Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas - The editor and big chief of The Dubrovnik Times. Born in the UK he has been living and working in Dubrovnik since 1998, yes he is one of the rare “old hands.” A unique insight into both British and Croatian life and culture, Mark is often known as just “Englez” or Englishman. He is a traveller, a current affairs freak and a huge AFC Wimbledon fan.
Email: mark.thomas@dubrovnik-times.com
Every week, Dubrovnik’s timeless beauty inspires photographers, travellers, and locals to capture the city from new and breathtaking angles. From golden sunsets over the Old City to tranquil shots of Lokrum and playful autumn reflections on Stradun, this week’s Instagram feed was bursting with visual magic.
Here are our five favourite photos that perfectly capture Dubrovnik’s charm, mood, and irresistible glow.
The first train on the new Ploče–Metković–Čapljina–Mostar–Sarajevo route departed from Ploče Station on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 3:40 p.m., officially re-establishing the cross-border rail connection.
Among the passengers was Dubrovnik-Neretva County Prefect Blaž Pezo, who welcomed the line’s relaunch. “The fact that we’ve managed to get this route operational again is a great success. We expect strong passenger numbers and hope it will become a fully functional service. It will particularly benefit our students, as well as residents on both sides of the border. The County will continue to support such initiatives,” said Prefect Pezo.
The new international route between Sarajevo and Ploče was introduced following an agreement between the Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatian Railways Passenger Transport (HŽPP), initiated by the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The service extends the existing Sarajevo–Čapljina passenger train connection.
The initiative was launched to strengthen cross-border cooperation and to support the mobility of students studying at the University of Mostar. It will also make daily travel easier for residents of both the Dubrovnik-Neretva and Herzegovina-Neretva counties, improving living standards, particularly in border areas.
Ploče Mayor Ivan Marević and Metković Mayor Dalibor Milan also highlighted the benefits of the new service, while HŽPP CEO Željko Ulkić and ŽFBiH Acting Director General Mirza Hadžibegić expressed gratitude for the initiative and support from local authorities. They also announced the possibility of turning the route into a year-round service.
Timetable:
The international Ploče–Sarajevo train will operate every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) until June 25, 2026.
From June 26 to August 31, 2026, the train will run as a seasonal service on the Sarajevo–Ploče–Sarajevo route, in accordance with the timetable of the Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Weekend Schedule (Nov 14, 2025 – June 25, 2026):
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Friday: Sarajevo → Ploče departs 16:46, arrives 20:14
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Saturday: Ploče → Sarajevo departs 05:05, arrives 08:35
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Sunday: Sarajevo → Ploče departs 07:15, arrives 10:36
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Sunday: Ploče → Sarajevo departs 15:40, arrives 19:07
From Hollywood lights to luxury decks and feathered visitors, Dubrovnik had a week that blended glamour, global attention, and a touch of nature’s charm. Readers flocked to stories that showcased the city’s international appeal — from Outer Banks filming and Wanderlust travel awards to a surprise visit from a curious stork. Here’s a look back at the five most-read stories that captured Dubrovnik’s imagination last week.
Luxury Superyacht ‘Moonshot’ Anchors Off Dubrovnik in November
A sleek 39-metre superyacht, the Moonshot, was spotted anchored between Lokrum and the Old City — even in November, Dubrovnik’s coastline still turns heads. This piece racked up hits as readers revelled in the off-season glamour. thedubrovniktimes.com
Netflix Hit ‘Outer Banks’ Turns Dubrovnik Into a Sunshine Noir Adventure
The production of the hit series Outer Banks has taken over Dubrovnik’s cobbled streets and cliffside vistas, transforming the city into a “sunshine noir” set where mysterious thrills meet Adriatic beauty. Viewers and locals alike were drawn to this one. thedubrovniktimes.com
Dubrovnik Wins Two Major Awards from Prestigious British Travel Magazine Wanderlust
Dubrovnik was recognised with two major awards by Wanderlust magazine — including a special editor’s prize for sustainable tourism and second place in the “most desirable European city” category — boosting the city’s global travel profile. thedubrovniktimes.com
Accor Opens First Novotel Hotel in Croatia
Global hospitality brand Accor has launched its first Novotel hotel in Croatia, located in Zagreb. The four-star, 163-room property signals a strong vote of confidence in Croatia’s hotel sector and draws interest beyond the Dalmatian coast. thedubrovniktimes.com
A Stork Lands in Dubrovnik: Reader Captures Rare Autumn Visitor
In an unusual moment, a reader’s photo of a stork perched atop a van in a Dubrovnik car park captured hearts. The story of this rare autumn visitor offered a gentle, human-scaled contrast to the bigger tourism headlines. thedubrovniktimes.com
Englishman in Dubrovnik - Turbo Times Five: How an E-Bike Ride Through Zadar Shocked My Soul (and My Backside)
“Look at him. He’s like a child who’s just opened a Christmas present,” he laughed as I shot off down a bumpy track like a caffeinated toddler on a sugar rush. He wasn’t wrong.
I was grinning so hard my face hurt. My backside, as I would soon discover, was about to join it.
Our two-week campervan odyssey has come to an end. From the snow-tipped peaks of Slovenia to the rolling, truffle-scented hills of Istria, we’d zig-zagged our way through a landscape so idyllic it would put a postcard to shame.
Slovenia had already impressed me so much that I briefly considered becoming a mountaineer (until I remembered I don’t like heights, or cold, or exercise).
Then came Istria, which reminded me that Croatia’s interior is the country’s most underrated asset. It’s like Tuscany, but with fewer influencers and better wine.
Istria is, in short, the place you move to when you’ve grown weary of the world’s noise.
Life there feels unhurried, deliberate, refined — like someone pressed the “slow motion” button on existence.
From Hum, the self-proclaimed smallest city in the world, to Grožnjan, an artist’s paradise perched on a hill, and from Draguć to our base in Roč, it’s a place where even the stones seem to have good manners.
Of course, the road from Istria to our final stop — Zadar — brought a creeping melancholy. The end of a journey always does. So to distract ourselves, we decided to do something spontaneous, slightly idiotic, and entirely “us”: rent electric bikes. I’d been quietly curious with the idea of e-bikes for a while.
The thought of gliding effortlessly up hills while pretending to be fit seemed deeply appealing.
“Can we rent two bikes? Sorry, e-bikes,” I asked at the rental shop, trying to sound like I knew what I was talking about.
What followed was a masterclass in customer service minimalism. “Have you ever ridden one before?” he didn’t ask. “Do you know how to operate it safely?” he didn’t inquire. “Would you like a helmet, map, or vague sense of reassurance?” not a chance.
“OK,” I said to my wife as we wobbled out of the parking lot, “how hard can it be?” Her reply came, sharp and fast: “When was the last time you even rode a bike?”
We pedalled on in silence, which was only occasionally broken by the sound of me shouting “What does this button do?” as we veered across the road like drunk flamingos.
Our five-kilometre route into Zadar quickly became ten, thanks to our scenic zig-zag method. “Does this feel any easier than a normal bike to you?” I puffed, after some vigorous uphill confusion. “No,” my wife sighed, “if anything, harder.”
Just then, salvation appeared — in the form of a Lycra-clad stranger who zipped past us like a bullet. “Catch him!” I yelled, as though we were in a Tour de France chase scene. A kilometre later, we caught up, red-faced and gasping for breath.
“This is going to sound dumb,” said my wife, “but… how do we turn these things on?” The man smirked, muttered something, pressed a few mysterious buttons, and suddenly — beep! — the bike came alive beneath me.
“OK, now you can choose: eco or turbo,” he said. “Turbo times five,” I grinned.
What happened next can only be described as transcendental. One moment I was pedalling like a pensioner on a penny-farthing; the next I was soaring. Wind in my hair, bugs in my teeth, heart singing.
“I have rediscovered the wheel!” I shouted to no one in particular.
The bike purred like a well-fed cat. I felt like an Olympian. And that’s when I heard the man shout the first sentence of this article.
And then, slowly but surely, reality began to reassert itself. Namely, in the form of my posterior, which was now making its displeasure known. I hadn’t been on a bike in decades, and my backside clearly remembered why. But pain aside, there was something liberating about it all — the wind, the laughter, the chaos.
We zipped along the Zadar waterfront, past bemused locals and curious tourists, looking for all the world like a pair of overgrown children with expensive toys.
And for a moment, I understood the appeal of these electric steeds. “Is this another one-way road,” my wife shouted as bemused car drivers waved at us.
I thought back over the trip — the snowy stillness of Slovenia, the earthy charm of Istria, the laughter, the missed turns, the GPS tantrums, and the dogs (one thoughtful, one unhinged).
It struck me how travel — real travel — isn’t about ticking off monuments or following itineraries. It’s about the moments that catch you off guard. The wrong turns that lead to the right memories.
The aching muscles that remind you that you’re alive. So yes, my bum may never forgive me. But my soul feels lighter. Because life — like cycling — is really about balance.
You keep moving, even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.
Read more Englishman in Dubrovnik…well, if you really want to
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About the author
Mark Thomas (aka Englez u Dubrovniku) is the editor of The Dubrovnik Times. He was born and educated in the UK and moved to live in Dubrovnik in 1998. He works across a whole range of media, from a daily radio show to TV and in print. Thomas is fluent in Croatian and this column is available in Croatia on the website – Dubrovnik Vjesnik
@dubrovnik_times Hum - the smallest town in the world #travel #croatia #istria #hum ♬ original sound - The Dubrovnik Times
Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra Performs in Vienna’s Golden Hall to Mark 100 Years of Music
Vienna, November 8, 2025 – One of the world’s most famous concert halls, the Golden Hall of Vienna’s Musikverein, was the stage last night for a remarkable evening of Croatian music and artistry, marking a shining finale to the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra’s 100th anniversary year.
Under the baton of maestro Ivan Hut, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra (DSO) performed an unforgettable programme alongside soprano Marija Vidović and guest artist Vlatko Stefanovski, the celebrated Macedonian guitarist. The concert, titled “A Meeting of North and South,” showcased the diversity and unity of Croatia’s musical traditions — from Međimurje’s folk heritage to Dubrovnik’s classical legacy.
A Celebration of Croatian Musical Heritage
The evening opened with Johann Strauss II’s spirited works before moving into a symphonic arrangement of a traditional Međimurje song, adapted by Alex Pashkov and performed by Vidović to great acclaim. The DSO also presented the Fourth Symphony by Dubrovnik-born composer and diplomat Luka Sorkočević, a piece that drew warm applause from the Viennese audience.
A rousing performance of “Jelačić Marsch” by Johann Strauss I brought the audience to its feet, rounding off the evening in true celebratory style — a moment that perfectly captured the shared cultural spirit between Croatia and Austria.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The concert drew a distinguished audience of Croatian and Austrian dignitaries. Representing the City of Dubrovnik, the orchestra’s founder, were Deputy Mayor Velibor Puzović and Head of the Department of Culture Julijana Antić Brautović. Also in attendance were DSO Board Chair Nikolina Pozniak, acting Director Stijepo Medo, and Ivana Jelača on behalf of the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities.
From the diplomatic and national level, guests included Croatian Ambassador to Austria Daniel Glunčić, State Secretary Frano Matušić, Međimurje County Prefect Matija Posavec, Rudi Grula, Director of the Međimurje County Tourist Board, and Julijo Srgota, Director of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, accompanied by colleagues.
A Triumphant End to a Historic Year
The concert at Vienna’s Musikverein not only symbolised a meeting of Croatia’s cultural regions, but also served as a fitting culmination to the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra’s centenary celebrations.
There’s a reason Zagreb keeps turning up on the world’s “must-visit at Christmas” lists — and this year, it’s done it again. Featured by CNN Travel as one of the best Christmas markets in the world for 2025, the Croatian capital’s Advent in Zagreb is fast becoming a festive legend.
Spread across 25 themed markets and squares, the city transforms into a glowing winter wonderland where carols, mulled wine, and twinkling lights fill the crisp December air. Once voted “Best Christmas Market in Europe” three years in a row by European Best Destinations, Zagreb’s Advent continues to outshine bigger and more famous cities with its warmth, creativity, and unmistakable Croatian spirit.
More Than a Market — It’s a Citywide Celebration
From Ban Jelačić Square to Zrinjevac Park, every corner of Zagreb bursts with festive energy. Visitors can wander through stalls selling handmade crafts and local delicacies, watch live Nativity scenes, marvel at ice sculpture carvings, or take a spin on the Christmas tram, complete with Santa and his cheerful elves.
For those who prefer their holidays with a side of rhythm, the city’s iconic Fuliranje zone — literally meaning “fooling around” — is the heart of the fun. Expect street food, craft cocktails, DJs, and spontaneous dancing, as locals and visitors alike turn Advent into an open-air party.
A Festive Season That Lasts
This year’s Advent in Zagreb runs from November 29, 2025, to January 7, 2026, filling the city with more than a month of concerts, decorations, markets, and family-friendly attractions. The scent of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked fritule (mini doughnuts) fills the air, while the soft glow of lanterns lights up the city’s cobbled streets.
For travellers who crave authenticity over crowds, Zagreb offers a refreshingly local take on Christmas, blending old traditions with modern joy. Unlike some of Europe’s mega-markets, Zagreb’s charm lies in its intimacy — it feels less like a show, and more like joining in a neighbourhood celebration.
Zagreb’s Global Recognition
“Advent in Zagreb proves that magic doesn’t only belong to the big capitals,” CNN wrote, noting its unique blend of craft markets, gastronomy, and community spirit. It stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global icons such as Vienna, Strasbourg, and New York, but with the added bonus of Croatian hospitality and charm.
@pieceofvoyage 42 more days✨???? Tag someone who needs to take you to Zagreb Christmas Market! ????️November 30, 2024 - January 7, 2025 #zagrebadvent #zagreb #christmasmarket #advent #croatia ♬ All Alone on Christmas - Darlene Love
Riyadh, November 8, 2025 – The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) has been re-elected to the UN Tourism (UNWTO) Committee of Affiliate Members for the 2026–2029 term — a significant international recognition of Croatia’s standing in the global tourism community.
The decision was confirmed today in Riyadh, during the inaugural session of the Committee of Affiliate Members, following a highly competitive international vote. HTZ received a notably high number of votes, reaffirming its role as one of the world’s most active and respected tourism institutions.
A Continued Role in Global Tourism Policy
“This re-election is a great honour for Croatia and a testament to our consistent engagement in international tourism initiatives,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, who attended the session in Riyadh.
“During our previous mandate, we successfully proposed and implemented a number of initiatives and programmes, most notably hosting the 2nd World Sports Tourism Congress in Zadar in 2023, which gathered around 400 participants from across the globe. We also took part in working groups on Accessible Tourism and the Silk Road, contributing to UN Tourism’s broader strategic goals. This new term allows us to continue these efforts, develop new projects, and strengthen Croatia’s position as a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism,” Staničić said.
Strengthening Croatia’s Global Voice
The Committee of Affiliate Members includes 23 members – 12 regional, eight global, and three appointed by the UN Tourism Secretary-General. The Committee serves as an advisory body to the Secretary-General, supporting the integration of affiliate members into UN Tourism’s objectives and programmes. It also contributes to innovation, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of sustainable and ethical tourism practices aligned with the UN Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
Croatia’s continued membership ensures that the country will remain actively involved in shaping global tourism policy, promoting sustainability, accessibility, and knowledge exchange across the sector.
With this renewed mandate, HTZ is set to play a pivotal role in developing and implementing the new biennial work programme for Affiliate Members — a key document that will guide UN Tourism’s collaborative projects and priorities over the coming years.
@croatiafulloflife Up here, every view tells a story ???? Welcome to Providenca, Mali Lošinj ???? #CroatiaFullOfLife #MaliLosinj #Providenca ♬ we are the people - favsoundds
Croatia Airlines has blamed delayed deliveries of Airbus A220 aircraft for a sharp rise in operating costs this year, forcing the flag carrier to keep its ageing fleet in the air far longer than planned.
The airline, which is midway through an ambitious fleet renewal programme, said in its latest financial report that the postponed arrival of the new jets had led to increased leasing and maintenance costs, putting additional pressure on already thin margins. Deliveries that were once scheduled to modernise the fleet in time for this summer have now slipped to early 2025, with a cumulative delay of more than five years.
A modern fleet, still out of reach
Croatia Airlines has pinned much of its future on the A220, a narrow-body aircraft widely praised for its efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The plan was simple: retire older A319s and A320s, phase out the ageing turboprop Dash 8s, and usher in a leaner, greener era for the national carrier.
Instead, the airline has found itself in an expensive holding pattern. The delay in returning leased De Havilland Dash 8-400s has compounded the financial strain, while Airbus’s announcement of reduced A220 production targets for 2026 has raised fears of even longer wait times for new aircraft.
Between January and September, Croatia Airlines posted an operating loss of €21.5 million, though its EBITDA rose 9% year-on-year to €12.4 million, suggesting some underlying operational improvements. Still, the absence of the A220s has left a noticeable dent in the company’s balance sheet and strategic timetable.
A fleet stuck between two worlds
The carrier currently operates a mixed fleet of six A220-300s, one A220-100, four A319-100s, two A320-200s and four DHC-8-Q400s, according to data from ch-aviation. Plans to begin full A220-100 operations by summer 2025 have now been pushed back, with further deliveries expected only in 2026.
Croatia Airlines’ long-term goal remains a single-type fleet of 15 A220s – thirteen A220-300s and two A220-100s – a move seen as vital to its survival in a fiercely competitive regional market dominated by low-cost carriers.
But every month of delay keeps the airline tethered to its costly, less-efficient aircraft, making it harder to compete on ticket prices or sustainability credentials – the very pillars on which the A220 strategy was built.
Investors divided, rivals circling
The market response has been mixed. Some investors have voiced concerns over mounting losses and the airline’s dependence on Airbus’s delivery schedule. Others remain cautiously optimistic, arguing that once the A220s are fully operational, the modernised fleet could significantly reduce costs and emissions, offering Croatia Airlines a competitive edge in the long run. Meanwhile, competitors in the region – particularly low-cost operators expanding in Zagreb and along the coast – may view Croatia Airlines’ turbulence as an opening to capture additional market share.
@croatia_airlines Jeste li se ikada pitali kako izgleda jedan dan u životu stjuardese? Evo jednog malog uvida! ????✈️ #CroatiaAirlines #BehindTheScenes #stewardesslife #aviationlife✈️❤️ ♬ Unstoppable - Sia
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