Discover the European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism initiative, a groundbreaking EU initiative that recognizes cities at the forefront of sustainable and intelligent tourism. Explore how these capitals lead the way in green innovation, smart mobility, and sustainable travel practices, setting an example for destinations worldwide.
Whether you know Dubrovnik for its UNESCO World Heritage old town or from ‘Game of Thrones’, there’s more to the city than meets the eye. Beyond its historical buildings, beautiful beaches and natural surroundings is a commitment to enhancing visitor experiences while safeguarding the daily lives of locals. In recognition of this, Dubrovnik has been awarded the 2026 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism title, celebrating its sustainable, inclusive and digital tourism initiatives. Here’s your guide to the pearl of the Adriatic.
Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-protected heritage spans the entire old town. The most famous site is the City Walls, which showcase fort architecture dating back to the 8th century. Meanwhile, the Rector’s Palace invites visitors to step inside the official residence of the head of the historic Dubrovnik Republic. Inside, the Cultural History Museum houses a collection highlighting the city’s cultural heritage.
Wondering how to make the most of Dubrovnik’s top sights without the hassle? The Dubrovnik Pass makes visiting the main city attractions easier – it combines entry to twelve key museums, galleries, palaces and city walls in one ticket. What’s more, getting from one place to another is simple, as the Pass also includes a free public transport ticket! Most importantly, the city uses the Dubrovnik Pass to estimate and forecast visitor numbers, so visitors can use the Pass website to see how many people are at each site in real time. It’s easy: check the website, see how many visitors are already at the museum and plan your visit accordingly.
Beyond its old town, Dubrovnik stretches out towards the Adriatic Sea, nearby islands and beautiful beaches. Summer fun is open to everyone and information about accessibility is available on the accessibility database portal. There are many natural sites to explore in and around Dubrovnik. A 10-minute boat ride from the Old City Harbor takes visitors to the Island of Lokrum, a reserve of forest vegetation and the third oldest protected nature area in Croatia. Home to over 150 bird species, the island also houses the Benedictine Monastery and its historic gardens. The remains of the complex are scattered across the island and can be explored on foot.
Protecting the natural environment is of great importance to the city and its residents. Reflecting this commitment, Dubrovnik has become the first city in Croatia to join the Plastic Smart Cities initiative, prohibiting single-use plastics at public events and in public institutions. This shift is also encouraging local businesses to find new ways to tackle plastic pollution. The Maritimo Recycling initiative, for example, repurposes plastic collected from the Adriatic Sea into colorful sunglasses, a great, environmentally friendly option for visitors.
Sun, nature and history – Dubrovnik presents the best of coastal living and makes it more sustainable and innovative for a better visitor experience. Find out more about what makes the city the 2026 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism here.
