Dubrovnik: New in 2016
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s shining city on the sea, once again opening its gates in 2016 to welcome nearly two million visitors (according to 2015 figures). Within Dubrovnik’s ancient walls, centuries-old palaces and churches beckon testifying to the timelessness of Dubrovnik’s appeal. (All info in Croatia Traveller’s Dubrovnik pages).
Some things never change, but some things do! As the 2016 tourist season approaches, here are the new things in Dubrovnik you need to know about.
Domestic Flights
- Non-stop flights to Pula
Starting 31 May Croatia Airlines is running a flight between the two cities on opposite ends of the coast every Tuesday. Never has it been easier to incorporate Istria into your Croatia itinerary. - Seaplane flights between Dubrovnik Airport and central Split
European Coastal Airlines runs multiple daily flights between Dubrovnik Airport and central Split which is most convenient if you need to avoid the long drive back to the airport from Split. Drop your rental car in Split and board the seaplane! See more on transport from Dubrovnik airport.
International Flights
- Non-stop flights between Dubrovnik and Istanbul
Turkish Airlines will operate direct flights between the two cities three times weekly from 10 May. The irony here is that Dubrovnik spent a good part of the 16th and 17th century fending off Ottoman influence in the Adriatic. - New flights to Munich, Paris and Amsterdam
Transavia is about to start direct flights from Munich, Paris and Amsterdam to Dubrovnik at jaw-droppingly low prices. - New flights from London (Luton) to Dubrovnik
By Easyjet of course.
Local News
- Banje Beach Makeover
Dubrovnik’s classiest beach and the one closest to the old town has been redone. Actually the beach is more or less the same but the Banje Beach Restaurant Lounge Club is even more stylish and is an unmissable spot on Dubrovnik’s party circuit. - No more swimsuits on Stradun!
But who would do that? Not you, dear reader. Apparently enough people bared enough skin in the old town that the city thundered down an ordinance requiring decent streetwear. - Free public wifi
Obala Stjepana Radića near Gruz port has been outfitted with an array of sensors, gadgets and wires, making it Dubrovnik’s first “smart street”. In addition to the transmission of traffic and parking information, there’s 4G and free wifi. - Price hikes
The price for walking Dubrovnik’s historic walls is expected to rise from 120Kn to 155Kn. It hasn’t been finalized yet but probably will be. Just in case, I advise you to plan ahead and buy the Dubrovnik Card which gives you entrance to the walls, five museums, two galleries and 24 hours of bus rides for only 135Kn. - More buses
Libertas, the local bus company, has put into service an additional 18 buses to increase frequency on Dubrovnik’s popular bus routes. Bus service in Dubrovnik has always been good; now it will be great. See more about Dubrovnik buses. - Year of Saint Blaise
Saint Blaise is Dubrovnik’s patron saint and vital to the spiritual life of the city. Saint Blaise church has been renovated and the anniversary of beloved saint will be honored throughout 2016 with a special program of events. The schedule is available through the tourist office.