Dubrovnik was declared the Champion of Croatian Tourism at last night's ceremonial annual tourism awards as part of the Croatian Tourism Days event in Rovinj.

The doyen of the Neretva tourism offering, Pavo Jerković, received an award for the tourism programs of tangerine picking and photo safaris. The award for 'Man, the Key to Success in Tourism' in the category of best bartender was given to Mario Ljiljanić from the Dubrovnik Hotel Bellevue.

The recognition was received by the Mayor of Dubrovnik, Mato Franković. The most significant tourism award in Croatia went to Dubrovnik, once again affirming its excellence, attractiveness, and efforts in managing the destination and achieving sustainable tourism. The award was presented by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković.

"I am very proud that this award is coming to our city. This is recognition for all our fellow citizens who work hard to maintain and enhance the quality of Dubrovnik's tourist offerings, as well as for all the efforts we have made to guide Dubrovnik towards sustainability, for the benefit of our citizens and the satisfaction of our visitors. An extremely important role was played by the 'Respect the City' project, whose implementation positioned us as leaders in sustainable tourism in the international professional community," said Mato Franković, the Mayor of Dubrovnik.

This year, the City of Dubrovnik has already earned the title of the best big city to live in the country overall, as well as the best in the Smart City category. It has received four international tourism awards: 'Meeting Star' in the category of medium destinations for holding congresses, 'Best Leisure Destination for Groups', 'Europe's Leading Cruise Destination 2023', and 'Europe's Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination'.

"This is our fifth tourism award this year, but also the dearest, speaking to Dubrovnik's return to where it belongs, on the path of sustainability. This encourages us to continue in the same direction. I believe that tonight, all Dubrovnik citizens are very proud," also stated Mayor Franković.

The Croatian Tourism Days 2023 are organized by the Croatian Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Croatian Chamber of Economy, and the Croatian Radiotelevision.

From ultra-popular to wild shores and everything in between, travel writers from the popular newspaper The Guardian have selected the most beautiful European beaches, and among the top 40 there were three from Croatia. But this time the choice was not so predictable, so among them were not the eternal trump cards of our coast such as the Pasjača beach in Konavle.

Among the three most beautiful Croatian beaches in the Guardian's choice were Krivica on Lošinj, Divna on Pelješac and Mlini on the Pakleni islands near Hvar.

Maybe just the fact that you have to walk 30 minutes on a rocky path to actually reach Krivica beach, makes this pebble beach so special. But the prize is a clear, deep sea of beautiful turquoise. It is located in a protected bay surrounded by pine trees, and its only company is anchored sailboats, writes The Guardian, which describes Lošinj as a long island of unusual shape, located in the Kvarner Bay and one of the most fragrant Croatian places with an incredible abundance of wild plants.

Divna Beach on Pelješac really lives up to its name. This pebble and sandy beach is located on the northern coast of Peljesac, about 10 km from Trpanj. Although there are not many places to enjoy the shade, Divna attracts swimmers with its crystal clear sea, and the sea life between the beach and a small island facing the bay will delight everyone who loves diving. The beach cafe sells drinks and basic food, and behind the beach there is a small camp.

Mlini beach - Photo - Canva

Those who visit Hvar and want to change the landscape should take a taxi boat to the bay of Mlini on the Pakleni island of Marinkovac, advises The Guardian. This pebble beach with an irresistible scent of pine trees, conquers the incredibly clear blue-green sea, and offers a restaurant and deck chairs for all who want a little comfort.