home. Giving yourself time to look around and take in the moment can reward you with small sights such as these and glimpses of everyday life taking place.
Would I Still Recommend Visiting During the Summer Months?
If you are set on visiting Croatia and this is the most possible time for you to do it, then yes. Even with the all the crowds, it is truly an amazing experience that you would not want to miss. The off-season, however, I’m sure would be even better if you prefer to avoid the crowds. It is definitely possible to enjoy your trip without the floods of people getting in the way of that if you are aware and plan ahead.
