194 MEDITERRANEAN: REPORT The Croatian city of Dubrovnik is a destination that can entertain a variety of cruise guests, with family-friendly activities, a unique gastronomic experiences and multiple shore excursions on offer. Passengers wishing to learn about the history of the city can visit the Maritime Museum or the Natural Science Museum. Meanwhile, those who want to explore untouched beaches and hike on wildlife trails can take a short ferry trip to the Elaphiti Islands, including Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Dubrovnik also offers a diverse range of dining experiences, allowing guests to sample Croatian cuisine made from locally sourced fruits, vegetables and fish. “The delicacies of Dubrovnik are simple, mild and prepared in an unpretentious way with plenty of olive oil that accentuates the juicy taste of the natural foods,” says Miroslav Drašković, director at Dubrovnik Tourist Board. “Those visiting local taverns can taste authentic national food, good smoked ham, cheese matured in oil, octopus salad, Zelena Minestra, Sporchi Macaroni and grilled sardines.” In addition, wine connoisseurs can visit wineries or enjoy wine-tasting sessions at vineyards in the region of Konavle, the Peljesac peninsula and on the island of Korčula, all of which are accessible by car, bus or ferry from Dubrovnik. Statista reported that 112,000 cruise ship passengers visited Dubrovnik in 2021 and numbers have been steadily increasing since. To accommodate the growth in cruise and ferry traffic, Dubrovnik Port Authority is developing additional infrastructure, including new 426-metre-long berths for international and domestic ferries. The port authority is also investing to improve sustainability and has started investigating the feasibility of installing shore power and a photovoltaic powerplant. Together, they will reduce the amount of electricity used on-site. Furthermore, Dubrovnik has implemented a multidisciplinary strategic destination management project with an action plan, ‘Respect the City’, to ensure the city maintains a sustainable approach to tourism and better management of cruise ship passengers. “Dubrovnik’s city walls are the most well-known attraction for visitors,” says Drašković. “But we’re hoping that other historical sites, the cuisine and untouched nearby islands demonstrate even more reason to visit the city, and that the port improvements will enable more sustainably operated ships to visit in the future.” An accommodating city From history lovers to island-hopping explorers, Dubrovnik offers attractions that are suitable for all cruise guests and is investing in a sustainable future Photos: Dubrovnik Tourist Board The Elaphiti Islands including Šipan (top) and Lopud, are a short ferry trip away from Dubrovnik
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