Every day, thousands of visitors ride Dubrovnik’s iconic cable car for the same reason: to catch that view. The breathtaking panorama from Mount Srđ—Old City rooftops, Adriatic blues, and islands scattered like jewels—has become one of the city's defining images. But while cameras click and eyes widen, one man inside the cabin is focused on something else entirely: safety, precision, and smooth operation.

Zvonimir Konjevod has been a cabin operator on the Dubrovnik Cable Car for six years. He’s the calm presence in a moving capsule, making sure every journey is secure, balanced, and seamless. In this exclusive interview, Zvonimir takes us behind the scenes of what it’s really like to ride the cable car up to 100 times a day, how he manages guests with a fear of heights, and why he believes sunset is the magic moment to experience Dubrovnik from above.

A truly unique experience - Photo - DCC

So you are a cabin operator on the Dubrovnik Cable car. I have an idea of what that involves but could you just fill me in as the actual role?

So a cabin operator we are in charge of the entry and exit of all passengers and of course their safety. One thing that is important is that we make sure that the number of passengers in one cabin doesn't exceed 26, the optimal number. We also check that all the passengers in the cabin have a ticket and that none of the passengers have something with them that they shouldn't, like a glass bottle or ice-cream. Yes, as you can see safety is the main concern.

One important point I have to mention is that when the passengers come into the cabin I need to make sure that they are evenly distributed in the cabin. Of course, most people want to rush to the front of the cabin for the views, but that would mean that the cabin is slightly unbalanced. In fact, there is an excellent view from all sides of the cabin. When I can see that the cabin is ready to go I press the “ready” button and we can go.

So you are inside the cabin for most of your working day. The obvious question is how many times do you go up and down in the cable car in a normal day?

My colleague and I once did a rough calculation and it worked out that we go up and down around 100 times in a working day. Of course, this is in the middle of the season when there are plenty of passengers and we have an obligation to get them transported as quick and as safely as possible.

But yes, around 100 times a day.

Do you ever get bored of the view?

To be honest I am concentrating on the passengers and the ride, but no I can’t get bored of the view and with each part of the day the view changes.

Every day we have lots of technical checks to do - Photo - Mark Thomas 

What does a typical working day on the cable car look like?

If I am working in the morning then the cable car starts operating at 9:00am, so we all arrive a little before 8:00am. Then every day we do a test ride of the cable car to the top and back. And also every day we have lots of technical checks to perform.

Every day the brakes are checked, every day the wheels are checked for lubricant, there is plenty of work in the morning. Then we all met down by the bottom station to prepare everything else, and a quick meeting. At 8:55 we open for passengers.

All passengers are impressed with the view - Photo - DCC

I guess you sometimes work in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon shift. Which is your own personal favourite time of the day to ride the cable car, or rather to work?

Honestly, I always recommend to friends and family, and indeed to guests to ride the cable car just before sunset. In the summer I guess that’s around 7:30 in the early evening. When the sun starts to fall the view is absolutely amazing. And I can see this with passengers in the cabin, they are amazed by just how beautiful it is as the golden hour approaches.

In fact, it isn’t as warm as it is in the day as well, so in my opinion the early evening is a great time to ride the cable car.

We go through a range of safety checks every day - Photo - Mark Thomas 

You are very much in the front line with guests to Dubrovnik. What kind of feedback do you receive from them?

We sometimes get people who are trying to face their fears, both the fear of heights and of cable cars in general. Although I have to say that it seems to me that there are fewer and fewer people in recent times who are afraid of riding the cable car. Of course, with these passengers I take time to explain to them the safety aspect and generally to calm them down and talk to them.

I have been working on the cable car for six years and have seen and heard a lot of things. But with experience you soon learn how to handle all of them.

It isn't just the ride, it is the views - Photo - DCC

It sounds to me that safety is always at the forefront in your job?

100 percent, safety and professionalism and in everything that we do and in all positions.

And finally do you have a message for potential guests of the Dubrovnik Cable Car?

For me the cable car is the number one attraction in Dubrovnik. And it isn’t only the ride, you also get the views, the contents at the top of the Srđ mountain, and not forgetting that at the moment with have a whole range of events at the amphitheatre in the Summer Events program.

Something is always happening, it is truly a unique experience.

You can follow the Dubrovnik Cable Car on social media 

Facebook

Instagram

A reader of The Dubrovnik Times had her breath taken away as she flew into Dubrovnik from Zagreb yesterday—and she wasn’t alone. The series of aerial shots she shared with us offer a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the Old City, Lokrum Island, the Adriatic coastline, and the Franjo Tuđman Bridge, all bathed in crystal-clear summer sunshine.

"It looked too perfect to be real," she told us. "The water was so blue, the terracotta roofs so vivid—I’ve never seen a city look quite like this from the sky. It felt like I was flying into a painting."

The images, snapped just before landing at Dubrovnik Airport, show the full beauty of the UNESCO-listed Old City and its surroundings. From the tight-knit orange rooftops of the medieval centre to the sparkling waters dotted with boats, the photos are a vivid reminder of why Dubrovnik continues to enchant visitors from above and below.

With the summer season in full swing, scenes like these are now greeting thousands of arriving passengers daily—many of whom, like our reader, are left in awe before they even touch the ground.

It’s a picture-perfect Sunday morning in Dubrovnik, and the Adriatic is buzzing with nautical life. At least eight yachts and boats were spotted anchored in the tranquil waters between the Old City and Lokrum Island, offering a clear sign that the summer season is in full swing.

With blue skies, calm seas, and temperatures already climbing, the bay has become a floating showcase of luxury and leisure. From sleek superyachts to elegant sailing vessels, today’s scene off the coast is a postcard-worthy example of why Dubrovnik continues to attract seafaring visitors from around the world.

Maritime authorities report increased yacht activity in recent weeks, particularly from international guests cruising the Dalmatian coast. Lokrum’s protected cove remains a favourite anchoring spot for those seeking a quiet escape within view of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed skyline.

From sizzling temperatures to superstar sightings and a seismic surprise, it’s been a week of extremes in Croatia—and our readers couldn’t get enough. Here are the top five most-read stories on The Dubrovnik Times over the past seven days.

Scorching Stats: June 2025 Among Hottest on Record in Dubrovnik

Our most-read article detailed the blistering heat that engulfed Dubrovnik last month, with several days topping 30°C and a peak of 32.4°C. According to meteorologists, June 2025 is officially one of the hottest ever recorded. The heatwave not only scorched pavements but also raised concerns about global climate trends.

Read the full article ➤

Mild Earthquake Rattles Dubrovnik Midday

Just when you thought the weather was wild, the earth decided to join in. A mild earthquake was felt across Dubrovnik shortly after noon, shaking coffee cups and social media feeds alike. While there were no reports of damage, the tremor added a jolt of drama to an already intense week.
Read the full article ➤

American Invasion: US Tourists Top Dubrovnik Guest Charts

It was stars, stripes, and sunhats as Americans officially became the largest group of international visitors in Dubrovnik this June. In a record-breaking month for tourism, US guests led the pack, reinforcing Dubrovnik’s growing appeal across the Atlantic.

Read the full article ➤

Jeff Bezos’ Yacht Spotted in Croatia on Honeymoon Cruise

Yes, that yacht. Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sánchez were spotted honeymooning off the idyllic Croatian island of Iž aboard the ultra-luxurious Koru. Unsurprisingly, billionaire boat-spotting proved irresistible to readers.

Read the full article ➤

Thompson Set to Rock Zagreb: Over Half a Million Expected

Croatian singer Marko Perković Thompson is preparing for a mega-concert at Zagreb’s Hippodrome, with more than 500,000 fans expected—plus government ministers. From fan zones to food prices, this massive event has people talking across the country.

Read the full article ➤

From climate chaos to celebrity yachts, Dubrovnik and Croatia continue to serve up the stories that get readers clicking. Don’t miss what’s next—stay tuned and stay cool.

As is tradition, Cavtat transforms into a lively stage for its summer carnival during the first weekend of July.

Year after year, this masked weekend delights both visitors and locals alike. The cheerful event was created out of a desire to bring Cavtat’s winter carnival tradition into the summer months, when the town’s streets are alive with warmth and activity.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of the Dominali Carnival Association, the support of the Konavle Municipality Tourist Board, and the dedicated efforts of the Mame Cavtat Association, the summer carnival has grown into a beloved event that successfully combines music, dancing, costumes, and pure joy.

Croatian tennis star Marin Čilić has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon after a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Jaume Munar in a match that lasted three hours and six minutes.

This marks the 27th time in Čilić’s career that he has reached the last 16 at a Grand Slam tournament, and the first time since the US Open in 2022, following a long period plagued by injury. At Wimbledon, this is his seventh time making it to the second week, but the first since 2017—the year he famously reached the final.

Against a player appearing in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, Čilić started strongly, breaking Munar’s serve in the opening game. He had a chance to go up 3-0 with another break, but couldn’t convert. He then faced some pressure himself, saving Munar’s only break point of the set. Čilić broke again in the ninth game to take the first set.

However, just as he had taken the first set convincingly, Čilić lost the second by the same scoreline. Munar raised his level, consistently threatening Čilić’s serve, while the Croatian struggled to find rhythm on return. Čilić saved two break points in the third game but was broken in both the seventh and ninth games. He racked up a surprising 20 unforced errors in just nine games.

The third set brought a turnaround. Munar’s level dipped, while Čilić stepped up. He broke in the first game, survived two break points in the sixth, and broke again in the ninth to claim the set 6-2.

The crucial moments in the fourth set came in the fifth and sixth games. At 2-2, Čilić capitalized on several errors from Munar to break, and then saved the Spaniard’s only break point in the following game. Both players held serve for the rest of the set, sealing Čilić’s spot in the next round.

In the fourth round, Čilić will face Italian Flavio Cobolli.

Can He Match Goran?

Comparisons with Croatia’s most iconic Wimbledon moment are inevitable. In 2001, Goran Ivanišević—ranked 125th in the world and granted a wild card—defied all odds to win Wimbledon in an unforgettable five-set final.

It remains one of the greatest underdog stories in tennis history. Čilić, who came close in 2017 but lost to Roger Federer in the final, will be hoping to finally follow in Goran’s footsteps. 

Croatia has just introduced a new quality label that celebrates what truly makes a stay memorable-local hospitality. The Local Host badge is more than a plaque on a wall; it's a mark of trust, authenticity, and connection. Designed to spotlight family-run accommodations that go above and beyond, this initiative invites guests to experience Croatia not just as tourists, but as welcomed friends.

There's something magical about arriving at a Croatian home-be it a stone cottage overlooking the sea or a countryside villa nestled among olive trees-and being greeted not as a customer, but as a friend. That warm welcome, often accompanied by homemade rakija and a heartfelt smile, is the kind of hospitality Croatia is known for.

Now, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board, has taken steps to officially recognize and promote that spirit of welcome. The newly launched "Local Host" label is a fresh initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the best of Croatia's family accommodation-those who go above and beyond to offer guests a genuine, personal, and high-quality stay.

Why this matters

Family-run accommodation have long been a cornerstone of Croatia's tourism identity. With more beds in private homes than in any other type of accommodation, it's a sector that's both essential and unique. Yet, until now, there was no official way to distinguish hosts who pour their heart into the experience from those who simply rent out a room.

"Family-run accomodation is a tradition of Croatian tourism, and something that sets us apart from other destinations," said Tonči Glavina, the Minister of Tourism and Sports. "With the Local Host label, we want to highlight this authenticity and support those hosts who truly represent the values of Croatian hospitality."

Who can get the label?

The "Local Host" label isn't handed out to just anyone. It's awarded to hosts who meet a set of carefully developed criteria, including:

• Authenticity of their offer (local traditions, heritage, or cultural identity)

• Hospitality, warmth, and personal engagement

• Eco-awareness, sustainability, and responsibility toward the environment

• Quality communication and guest information

• Ongoing training and dedication to improvement

In short, it's not about having the fanciest apartment or the most luxurious villa. It's about heart, character, and the kind of service that makes you feel like part of the family.

A simple process, big impact

Applying for the label is easy and entirely digital. Hosts complete a self-assessment form through the eVisitor platform. If they meet the criteria, they receive a physical plaque to proudly display on their property-and a digital version to use on booking websites, social media, and promotional materials.

The label is valid for three years. To renew it, hosts must undergo the process again to ensure they still meet the quality standards.

Kristjan Staničić, the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, explains the bigger vision: "This is the first time that family accommodation is being promoted in such a structured way, which is extremely important given that Croatia, as a tourist destination, has the highest number of beds in private family accommodation. The goal is to distinguish hosts who carry out this activity with great enthusiasm and effort from ordinary renters. The entire process will unfold in two directions, or rather, in two phases. The first involves encouraging as many hosts as possible to become bearers of this label, and we take this opportunity to invite all family accommodation providers who meet the criteria to join the project. The second phase entails the systematic promotion of the label in source markets so that, among our guests, it becomes synonymous with quality and reliability." Emphasizing that the awarded label will be valid for three years, and before its expiration, holders will have to undergo the self-assessment and approval process again to ensure the label's high quality standard is maintained.

What's in it for hosts?

Plenty. Not only will Local Hosts stand out in an increasingly saturated accommodation market, but they'll also benefit from special promotional support from the Croatian Tourist Board. Their listings will be included in marketing campaigns and highlighted on booking platforms and tourist portals.

The label also comes with a built-in trust factor. When guests see the Local Host plaque, they know they're entering a space run by someone who truly cares-someone who will go the extra mile to offer recommendations, share local secrets, and make sure they feel right at home.

Community, connection, and cultural pride

Beyond the business advantages, the Local Host initiative is also about empowering local communities. It encourages hosts to take pride in their culture, revive forgotten customs, and pass on traditions that might otherwise fade. It's not uncommon for a guest to return home knowing how to bake traditional peka (meals cooked under the bell), recognize a klapa harmony, or understand the significance of a village feast day-just because their host made the effort to share it with them.

This kind of cultural connection builds lasting impressions and lifelong memories, helping Croatia stand out in a global sea of generic travel options. When guests forge bonds with their hosts, they're far more likely to return, recommend, and genuinely fall in love with the destination.

A vision for sustainable tourism

At its core, this initiative is about more than branding. It's about shaping the future of tourism in Croatia-one that balances guest satisfaction with local well-being.

The Local Host label supports the broader goals of sustainable tourism. By encouraging personal interaction, cultural exchange, and environmentally conscious practices, it strengthens the link between visitors and local communities. It ensures that tourism isn't just profitable, but meaningful and respectful too.

A welcome like no other

Whether you're staying in a hilltop home in Istria, a fisherman's cottage on the Adriatic, or a cozy room in Slavonia, choosing a host with the Local Host label means something special. It means you're not just booking a bed-you're stepping into someone's story, sharing a slice of local life, and experiencing Croatia the way it's meant to be experienced: warmly, sincerely, and with a sense of belonging.

So next time you scroll through listings for your Croatian adventure, keep an eye out for a small but powerful sign. It might just lead you to your most memorable stay yet.

This isn't just another hotel review. It's a love letter to a place that somehow balances everyday charm with decades of Dubrovnik history. Locals know it. Tourists find it. And once you've had a coffee or breakfast at the Piano Bar, you'll understand why it's the go-to spot for so many.

A Local Institution With a Global Welcome

Hotel Lero isn't tucked away down a narrow alley. It's proudly perched along one of Dubrovnik's main arteries, a short and scenic walk from the Old City, and it has been welcoming guests with open arms for over 50 years. That kind of longevity doesn't happen by accident. Ask any Dubrovčanin where to meet, and chances are you'll hear, "Let's meet at Lero."

Whether it's a quick morning coffee, a relaxed lunch, or a live-music evening with friends, Lero has become part of the rhythm of the city. It's not flashy, but that's precisely its charm-it's effortlessly good at what it does.

Breakfast of Champions (And the Hungry)

Croatians might be light on breakfast-often just a coffee and a pastry-but for travellers used to heartier starts to the day, options can feel limited. That's where Lero comes in. The Piano Bar serves up a full English-style breakfast (yes, including bacon and eggs!) alongside lighter Mediterranean options. Whether you're staying in private accommodation or just wandered up from Pile Gate looking for fuel, you don't need to be a guest to enjoy the hotel's breakfast offerings.

The terrace is airy, the vibe is friendly, and the service is consistently spot on. Don't just take my word for it. One of our readers-an Austrian gentleman who's about to celebrate his 80th visit to Dubrovnik (yes, you read that right)-swears by Hotel Lero. "The rooms are wonderful," he told us, "but I must also mention the breakfast. I like to start the day with a good meal so I can explore the city full of energy."

If that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is.

The Magic Is in the Mix

So why do I-and so many others-gravitate towards Hotel Lero? The reasons are hard to list without sounding overly poetic, but here's a stab at it: reliable service, easy parking, fair prices, a menu that satisfies all cravings, and that rarest of qualities-a welcoming spirit that doesn't try too hard. Add to that live music in the evenings, a spacious interior with a breezy terrace, and a location that's within strolling distance of the Old City, and you start to get the picture.

Oh, and did I mention that Hotel Lero is open all year round?

In a city where many spots shutter during the off-season, that's a major plus. Whether you're visiting in the July heat or the calm of January, Lero's doors are open-and so is its kitchen.

More Than Just Coffee and Cake

While I'm partial to the coffee and cake combo (the dessert selection changes daily, and I've yet to try one I didn't like), the menu offers much more. Fresh salads, sandwiches, local wines, and hearty mains make it a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you're on a business call or a romantic date, the Piano Bar adapts effortlessly to the occasion.

And let's not forget the people. The staff at Hotel Lero are the kind you remember-professional without being stiff, warm without being overbearing. They'll recommend a dish, ask about your day, and somehow always remember your coffee order.

Your Spot in Dubrovnik

Whether you're a seasoned visitor or it's your first time in town, Hotel Lero feels like a place you were always meant to find. It's woven into the daily life of Dubrovnik, a meeting point, a pit stop, and for many, a home away from home. So the next time someone asks, "Where can I get a decent breakfast in Dubrovnik?"-you'll know what to say.

And if you're lucky, you'll already have a table at the Piano Bar, a cappuccino in front of you, and the comforting feeling of knowing you're in on one of the city's best-kept not-so-secrets.