Lufthansa has announced a significant increase in flights to Pula for the 2025 summer season. The airline will operate four weekly flights from both Frankfurt and Munich to the coastal city throughout the season, compared to two and one weekly flights in 2024. This change adds five additional weekly rotations to Pula, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

The Frankfurt-Pula route will resume earlier than usual, starting on April 25, 2025, compared to June 3 this year. However, the Munich-Pula route will begin slightly later, on May 10, 2025.

Lufthansa plans to deploy CRJ900s, Embraer E190s, and E195s on these routes. In total, 193 flights from Germany to Pula are scheduled for 2025, a significant increase from 67 in 2024.

Schedules may be subject to change.

The City of Dubrovnik has been awarded the title of Best City in the Smart City category, with the recognition presented to Mayor Mato Franković during a ceremony in Šibenik attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

For the third time, Dubrovnik has been recognized as a national leader in Smart City technologies and acknowledged internationally as a trailblazer in implementing advanced systems. Many of its projects have become benchmarks for other cities. These technologies are aimed at enhancing all aspects of life in Dubrovnik. Among them is the "VOX POPULI system", the first online participatory budgeting model in Croatia, accessible through the e-Citizens system. It enables residents to participate in selecting and voting on project proposals for their local district or community, fostering greater citizen involvement in decision-making processes.

To reduce traffic in the vicinity of the historic city center, the city has introduced technical and traffic-management solutions. Equipment, including video surveillance for regulating tourist bus and private car parking and stopping, has been installed (8+1 zones). The city also launched the "BUS WEB SHOP" application for reserving vehicle stops in protected zones. This system streamlines on-the-ground processes, reduces congestion, and eases entry points into the city, contributing to sustainable traffic management.

Another standout Smart City tool is the "Dubrovnik Pass", which serves as a combined ticket for major attractions, promoting cultural heritage while dispersing visitors to alleviate pressure on the most popular sites. Since its introduction, the pass has achieved excellent results, with September 2024 recording its highest monthly revenue.

Additional Smart City tools implemented include the "Dubrovnik Visitors app", which tracks the number of visitors within the historic center and predicts visitor numbers, and "Dubrovačko oko", an interactive platform for communication between the city administration and citizens, enabling quicker information flow and faster resolution of minor municipal issues. Dubrovnik has also introduced "Smart Parking" and a "Car Sharing service" with 100% electric vehicles.

The awards ceremony was part of the annual conference Days of Regional Development and EU Funds, held in Šibenik from December 4–6, organized by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds. This year's conference focused on opportunities offered by EU funds, including further investments in regional development, sustainable growth, and fostering collaboration between regional and local stakeholders. A special program for entrepreneurs was also introduced.

Mayor Franković was joined at the conference by Martina Skopljaković, Head of the Department for EU Funds and Economy.

On December 6th, many countries around the world celebrate St. Nicholas Day, honoring the beloved saint known for his generosity and kindness. St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra (modern-day Turkey), is remembered for his acts of charity, particularly his care for children and the poor. His life inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus, blending legend with enduring cultural traditions.

In many European countries, such as Croatia, Germany, and the Netherlands, children awake to find small gifts or sweets left in their shoes, a tribute to St. Nicholas’s legendary gift-giving. The day is also marked by festive events, church services, and family gatherings, celebrating the spirit of compassion and giving that St. Nicholas represents.

This cherished holiday is a reminder of the importance of generosity, a message that resonates warmly as the Christmas season approaches.

Dubrovnik is currently hosting 1,000 tourists, marking a slight 1% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to the eVisitor system.

French and American visitors remain the most numerous, joined by tourists from Croatia, Singapore, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite the small dip in numbers this week, the city has seen a strong tourism year overall, with 1.336 million arrivals and 4.2275 million overnight stays recorded so far—a 10% improvement compared to 2023.

The Croatian government has approved a one-time payment of €80 to all pensioners and recipients of the national allowance for the elderly ahead of Christmas. Approximately €100 million will be allocated for this initiative, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasizing the state’s commitment to its senior citizens.

"The government is in a position today to decide on a Christmas bonus of €80 for all pensioners—more than 1.23 million of them. We believe this is a significant gesture of solidarity, sending a message that the state cares for our senior citizens," said the Prime Minister at the start of the session.

One-Time Payment Details

The €80 bonus, exempt from garnishments, will be paid this month to recipients of pensions from Croatia’s mandatory pension insurance and beneficiaries of the national allowance for the elderly who are on record as of November 2024.

Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy Minister Marin Piletić noted that this is the ninth such bonus payment approved by the government, which has allocated over €612 million for these initiatives since their inception.

“This payment will have no limits, income thresholds, or tiers. The €80 will be distributed to all pensioners,” he explained, highlighting that the decision was reached in cooperation with the Union of Pensioners, the Pensioners’ Association, and the Croatian Pensioners’ Party.

Supporting Nearly 1.25 Million Recipients

Croatia has 1,228,000 pensioners and 17,500 recipients of the national allowance for the elderly. The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute will ensure the allocation of €98.6 million for this initiative.

The removal of trees in Lapad over recent days might at first look shocking, but there is a good reason behind the move.

Work has begun on the redevelopment of the tree-lined promenade in King Tomislav Street in the suburb of Lapad, funded in part by non-repayable grants as part of investments in green urban infrastructure.

The project involves the complete removal of the existing sidewalk and greenery (including the current pine trees) and the installation of a new paved sidewalk with curbs over a 200-metre corridor stretching from the pedestrian zone in Lapad to the football stadium. The plan includes planting 32 mature elm trees, adding ground-level greenery, and implementing an irrigation system. The works are expected to take seven months.

The investment is co-financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, which has provided €276,500, covering 60% of the project. The total contracted value of the project is €457,012.35.

And this is what it will look like in the future - Photo - Grad Dubrovnik 

So why cut down the mature pine trees? The manager of the Arboretum of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Trsteno, Dr. Ivan Šimić, shared his perspective on the situation for Dubrovački Vjesnik. “The pines in that area were in very poor condition; they were leaning and falling. It seems that two pines fell just in the past year near the 'traffic light' area. I understand that many citizens find it hard to accept the sight of tree cutting, but it’s important to realize that this is part of urban redevelopment. New trees will be planted to replace the removed ones, bringing long-term benefits. Not everything should be viewed solely negatively. A significant debate has emerged, but few have inquired about the type of elm being planted. The hybrid elm (Ulmus ‘Rebona’) is a variety resistant to major diseases and is commonly used for tree-lined avenues across Europe due to its durability and adaptability to urban environments. In addition to its disease resistance, this elm tolerates various climatic conditions, including drought and low temperatures. Furthermore, it grows quickly and has a dense canopy that provides good shade. It also has a stable root system, reducing the risk of tree breakage.”

While Dubrovnik may not be blanketed in snow, its traditions, lights, and festive cheer more than make up for the mild Mediterranean winter. Among the many cherished customs, the making and sharing of prikle—a traditional sweet treat that would be best described in English as “doughnut balls. —stands out as a delicious symbol of the holiday spirit.

A Dubrovnik Christmas: Timeless Traditions

Christmas in Dubrovnik is deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. The holiday season officially begins with Advent, marked by the lighting of candles in the main square and the enchanting Dubrovnik Winter Festival.

What Are Prikle?

Prikle, also known as fritule in other parts of Croatia, are small, golden dough balls that are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Often flavored with citrus zest, rum, or raisins, these bite-sized treats are a staple of Christmas celebrations in Dubrovnik. They symbolize warmth, hospitality, and the joy of sharing.

Locals often prepare prikle in large batches to serve to family, friends, and even unexpected guests—a testament to the city’s welcoming spirit. You’ll also find these delightful fritters at the Christmas festive stands scattered throughout the Old City, where their irresistible aroma wafts through the cobblestone streets.

How to Make Prikle: A Traditional Recipe

If you’d like to bring a touch of Dubrovnik into your home this Christmas, try making prikle using this traditional recipe.

Ingredients:

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour

• 25g (1 packet) fresh yeast or 7g (1 packet) dry yeast

• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

• 50ml (3 tablespoons) rum or brandy

• 50g (1/4 cup) raisins (optional, soaked in rum for extra flavor)

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast:

Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, citrus zest, rum, and soaked raisins. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

3. Let It Rise:

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape and Fry:

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Using a spoon, drop small portions of the dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5. Drain and Dust:

Remove the prikle from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. Once cooled slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm with a cup of mulled wine or tea.

A Sweet Tradition to Share

Making prikle is more than just a culinary activity; it’s a way to connect with the traditions of Dubrovnik and share the holiday spirit. Whether you’re strolling through the illuminated streets of the Old City or recreating these treats at home, prikle are a delicious reminder of the warmth and joy of Christmas.

Dubrovnik is bracing for a wintry week as gale-force bura winds bring bone-chilling conditions to the region. Gusts exceeding 65 km/h are battering the city, with temperatures hovering around 12°C but feeling closer to 5°C due to the piercing northeast wind.

The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service has issued a wind warning, with showers forecast to persist throughout the week, keeping the city under a damp and grey spell. Long-term predictions for Christmas suggest a similar outlook, with temperatures around 10°C and a chance of rain dampening festive plans.