From headline concerts to airport milestones, this week’s most popular stories show what’s capturing Dubrovnik’s attention — music, tourism, connectivity, and local culture. Here are the five stories readers couldn’t get enough of:
1. Dubrovnik Winter Festival Returns: Dino Merlin to Headline New Year’s Eve
Why it’s trending: The return of the 12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival has everyone excited. Running from November 29 to January 3, 2026, the festival promises a stretch of festive joy across the city. The highlight? A New Year’s Eve concert on Stradun featuring regional superstar Dino Merlin and rising talent Hiljson Mandela. With a lineup including Doris Dragović, Vanna, Parni Valjak, and more, plus family events, workshops, ice rinks, and holiday spectacles, this is Dubrovnik’s most ambitious winter cultural program yet. The Dubrovnik Times
2. Port of Dubrovnik Remains Croatia’s Top Cruise Destination
What you need to know: Despite imposing strict regulations designed to limit environmental impact and preserve the Old City’s charm — including a rule limiting the number of large cruise vessels docked simultaneously — Dubrovnik still leads Croatia in foreign cruise ship arrivals. The Port Authority reports that September and October are already fully booked, and they plan to maintain momentum through year-end. The Dubrovnik Times
3. easyJet Cuts Dubrovnik–Berlin Route for Summer 2026
What’s changing: Budget carrier easyJet has announced that it will discontinue its summer route between Dubrovnik and Berlin (as well as several other routes from Zadar) for the 2026 season. The cut affects nearly 4,000 seats per week across Croatia. For many, this means fewer direct flight options — an inconvenience, especially in peak travel season. But it also underscores how airlines are adjusting their route strategies based on demand and seasonality. The Dubrovnik Times
4. Art & Craft Festival in Dubrovnik’s Lazareti Showcases Local Creativity and Tradition
Culture spotlight: On September 16–17, Lazareti will come alive with an Art & Craft Festival hosted by the NGO DEŠA Dubrovnik under the project TUI Colourful Cultures Croatia. It’s a showcase of handmade goods, traditional and contemporary craft, workshops (weaving, embroidery, etc.), and a chance to support local artisans. Free admission, open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Slowly, these kinds of events are helping to define Dubrovnik as more than just a summer destination — they’re giving glimpses of year-round culture. The Dubrovnik Times
5. Dubrovnik Airport Achieves Fourth Straight Record Month With Over 2 Million Passengers
Incredible growth: Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport continues its hot streak. In August, passenger numbers were up ~2.4% compared to August last year, and aircraft operations also rose. Cargo traffic? It surged by around 540% compared with August 2024. This marks four consecutive record-breaking months for the airport — a sign not only of summer demand but of increasing resilience and potential for broader connectivity. The Dubrovnik Times
